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Rent, recycle or reuse your Christmas tree or buy British
The most environmentally friendly way to have a tree is to rent one. If you can’t rent, buy a potted spruce, look for one that’s been grown in peat-free compost and grow it in your garden to reuse for years to come.
If you choose to buy a real Christmas tree, make sure it’s grown in Britain, ideally as close to where you live as possible. Look out for the British Christmas Tree Growers Association mark. Recycle your tree properly, most councils recycle trees by turning them into chippings, reducing their carbon footprint by up to 80% compared with sending them to landfill.
Make your own sustainable Christmas decorations (and steer clear of glitter)
Make your own hanging decorations with salt-dough, dried orange slice ornaments and sticks of cinnamon for the tree. Each is fully compostable, while wreaths made using foraged materials like pine cones, ivy and holly can be recycled at the kerbside. Decorations like tinsel and baubles are non-recyclable.
Although it can look pretty, glitter is difficult to recycle and may escape into the environment. Even biodegradable glitter needs special treatment to break it down. Try to avoid making or buying anything that’s decorated with glitter, including some kinds of wrapping paper and Christmas cards.
Consider what Christmas lights to use
For outside lighting opt for solar-powered LED lights and turn them off late at night. Do consider that outdoor Christmas lights create a lot of light pollution that NASA can see them from space, so it can be beneficial keeping festive illuminations inside. For indoor Christmas lights again opt for LED over incandescent lighting. Having incandescent festive lights is 13 times more expensive to run than LED.
Thoughtful gifts for them and the planet
When buying gifts think less but better. Put the time into picking a quality item that will last a long time. This reduces the chances of gifts going to waste and can be better for your wallet.
Look at the materials gifts are made from and keep sustainability in mind. Ensure wood and paper gifts are made from recycled or Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified materials. Avoid single-use plastic items that can’t be recycled and look for things like Fairtrade or Organic-certified food and clothing.
Reduce waste further by buying gifts with little or no packaging. Sometimes shopping local can help with this, especially if you have a local refill shop. If you must use packaging, use recycled, or recyclable, materials. Avoid plastic where possible, and don’t forget your reusable bags to carry all your shopping home!
Buying second hand items saves on resources needed to make new products. Vintage clothes and home furnishings, and refurbished technology can make great sustainable gifts. Or gifting an experience for your loved ones will reduce demand for physical resources. Bring people together by gifting your time or a pre-bought experience. There are lots of options to choose from that will reduce your Christmas footprint. You could buy tickets to shows, concerts or events, an animal adoption or membership. Gift a homemade coupon book. Make a restaurant booking or give a gift card. Why not plan a day out to a National Trust or Wildlife Trust location, or even make a homemade meal.
Christmas cards and wrapping presents
Look for cards and wrapping paper made from recycled or FSC-certified paper. Avoid plastic ribbon and tape, or foil-backed and glittery wrapping paper. Choose cards that you can recycle (this means no foil or glitter!). You could even try tape-free wrapping techniques or use paper gift bags.
Cut down on food waste
Plan what you are going to eat, then buy no more fresh food than you need, buy loose fruit and veg if possible. Only serve things you know will get eaten. If most people you’re inviting hate cranberry sauce, for example, don’t buy a large amount. If you’re unsure what extra bits and pieces you might need, buy frozen, tinned or long-life foods that will last well into the new year.
Love any of your leftovers by creating new and exciting dishes such as Christmas pizza, turkey curry and bubble and squeak.
Give back to nature
Give the birds in your neighbourhood a helping hand this winter with easy to make, natural bird feeders. Fat cakes are a great way to keep your feathered friends happy and full over the winter and early spring.
