Chinese New Year is a festival that is filled with all amazing traditions that never fail to make the celebration more festive. However, did you know that along with the traditions comes a lot of wastages that could lead to environmental problems?
Here are some ways you could continue the tradition without having to feel overly guilty about harming the environment.
#1 Use Slot-in Ang Baos
Without Ang Baos (red packets), Chinese New Year just would not seem complete. Children and single adults are always excited to recived Ang Baos in pretty packets but sadly, these red packets leave only a temporary effect and the majority of them get thrown away.
This is most because the flaps are glued on and cannot be reused. Hence, why not switch to slot-in Ang Baos which could later be repurposed to decorations or reused for the following year?
# 2 Reuse gift packages
Every Chinese New Year gifts with each other as a form of respect. The gift packaging usually contains a lot of plastics which are harmful to the environment. Since it is almost impossible to stop people from buying gifts, let’s make use of the packaging by turning them into storage boxes such as for your accessories or other knick-knacks.
#3 Put the waste to use
Plenty of mandarin oranges are eaten during this festive season and by the end of the day, all that is left are the orange peels. Most people would think that it is to be thrown out but did you know that orange peels actually make good compost and eco-friendly cleaning sprays? So the next time you plan to throw those peels, think twice!
#4 Switch from plastic to glass
During Chinese New Year, it’s common to see the whole coffee table filled with all kinds of “must have” goodies in plastic bottles which means more plastic is being produced and used. This as we all know, can be a threat to the environment. Therefore, instead of buying new plastic containers, get glass ones or try reusing your jam jars or other glass bottles.
#5 Be creative
It is always fun decorating your house with all the decorations bought but don’t you think it would be even more exciting if you made your own decorations with your family? That way, you could save money and at the same time, spend quality time with your loved ones! Most of the decorations found in the shops are made out of plastic. Instead, use recycled paper to make your own festive decorations to brighten your home and that way, you would have made a small step towards making earth a better place to live in!
Words by Sonia Gopinath
