Six ways to reduce your environmental impact this Christmas

Christmas traditions can create mountains of waste, from the excess packaging on gifts and sweets, to the millions of Christmas trees thrown away after the festivities and the tonnes of leftover food.

But there are some simple things you can do to reduce your impact this holiday season. Here are some tips for a green Christmas and New Year celebrations:

1. Pick a Christmas tree with roots

Artificial trees are often shipped long distances before they reach our living rooms.

Artificial trees can be reused for years, but they’re made of non-biodegradable plastics and are often shipped long distances before they reach our living rooms.

If you already have one, reuse it as long as possible to reduce its environmental impact. But if you’re one of the seven million Brits who buy a real tree every year, choose a sustainably grown one from a local farm, preferably one with roots attached that can be replanted each year and therefore save money.

2. Use eco-friendly Christmas decorations

If you’re buying new Christmas decorations, avoid ones made of plastic and synthetic materials.

Instead, try making your own decorations from wood or card or other natural materials. Dried oranges, cinnamon sticks, fir cones and even popcorn are beautiful ways to celebrate.

There are numerous videos on line for wreath making using a wire hanger and greenery such as holly.

We throw away over 500 tonnes of fairy lights each year in the UK, so try to buy good quality LED lights which are more energy-efficient and will last longer.

3. Gift responsibly

Consider giving someone you love an ‘experience’ with lower environmental impact.

Presents are a huge part of Christmas, but they often lead to excessive packaging and waste in the form of unwanted gifts. Choose preloved. It really is the best idea for so many reasons.

Pick toys made from natural materials instead of plastic, with as little packaging as possible. And for toys that need batteries, buy a set of rechargeables.

Also, consider giving someone you love an ‘experience’ with lower environmental impact, like cooking classes or concert tickets.

Crucially, during a cost of living crisis, speak to family and friends as well as work colleagues about gifting. An honest conversation about the financial and time pressure involved can help remove the need for many purchases. Secret Santas are a good way to swap from multiple purchases to one gift with a sensible price limit as well. There are also lots of very good charities you can support with gift ideas.

4. Choose sustainable wrapping and crackers

Wrapping paper coated in plastic and glitter is unrecyclable.

Instead, try using plain brown paper, old maps, magazines or newspapers, or reusable fabric to wrap presents.

Stamps and ribbons can add a final flourish. You can also choose FSC-certified, recycled Christmas crackers which contain sustainable gifts instead of the plastic toys that nearly everyone throws away.

5. Reduce food waste

With a bit of planning, you can avoid buying more than you need.

A large amount of food waste occurs over the Christmas period, but with a bit of planning, you can avoid buying and therefore spending more than you need.

The key is not to over buy. The shops are only shut for one or two days so no one will go without during the festive period hopefully. Make a list and stick to it.

Have spare biscuits and other dried food with long dates that won’t perish if not used. Having part-cooked bread and extra potatoes you can bake in the oven if extra guests arrive can reduce fear of food shortages.

Composting leftovers is another way to reduce waste and help gardens at the same time.

6. Shop local and buy Less

For the sake of the environment and future generations, conscious consumerism is a great way forward.

Many Christmas goods are imported, meaning their carbon footprint is higher. Avoid this by buying handmade crafts and locally grown produce for your holiday meals.

Buy fewer, high-quality items that will last, will reduce waste and save money. Shopping locally also supports your high street.

Christmas is a time of celebration as is New Year. Spending time with friends and family is very important and making treasured memories. However, there can be a lot of pressure to spend lots of money buying things we don’t need.

For the sake of the environment and future generations, conscious consumerism is a great way forward and to show children that fun times can be had without lots of waste.

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The information in this article was correct at the time of writing and is provided for guidance only. Please see the full disclaimer in our terms and conditions.

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