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Green Christmas stocking fillers are not so sustainable
Bamboo straws and beeswax wraps, among others, carry a higher planetary footprint than you might think.
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We’re not going to end global warming by taking the joys of consumerism out of our lives – least of all at Christmas, says the writer.
PHOTO: UNSPLASH
David Fickling
How do the ecologically minded make it through the annual festive orgy of frivolous consumerism? Nearly a fifth of non-automotive US retail spending happens in November and December.
If you consider Christmas presents in terms of the emissions and pollution crystallised in manufacturing them and then powering and cleaning them while they’re used, Santa’s sack can carry a pretty hefty carbon footprint.
