Top Tips to Achieve a Sustainable Christmas this Year!

With all the joy and excitement Christmas brings there is also an awful lot of waste and single-use plastics. Is it possible to have a completely sustainable Christmas? Well, we’re going to try and get you as close as we can to having one!

1. Buy a Second-hand faux tree – a real Christmas tree only lasts a few months, getting one every year is a little wasteful, perhaps buy a second-hand fake tree from a charity shop. They can last decades! Or if you do want to buy a real one, try an FSC certified tree? Check out some great options here: https://www.housebeautiful.com/uk/decorate/a30159994/eco-friendly-christmas-tree/

2. Make your own Christmas decorations. There’s quite a bit of plastic in Christmas decorations, not to mention how expensive they can be. You can make your very own with minimal effort – Paint some acorns and collect pinecones. Try baking some oranges to dry them out and add some string to hang them to your tree – they look wonderful on a tree and smell amazing.

3. Most wrapping paper cannot be recycled due to plastic in the patterns. Instead, try using brown kraft paper and string to wrap your presents. Even better, swap out your usual Sellotape and try their new eco-friendly and plastic-free tape!

4. Consider cutting down on meat this Christmas. There are plenty of meat replacements in the supermarkets now that are tasty, but also usually cheaper and healthier! Here are some of our favourites: https://food-to-order.sainsburys.co.uk/category/christmasfood/a-vegan-christmas

5. Buy less and give more thoughtfully! Just under half of UK adults say they have received gifts they don't want and will never use. Try gifting experiences such as a spa day, or things people need. Maybe ask for a list from your close family or friends so you know you are spending money on something they do want. Stocking fillers are all well and good, but very often they are small things to bulk up the day. A great small gift could be a gift that lasts, like a potted plant or a reusable coffee cup!

6. Cut out the crackers! Almost all Christmas crackers are not recyclable and full of plastic. If crackers are a really big part of your Christmas, look at some FSC-certified crackers instead, these are great ones: https://www.countryliving.com/uk/homes-interiors/interiors/g29470409/eco-friendly-christmas-crackers/

7. Re-wear or redesign! A lot of people buy a new Christmas jumper or dress for fancy occasions. Rather than buying new, maybe pop to a charity shop for a new dress or cosy knit. Or wear something you already own. One of the lovely ladies at our office decided to reuse an old cardigan that they do not wear too much, they purchased some local red and green yarn and made a stunning cardigan by adding patterns.

8. Shop and support local businesses! Attend some Christmas markets nearby which supports local and independent designers. If you’re going to buy a hamper, try getting one at a local café or garden centre, buy chocolates at a local chocolate shop – Perhaps go to an independent restaurant rather than a chain for you’re a close-to-Christmas meal with your friends!

Every little helps.