Lunar New Year is just around the corner – this year, it lands on February 10. It is a time for families to gather and celebrate the beginning of a new year with food, cultural events, and loved ones. In this article, we take a look at how we can enjoy the holiday celebrations while remembering to care for our shared planet. Read on for an easy guide on how to be sustainable this Lunar New Year.
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Many families prepare for the festival by cleaning and decluttering their homes. As you do so, you may discover some items you no longer want, like a jumper you have grown out of. Instead of throwing them away, give them to your siblings or donate them to charities. This gives the items a second life and prevents them from going to landfill.
Does your family buy new decorations for your home every year? Why not try making your own? Make lanterns and cuttings from recycled materials like paper, cardboard, or fabric scraps. Try to avoid year-specific designs or themes such as the zodiac sign. This way, your decorations can be used again every year!
During the Lunar New Year, houses and streets turn red, a color that symbolizes fortune, luck, and vitality. to ward off evil spirits. Photo: Wikimedia Commons.
It is common to bring a gift when visiting families and friends, such as a fruit hamper or a box of festive sweets. Whenever possible, avoid using wrapping paper to reduce waste. Consider also making your own fruit hamper with produce from the market instead of a pre-made one from the supermarket, which tends to provide an excess of packaging.
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Feasting is a big part of the celebrations, from traditional snacks to elaborate meals at family gatherings. This abundance of food often ends up in abundant waste – in Hong Kong, it is estimated that HK$200 million (US$25.6 million) worth of food ends up in landfills during the festivity.
To reduce food waste, encourage your family to avoid over-ordering at restaurants and bring any leftovers home. Many food banks or charities also accept donations of food cans and non-perishables – perfect if your family receives too many food gifts.
Why not make your own festive cookies, cakes or goodies? This will not only make a fun family activity but also minimize packaging waste from the supermarket.
When visiting relatives and friends, take public transport or carpool as much as possible. This will help to lower your carbon footprint.
During Lunar New Year, it is tradition to gift red packets containing cash, called lai see (利是 or 利事) in Cantonese and hong bao (紅包) in Mandarin, which are a wish for luck for the recipient. If you receive one, don’t throw away the empty red envelopes. Recycle them and give them to your parents to reuse the following year, or get crafty and use them for gift wrapping, bookmarks, or decorations. Some designated places also collect red envelopes for recycling during this time, so make sure to keep an eye out for their collection points.
During this special cultural celebration, it is very common for Chinese people to give the gift of a red envelope to friends and family. These long, narrow envelopes are filled with money and symbolize good wishes and luck for the new year ahead.
Remember, small changes can make a big impact. By embracing these practices, we can celebrate the festive spirit of the Lunar New Year in a way that is kind to the planet. What other steps will you be taking to go green this Lunar New Year? Submit photos of your decorations for a chance to be featured on Kids.Earth.Org!
Check this out next: 5 Ways Kids Can Help Shape a More Sustainable Future
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Jenny is a writer and editor in the field of education. She is an aspiring environmentalist who hopes to inspire young learners to care for the planet – one article at a time!
