The clocks have gone back and the evenings have suddenly got a lot darker throughout Europe – Christmas must be coming! During this time of celebration, we wanted to offer some thoughts on how to make Christmas a little more sustainable in your business – with top charities to support.
Christmas decorations look wonderful – but unfortunately can be very wasteful. If you are having a real tree on site, look for an FSC certified or Soil Association-approved tree. Try to think long term and creatively about your decoration options! Carnaby Street in London are set to dazzle us with a sustainable display of lights representing areas of the ocean in need of conservation – and featuring recycled and reusable materials. Proving once again that sustainability doesn’t have to mean missing out!
When are you turning on your Christmas lights this year? Could you make it 3rd December? Vivid Hospitality Solutions have teamed up with Hospitality Action to attempt a new record in the Great Big Christmas Turn On. For a £99 donation to the charity you can take part in this (hopefully) record-breaking event! The donations will provide a festive boost to the Hospitality Action charity – supporting hospitality employees to get back on their feet after experiencing difficulties. There are also other ways to support them this festive season – visit their website for more information.
As the winter draws in we consider those who do not have a warm bed to sleep in. There are many homeless charities who are active all year round. A couple of interesting UK organisations which you may wish to consider supporting are ‘Only a Pavement Away’ – a charity founded by hospitality people who supports the homeless in accessing a career in the industry. They are also running a Winter Warmth Campaign throughout November to enable people to easily donate coats and blankets or cash to help them through the winter.
We also love StreetSmart who raise money for the homeless throughout November and December – diners at restaurants who support the cause have £1 added to their bill, which is then donated to the charity. The money goes directly to them, as all costs are paid by their sponsors – this year they have partnered with LandAid – a charity who brings together businesses and individuals from across the industry to support charities delivering life-changing projects for young people who are or have been homeless, or who are at risk of homelessness.
International charities who have bases in a wide range of countries also often run Christmas campaigns to engage people – Red Cross regularly releases powerful videos nearer the time to remind us all of those we can support – the 2018 theme focused on families separated by conflict or natural disasters.
We would love to hear about any charitable or sustainable Christmas activities you are involved in this year – please do share them with us!
