Inspired by 'Sun Hats and Wellie Boots' blog here are 6 ways to recycle your Christingle this Advent season as part of our work in Championing Climate Action.
1. Turn your Christingle into a Birdfeeder:
Welcome birds into your gardens or churchyards by cutting half an orange and scooping out the fruit. Use a skewer to make 4 holes around the orange, then thread 2 lengths of string through to enable it to hang up. Fill the half orange with birdseed & hang outdoors for the birds to enjoy.
2. Make a Christingle bookmark
Take the ribbon from your Christingle and turn it into a bookmark for your Bible..
3. Create a biodegradable planter to grow plants in
Turn your orange into a planter & grow herbs on your windowsill. Cut your orange in half, scoop out the segments and fill with compost/soil. Plant seeds and pour in a little water. Place on your windowsill in a container and enjoy the seeds growing in your orange planter.
4. Make your own scented candles.
Cut the orange in half, scoop out the orange segments. Melt an old candle in a saucepan. Carefully fill in half oranges with melted wax, use a lolly stick and elastic band to secure a string wick and let it harden. Enjoy the naturally scented candle!
5. Create a scented seasonal garland.
Cut your orange in half and scoop out the segments ready to eat or juice later. Then using a small metal biscuit cutter cut out a few shapes from the orange peel and thread onto ribbon. These dry out and can be used every year.
6. Dry your Christingle to make natural decorations
Start by slicing your orange into circles, create a small hole in the top of each shape and pat dry with a tea towel. Place them on greaseproof paper and dry them in the oven, 80°C/175°F, for 4-5 hours. Turn half way through drying. When they're dry to touch, leave them to cool.