How to have an eco-Christmas

How to have an eco-Christmas

Whether you celebrate a big family Christmas, or you just give out a few cards to your friends and neighbours to wish them a happy time, here are some quick tips for a greener Christmas!

Gifts

Buying gifts can be a challenge at the best of times, but donā€™t panic! Making sure you give planet-friendly presents isnā€™t as tough as you might think ā€“ here are some tips to help you along the way:

  • Look out for gifts that come with as little packaging as possible, or at least some you can recycle.
  • Quality not quantity! A family Secret Santa means you don't have to buy for everyone.
  • Opt for secondhand. If you're doing a Secret Santa, how about a rule that it has to be bought from a charity shop or a second-hand website!
  • Why not put together a zero-waste kit? You could include a portable cup, a biodegradableĀ lunchbox, or some wax food wraps. Look for more ideas in our shop.
  • Make something yourself. You can choose your own packaging, and the personal effort makes a gift priceless! Cook up some fudge or make your own gin.
  • Tote bagsĀ are a fun gift and a great way to avoid plastic bags at the checkout.
  • Adopt an animalĀ as a gift.
  • Give an experience - how aboutĀ Wildlife Trust membership?
  • Buy sustainable products.Ā 
  • If you are sending Christmas cards you can recycle last year's to make your own. Alternatively,Ā send a eCard that raises funds for nature.

Wrapping it up

Of course, choosing the gift is just the beginning ā€“ think before you wrap it up:

  • Shiny wrapping paper is pretty, but itā€™s not recyclable! The same goes for glittery paper. Use brown paper for a lovely vintage look.
  • Sellotape is made of plastic but you can get brown paper tape - or get creative with some ribbon or string. Better yet, go for a reusable option like a box, bag, or cloth.
  • Donā€™t forget your Christmas cards ā€“ the same rules go for glittery and shiny cards. Watch out for the plastic wrappers too. Try to find ones sold loose or packaged differently - or have a go at making your own! Or, you could send aĀ Wildlife Trust e-card!
  • Save any Christmas cards and cut them up to use as tags for next year.

Food

We waste a lot of food throughout the year but figures reach aĀ high over Christmas!

  • Don't buy too much. Plan meals so you know how much food you'll need.
  • Shop local to avoid food miles. Often local markets are a great way of avoiding plastic-wrapped fruit and veg too.
  • Get a local veg box delivery. Often they are from local farms, plastic-free and are full of wonky-looking veg. All wins for the planet!
  • Compost vegetable waste.
  • Eat your leftovers. Some of the tastiest meals areĀ made from yesterday's food.
  • Cut down on meat and dairy. Meat has a big carbon footprint so try out some vegetarian or vegan alternatives.
  • Organic means that fewer chemicals are used and is a big help for wildlife. Make one or two switches to organic produce in your next shop. Even small changes make a big difference.

Decoration

Chances are you have a magical cupboard at home full of sparkly Christmas decorations that come out every year. If so, great! Make the most of what you have and donā€™t throw them out unless you have to! BUT, if you want to add something new, make sure you think first!

  • Avoid tinsel. Those little bits that end up sprinkled all over the house are plastic. Instead have a go at making your own decorations. How about some bunting, dried fruit, origami, pinecones or popcorn tinsel!
  • Reuse your Christmas tree šŸŽ„
    • Buy a pre-loved fake one instead of a new one. Check outĀ Freecycleā€Æ,Ā eBayā€ÆĀ orĀ Gumtree.
    • Rent a tree. These trees are grown in special pots that can be dug up and replanted year after year. Check it is grown sustainably first.
    • Look after a real tree. Growing trees is always great but transporting and disposing of them isn't good for the environment. So look after your tree and reuse it year on year.
    • If you do get a real tree here are some tips on how to recycle it at the end of the month.
  • Get creative for nature. You could make your very own wreath thatā€™ll feed the birds as well as looking great!
  • Turn off your Christmas lights overnight and when you are out the house to save energy.
  • Turn down your heating a notch or two and save money as well as the planet
  • Avoid buying Christmas crackers which often contain plastic toys. Make your own using toilet roll tubes instead. Writing your own jokes is the best bit!
  • Make your own natural table decorations - holly leaves and dried fruit look fantastic.
  • Avoid synthetic candles which can give off chemicals. There are plenty of vegan, natural alternatives.

    Avoid throwaway plastic, go homemade, and keep wildlife in mind. Itā€™ll add a sweet personal touch thatā€™ll mean the world to someone this Christmas!

    Eco-Christmas