10 Tips for a Sustainable + Eco Friendly Christmas.

It’s a wonderful time of year, but whilst filled with fun and festivities this period also weights heavily on some global environmental problems. But we’re certainly not here to represent Scrooge at the party so instead we’ve collated 10 ways that we can all enjoy Christmas, BUT in a kinder, more sustainable and eco friendly fashion…

1) Tree

Treat yourself a real tree from a sustainable and local tree grower. After the season try replanting the tree in your garden so the magic lives on.

2) Decorations

Handmade decorations are a great alternative to plastic decorations. Try paper crafts that can be easily recycled, use pinecones from your garden or even try making your own wreath from natural materials. Ditch the glitter or replace with a eco friendly alternatives in your crafts, they’ll be just as beautiful without the micro plastics. Be mindful of your lighting. Large volumes of Christmas lights are inefficient use of energy and are also not kind to your purse. Minimal lighting can be just as, if not even more beautiful, and you’ll be much happier when your electricity bill comes through.

3) Candles 

Snuggling up with a Christmas movie whilst the candles are glistening is a wonderful way to enjoy a relaxing Christmas evening. However many candles are made using paraffin which isn’t good for you or the environment. Instead try natural candles like those made from soy or beeswax, and candles that also use natural essential oils as fragrances instead of artificial scents that also release chemicals.

4) Advent

Try a re useable advent calendar. Most advent calendars are full of pointless plastic and excess packaging whereas a re-usable calendar helps to eliminate unnecessary waste.

5) Wrap

Noting that most wrapping paper can not be recycled (anything with foil or glitter needs to go into general waste) why not try using plain brown kraft paper, you can get creative and decorate with pens and pencils. Alternatively you could try using scrap fabric with the added bonus that you get to use the fabric over and over again! You can pick up fat quarters from your local haberdashery for just a few pounds or maybe it’s an item of clothing that not quite good enough to wear but would still make great wrap! 

6) Gifts

Choose eco or kinder gifts that are supporting good causes, socially or environmentally. And gifts that will last longer, not throw away items that will inevitably end up in landfill. You can also try shopping small and shopping local. Supporting small business creates a much better and more sustainable local economies. Handmade gifts also make great stocking fillers so it’s a perfect opportunity to get crafty!

7) Dinner

Christmas dinner is the main event for many! You can make your dinner more sustainable by being mindful of the products you choose, can they be sourced locally? be organic? maybe meat free? Plan your menu carefully to avoid food wastage.

8) Crackers 

Switch up your Christmas crackers for a more eco friendly alternatives. We all know that the contents of most Christmas crackers end up in the bin within an hour, try buying empty crackers so you can fill them with less wasteful and more thoughtful surprises. 

9) Attire

Many of us love to dress up for Christmas, whether it be in sparkles, an ugly jumper or a santa hat. Try and avoid pieces that you’ll only wear a handful of times and ditch the 99p Christmas hat that you know will end up in the bin by the end of the Christmas party. Christmas jumpers and sparkles are great but invest in the pieces that you’ll be able to enjoy for many Christmases to come.

10) Travel

Driving Home for Christmas might be a great Christmas song but let’s be honest the tail backs of traffic before the big day are less than desirable. Instead try public transport, book in advance and reserve a seat so it’s nice and easy on the day.