An edited version of this article by Eva Moriarty will appear in the February edition of G42, but in time for the festivities, here we present her dream of a green Christmas in full.

Ho, Ho, Ho… is that the sound of Santa Claus’ reindeer I hear, travelling over plush green fields and verdant landscapes?

No.

It is the sound of many cars and trucks and lorries. Countdown to Christmas Day, twenty five days to pollute the air with unnecessary emissions, burn fuels already scarce, promote consumerism with wild abandon, feed capitalism… and burn another hole in our beautiful planet. People use cars much more during the festive season, whether it be ferrying increased mountains of festive shopping, or transporting themselves from party to party. Do they stop to consider that this increases the pollution on the planet, further contaminating the air that we breathe, also contributing to global warming?

In the countdown to this Consumerist Feeding Frenzy, do we think about the resources we are using up now? Do we think about how we are polluting the air, food and water which in turn will be inherited by our children, grandchildren and great grandchildren? Consumerism appears to have become the inherent mantra… we are all rolling over for the 'Green Stuff', right? The 'Green Stuff' can buy us goods that make us happy, right? We throw a few quid in to help reduce our carbon footprint, then fly with a clear conscience, safe in the knowledge that new trees will be planted in our wake.
Consumerism, the inherent Mantra… secures the future for our future generations, right? The more we are seduced by consumerism, the more resources are used up. The manufacturers of our Materialistic Heaven care not about pumping toxic fumes and by-products into the air that we all breathe, and more often than not, poisonous chemicals into the water we all drink.

This cycle continues throughout the food chain. We consume the fish and fowl which have absorbed the toxins and have become genetically altered. We feed our children… what in the HELL are we really feeding our children? Physically, mentally, emotionally, spiritually… Bow down before the Plastic Pig with toxic lead in its belly.
Cheap gifts, child labour, further destruction of dwindling natural habitats and our communities.

Ah twenty five days, and counting. Deck the boughs with cars and trolleys! Tra-la-la-la-lah Blah, Blah, Blah, Blah!

GREAT GRANDMOTHER, GRANDMOTHER, MOTHER, DAUGHTER, CHILDREN.
GREAT GRANDFATHER, GRANDFATHER, FATHER, SON, CHILDREN.

The great cycle, passed down, generation-to-generation, seed, root, blossom, fruit.
Something has been stirring in me for a long time. I no longer accept keeping silent, whilst others speak for me. I believe that one heart and one footprint, once was the breath of the great pioneers, those who forged the virgin trails through harsh and unforgiving landscapes. We as caretakers of this beautiful planet are no longer afforded the luxury of time, or more importantly choice. In our hands, all of us, lies the fate of our Mother Earth. OUR HANDS. ALL of us. I have the seeds kept warm in my hands, as the sun and soil patiently waits …

This is the year I have a different Christmas. I have told my child, friends and family what I am doing and why:
I will light candles at the Winter Solstice and celebrate the light returning.
I will not be sending cards, except to those whom I don’t see often.
I will give a donation to a charity of my choice.
I will recycle paper wherever I can.
I will buy local produce wherever I can.
I will burn candles as often as I can to save some energy.
I will take some old, but still decent clothes to the local charity shop, and perhaps buy a few small gifts while I am there.

This is one woman’s heart and one footprint. Turning my back, on that inherent mantra.

Thank God for the 'Sanity Clause'!

Oh, and I won’t be eating turkey either. Perhaps talking a little…