Green Santa: What a green Christmas looks like

In our world, Santa is a raging greenie. The North Pole is powered by solar, the elves are clothed in Fair trade, linen outfits, they are paid a living wage and given plenty of holidays and perks, plus, Dasher, Dancer, and even Rudolph are fed organic pellets that Santa scooped himself from the local bulk bin store. Can you picture it too?

Although we imagine Santa’s eco-lifestyle may not be perfect (perhaps he forgets to say “NO STRAW PLEASE” every once in a while) we’re certain he’s thinking green this year. We can feel it in the air.

Here’s what we expect to find under the tree this year; we’re taking notes and learning a thing or two from Santa too!

The first thing you grab on Christmas morning: your stocking. You won’t find the usual plastic coated candy, $2 shop toys, fizzy drink, or plastic toothbrushes.

Santa will be stuffing stockings with:

• Bamboo toothbrushes
• Organic candy from the local North Pole bulk bin store
• One Happy Leaf jewellery
• Refillable fountain pens
• Metal straws
• Fairtrade socks
• Reusable cutlery
• Natural deodorants
• DIY Nut Milk bag
• Coffee mugs
• Seeds to plant this summer
• Gardening tools
• Natural soaps

Once you’ve moved on from the best stocking you’ve ever laid eyes on, you may be surprised to find the presents are wrapped differently to last year. The gifts look beautiful, and it’s obvious all the wrapping paper and gift bags can be recycled or reused.

Santa will be wrapping presents with:

• Old scarves he no longer wears
• Second hand fabric (learn how to wrap here)
• Newspapers and brown twine
• Recycled gift bags that were gifted to him
• Recycled wrapping paper he’s cleverly salvaged throughout the year

We’ve established Santa is an expert when it comes to eco-stocking fillers and wrapping presents, but how does that explain the lack of presents under the tree? They’re smaller than usual, and there are several more cards… Santa, explain yourself!

Gifting presence, rather than presents, is Santa’s focus this year. He knows gifts of more ‘stuff’ don’t make you happy for longer than one day. Experiences, and quality time with the people you love, are what Santa has identified is the best way to give you joy this year.

We don’t mean to spoil the surprise, but here’s a few guesses on what will be under your tree:

• Massage or spa voucher
• An experience from Red Balloon (e.g. restaurant meal or jet boat adventure)
• Movie tickets
• Yacht cruise booking
• Concert tickets
• Homemade food
• Family pass to an adventure park

Santa loves the feeling of giving back, and he knows that we get a kick out of it too. Those little envelopes under your tree may also contain:

• A goat (not an actual one! It’s gifted to a village in need)
• A dolphin… adopt one virtually
• A donation to AYCC in your name
• Money to donate to a charity of your choice

This year, take a few tips from the man in the red (ethically made) hat. He’s on the right track to reducing our rubbish during this ‘silly season’, and making sure we spend time with the people we love.

This year, make your cookies with locally sourced ingredients and bulk bin store chocolate chips. Ensure your Christmas tree lights are solar powered to impress him, plus we've heard that Rudolph likes his carrots organic, and Santa only drinks nut milk.

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