As the festive season approaches, many of us are gearing up for a whirlwind of celebrations, gift-giving, and indulgent feasts. However, the environmental impact of our Christmas festivities can be significant. From excessive waste to carbon footprints, Christmas and New Year’s Eve often leave a mark on our planet. This year, why not embrace a more eco-friendly Christmas? Here are eight easy hacks to help you create a sustainable Christmas that is both joyful and kind to the environment.
1. Choose eco-friendly decorations
Instead of purchasing new plastic decorations that will end up in landfill, consider making your own or opting for natural materials. You can create beautiful ornaments from dried fruits, pinecones, or even recycled paper. If you buy decorations, look for those made from sustainable materials like glass or wood. This not only reduces waste but also adds a personal touch to your festive décor, celebrating Nature’s beauty!
2. Go for a real christmas tree
The Christmas tree is obviously one of the most important symbols of this season. 7 million real christmas trees are sold every year according to The British Christmas Tree Growers Association. While artificial trees may seem like an eco-friendly option because they can be reused year after year, they are often made from non-biodegradable materials and can have a larger carbon footprint than real trees. They’re indeed often made of plastic or PVC, leading to enormous amounts of pollutants and greenhouse gasses during manufacturing. Opting for a locally sourced real Christmas tree supports local farmers and is biodegradable after the holidays. After Christmas, consider recycling your tree or using it as mulch in your garden. Patch is a good option for pot-grown Christmas trees which you can keep for your home.
3. Embrace minimalism in gift-giving
Gift-giving is one of the most cherished traditions of Christmas but can also lead to overconsumption and waste. Manufacturing and shipping all these gifts have a significant impact on our planet and we’re not even talking about the volume of waste generated by packaging and wrapping paper! This year, consider adopting a minimalist approach by giving fewer gifts that are more meaningful. Focus on quality over quantity — choose items that are useful or experiences rather than material possessions.
4. Opt for sustainable wrapping solutions
Wrapping paper is often used once and then discarded, contributing significantly to holiday waste. Instead of traditional wrapping paper, consider using:
- Fabric wraps like furoshiki (a Japanese wrapping cloth)
- Foil-free and glitter-free paper which can be recycled
- Old newspapers
- Brown kraft paper decorated with natural elements such as twine or dried flowers.
These alternatives not only look beautiful but also reduce waste and promote sustainability.
5. Support local and sustainable businesses
When shopping for gifts this year, prioritise local businesses and artisans who produce sustainable products. Not only does this support your community's economy, but it also reduces the carbon footprint associated with shipping goods long distances. Look for handmade items or locally sourced food products that make thoughtful gifts while being kinder to the planet. Look for brands which are environmentally friendly to treat family and friends. Our natural home cleaning and personal care products are made with natural ingredients and are delivered in reusable packaging to eliminate single-use plastic waste.
For him, consider:
- Wild Mint & Bergamot body wash refill
- Pineapple all-purpose surface cleaner
- Sweet Orange & Spearmint room spray with essential oils
- Wild Mint toothpaste tablets with fluoride
For her, here are a few ideas:
- Luxurious Coconut & Orchid body wash
- Rose & Pink Pepper shampoo
- Organic reusable bamboo cotton make-up pads
- Lavender, Yarrow & Chamomile sleep spray with essential oils
6. Create an eco-friendly feast
Food waste is another significant issue during the festive season when extravagant meals often lead to leftovers being thrown away. It’s said that we waste about 7 million tonnes of food every Christmas! Food waste ends up in landfill and slowly decomposes over the years, releasing tonnes of greenhouse gasses. Plan your menu carefully by considering portion sizes and using seasonal ingredients that require less energy to produce and transport. Compost any food scraps you have left over instead of sending them to landfill — this way you’re contributing back to nature!
7. Send e-cards instead of paper cards
The tradition of sending Christmas cards has become increasingly digital in recent years — and rightly so! Instead of purchasing new cards made from non-recyclable materials (often coated in plastic), opt for e-cards which can be personalised without any environmental impact at all! There are countless creative platforms available where you can design beautiful e-cards easily such as Ecard Forest, Greenvelope and Moonpig.
8. Educate others about sustainable practices
Finally — and perhaps most importantly — use this opportunity during family gatherings over the holidays as an occasion not just for celebration but education about sustainability practices! Share ideas about how everyone can contribute towards making future holidays greener together; whether through discussions around reducing waste or sharing recipes featuring seasonal produce — it’s all about inspiring change collectively!
By implementing these eight easy tips into your celebrations this year you’ll be well on your way towards enjoying an eco-friendly Christmas filled with joy while minimising its impact on our planet! Remember: every small action counts when it comes down to making choices towards sustainability; let’s work together towards creating brighter futures — not just during Christmas time but all year round!
Explore our sustainable gifts page for more ideas. Merry Christmas!