While a white Christmas is never guaranteed, you can always make it greener. Sustainability is important all year round - but if you’re looking for ways to reduce waste this season, here’s some tips on how to reuse, reduce and recycle.
1. Make A List - And Check It Twice
Plan your gifts, social events and decor ahead of time to help reduce consumption while saving time, money - and frazzled nerves.
2. Make your Journeys Go Further
Consolidate car journeys into fewer trips to help lower fuel usage, emissions and stress.
3. Reduce Paper and Plastic
Each Christmas we use around 300,000 tonnes of cardboard and around 114,000 tonnes of plastic packaging. Here’s how to reduce your paper and plastic waste:
● Save old Christmas cards to make a variety of festive items
● SEND seasonal greetings by phone or online
● Choose a sustainable card company
● Cancel unwanted catalogue subscriptions
● Opt for ceramic festive dinnerware
4. Batteries Not Included
Each Christmas, we use an estimated 189 million batteries. Rechargeable batteries are better, but where possible try to avoid purchasing battery-powered gifts and decorations.
5. Greener Christmas Trees
Due to their manufacturing processes, artificial trees have a higher carbon footprint than real trees - but if used over many years, they can be better in the longrun.
● If buying an artificial tree, make sure it’s good quality and if possible, buy second-hand.
● Real trees frequently end up in landfills - but sustainable options are available - including “rented” Christmas trees that can be replanted.
● “Alternative” trees are an increasingly popular option, adding a unique and quirky look to your decor.
6. Merry and Bright
LEDs are a durable, energy efficient alternative to traditional incandescent and fluorescent Christmas lights (and less of a fire hazard). Be sure to switch them off when not in use - and follow these seasonal safety tips.
7. Bows, Baubles and Bells
A “mix and match” approach can help minimize cost and consumption. Consider having a set of “core” decorations in neutral colours like gold, silver and white. Then if you want to change your look, ask to swap decorations with a friend, or visit your local charity shop. If you’re feeling creative, you can even make your own.
8. Shop Mindfully
Take the stress out of shopping while helping to reduce consumption and waste.
● Bring re-usable bags (and keep a few in your car or coat pocket in case). If making multiple purchases (or carrying one large item), some stores offer extra-large bags for life.
● Try to shop during quieter periods where there’s less pressure to get swept up in the Christmas rush.
● Lists can help you to avoid those last minute impulse purchases and become more mindful of your consumption habits - even when shopping online.
● Buy sustainably - as well as charity shops and second hand purchases, you can also re-gift unused items, seek out eco-friendly companies and support small businesses offering unique, specially-made items (or make your own!)
9. Waste Not
According to Zero Waste Week, over 4 million Christmas dinners are thrown away each year. Being food conscious is one of many ways to avoid waste - and it can even help support those in need.
● Plan your meals and budget carefully to save on food waste and added expense.
● When food shopping, avoid going on an empty stomach as you could end up buying more than you need.
● Be savvy with your leftovers (some great recipe ideas can be found here)
● Prep your meals and use your freezer to avoid unexpected spoilages and waste.
● Some stores offer “wonky” fruit and vegetables at low prices - they might not look pretty but they’re just as delicious!
● Support local business through buying fewer, higher quality items from nearby specialist shops and markets.
● Some apps can even help you reduce food waste in catering and retail.
● Consider donating to your local food bank or homeless shelter.
10. Be a Wrap Star
While tearing the wrapping paper off gifts is fun, it’s not eco-friendly - and sticky tape contributes to plastic waste. Here are some alternative gift wrap ideas:
● Use a simple fabric bow or pretty scarf to wrap your gift
● Reuse old giftwrap and ribbons
● Recycle as much as possible (check your local plant for details of what you can dispose of and how)
● Avoid non-biodegradable materials like glitter or foil.
● Make your own Christmas crackers using sustainable materials, quality gifts (and -potentially- funnier jokes!)
11. Gifts That Don’t Cost The Earth
21 million people receive an unwanted Christmas gift each year, leading to clutter, over-consumption and unnecessary waste. Here’s how to avoid all three:
Skip the Surprises
Instead of leaving things to chance, ask your family to create a wish list and purchase one item from it - that way you keep the element of surprise while making sure it’s exactly what they had in mind. You can even lower consumption and costs by setting up a “secret santa” system with your family.
Magic Moments
Research shows that while most of us tend to buy material gifts - it’s experiences that count. Here are a few ideas:
● A membership card offering offering access to special events
● Learning experiences such as dance classes
● An e-Book or audiobook subscription
● Make Christmas walks a regular tradition - they’re free, fun and can benefit overall health and wellbeing.
Gifts That Give Back
Scour your local charity shops for decorations and gifts - you never know what you might find. Buying second-hand is always more sustainable - but with charity shops you’re also donating to a good cause - and you can even shop online.
Plant Kindness
Some companies (especially charities) offer more unusual gifts like seed packages that help make communities greener, and prettier too. Other unusual gifts include goats, beehives, and other charitable gifts that can be donated to those in need.
Make It Special
Homespun gifts ADD a touch of magic - whether it’s a lovingly-made pair of mittens or a box of delicious cookies. Arts and crafts can also be a wonderful way to relieve stress while learning a new skill.
Not Just For Christmas
While a pet might seem like the “purrfect” Christmas gift, think carefully:
● Pet ownership is a major commitment - so consider whether it’s right for you and your family.
● Adopt, don’t shop: sadly, Christmas tends to be followed by a rise in admissions to pet shelters - so if you can, wait until after the festive period.
● Remember that while puppies and kittens might be cute, “golden oldies” are often overlooked and in need of love and care.
Regift - with Caution!
If you have an unwanted gift that you think might be perfect for someone else, it’s okay to pay it forward - doing so mindfully can help mitigate any awkwardness or hurt feelings.
Christmas Presence
Some people decide to opt out of gift-giving over Christmas (and some choose not to celebrate at all) - whatever your reasons, this is okay too - in fact, it can even improve the quality of time you spend with loved ones.
12. The Gift Of Time
If you’re alone this Christmas, you can use the time to enjoy solitude or connect with others through volunteering. Many of us are short on time at Christmas - which is why it’s also the most valuable gift of all. This can be as simple as offering to help someone clean their house - or you can offer to help through a local organisation. From telephone befriending to community arts, there’s hundreds of ways to make Christmas merry and bright.
Related Pages
Bulky Household Waste Collection
Commercial Waste and Recyling Collections
Last Updated: 21st Dec 2021, 12:16