Christmas is a time for celebration, but it’s also one of the most wasteful seasons of the year. From piles of wrapping paper to uneaten food and unwanted gifts, Christmas can leave a heavy footprint on the planet. The good news is that with a few simple swaps, you can enjoy all the magic of the holidays while being kinder to the environment. In this blog we explore practical tips for a greener Christmas, which we hope can help you to make a positive difference this year.
DIY decorations for a personal touch
When it comes to creating your own decorations, there are plenty of fun and child-friendly options.
- To create paper chains: choose your paper and cut it into strips (around 5cm by 20cm). Take one strip of paper and curl around so the two ends meet, and glue one end to another until dry. Feed your next strip through the middle of your first chain link and carry on until you reach the length that you want.
- For salt dough baubles: you’ll need 125g salt, 125ml water, 250g plain flour and your best cutter shapes.
- To create dried fruit decorations: all you need are a few lemons or oranges, some string, a needle and some cinnamon sticks. Create a garland or some baubles for your Christmas tree, along with some pine cones from your local park!
Cut down on food waste
Poultry is one of the most wasted foods in the UK, with around 100,000 tonnes thrown away each year, especially during the festive season. You can save money and food from waste with just a few simple actions.
- Plan ahead: Before shopping, check how many guests you’ll have and use portion calculators to avoid buying too much.
- Get creative with leftovers: Turn turkey into soups, curries, or sandwiches. Freeze portions to make the new year a little easier.
- Take your Tupperware: If you’re visiting friends or family, take reusable containers so everyone can share leftovers instead of letting them go to waste.
- Compost what you can: Most food scraps can be composted!
- Donate unopened food: If you have extra non-perishable items, why not donate them to a local foodbank?
Gift an experience
An experience can be a great personalised gift for a loved one, helping to create new memories whilst avoiding more clutter.
Some ideas include tickets to concerts, theatre shows, or theme parks; a subscription such as the National Trust, a streaming service, or a magazine; or even a gift card for their favourite restaurant!
For an affordable option, you could create a coupon book with promises of activities, like a cosy movie night, homemade meal of their choice or a day out exploring together.
Wrap sustainably
Use cards and wrapping paper that are made from 100% recycled or FSC-certified paper. Where possible, try to avoid plastic ribbons, tape, or foil-backed, shiny wrapping paper as these cannot be recycled. Why not opt for brown paper and string for a classic look?
To save money altogether on wrapping, you could try the Japanese wrapping method ‘Furoshiki’ which involves just a square piece of old fabric – no tape involved!
Shop second-hand
Vintage clothes, pre-loved books and refurbished technology can all make great gifts, and are often so much cheaper than buying new.
You local charity shops, vintage stores and online sites such as Facebook Marketplace, eBay, Vinted and Depop can be great places to search for good quality second-hand gifts!
Have a greener Christmas
In the UK, waste increases by a huge 30% over Christmas, meaning every decision counts. By making small changes, we can enjoy a season that’s not only joyful but kinder to the planet.
