by Penny Lynch
Christmas is a season filled with joy and celebration, but it can also bring excess waste and consumption. With a little thought and planning it is easy to make this year more sustainable, while keeping all the festive cheer.
Choose Eco-Friendly Wrapping Skip the glittery, plastic-coated wrapping paper. Instead, opt for decorating brown paper yourself, or use fabric wraps that can be reused each year.
Send E-Cards Save paper and the cost of a stamp by sending electronic greetings instead of traditional Christmas cards. If you love the charm of physical cards opt for ones sold by a local charity.
Gift Experiences, Not Things Consider gifting experiences like tickets to a local event, a family outing, or a meal out. These gifts create memories without adding clutter.
Support Local Artisans Buy from local businesses and craftspeople to reduce shipping emissions and support your community.
Use LED Lights LED Christmas lights are more energy-efficient than traditional bulbs, saving energy and lowering electricity bills.
Buy a Potted Christmas Tree
Instead of a cut tree, opt for a potted one that can be replanted in the new year. If a real tree isn’t possible, look for a high-quality artificial one you can use year after year.
Avoid Single-Use Decorations Choose timeless, high-quality decorations that can be reused each year, rather than single-use plastic or paper decorations.
Make Your Own Decorations
Create homemade ornaments from natural materials like pinecones, cinnamon sticks, or dried oranges. It’s a fun activity and reduces waste.
Opt for Sustainable Gifts When buying presents, look for sustainable brands, eco-friendly materials, or second-hand items to reduce the demand for new products.
Minimise Food Waste Plan your meals carefully to avoid overbuying and use any leftovers creatively.
Choose Cloth Napkins Instead of disposable paper napkins, use reusable cloth napkins to reduce waste.
Skip Crackers with Plastic Toys Christmas crackers can be fun, but they often contain plastic trinkets. Look for eco-friendly versions or make your own with sustainable treats inside.
Use Natural Scents Instead of chemical sprays, fill your home with seasonal scents by simmering spices like cinnamon and cloves or using essential oils in a diffuser.
Give DIY Gifts Homemade gifts, like jams or baked goods add a personal touch and are often more sustainable.
Recycle Responsibly After Christmas, be diligent about recycling wrapping paper, boxes, and other packaging materials.
With these small changes, you can create a festive season that’s kinder to the planet and keeps the holiday spirit alive. Merry Christmas!
