Christmas - a time for reflection and resolution?

Emma Chaplin
, 28 December 2018
Christmas - a time for reflection and resolution?

By Kevin Lerwill

Learning & Engagement Officer

At this time of year, our thoughts inevitably turn to family, festivities, fun and food. It’s an excuse to forget about the rest of the world for a week or two, whilst we “eat, drink and be lazy”.  

But, in my view, it can feel like an overwhelming tsunami of tacky commercialism and faux nostalgia, and we can feel like slaves to technology and mechanisation. 

So, it feels a good time to ask ourselves some questions, such as; What have I achieved this year? What can I do better next year? How can I be a more responsible individual? and What small changes can I make that will make a difference?

Forest School funMiles DaviesSussex Wildlife Trust (002)

If this resonates with anyone, here are some examples of small changes that I've been thinking about that don't cost money, but can nonetheless feel manageable, and have the benefits of giving us a greater sense of wellbeing and achievement: 

BumblebeeSussex Wildife TrustSussex Wildlife Trust

  • Grow more pollinator-friendly plants, such as lavender (even in pots!)
  • Reduce “tech” time, at home and with friends
  • Value and use our local green spaces - and get young people out and about in them as much as possible 
  • Volunteer in our local communities - maybe with us, or join us for beach clean!
  • Think about what we'd like to read and learn more about
  • Eat less red meat
  • Recycle as much as possible
  • Consume, spend and waste less 
  • Avoiding buying food that lists environment-damaging palm oil as an ingredient
  • Steer clear of single use plastics wherever possible - drink more (tap!) water

Let's make Christmas a time for reflection and resolution.

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