12 ideas and links for a greener Christmas
1. Thought about making some of your own decorations? Sticks of cinnamon tied together, pinecones or evergreens, especially if you live near public woods. Some supermarkets like Lidl have plastic free wreathes, which can be composted and which you could add to quite easily. Quiet time spent creative crafting, away from phones, is also good for mindfulness and mental wellbeing.
2. If you have recycled your wrapping paper, use this for this year’s presents, if not, why not keep it for next year or use recyclable cloth present bags with drawstrings such as https://mindymakes.com/fabric-drawstring-gift-bag-pattern/
3. With Avian flu running rampant, perhaps this year is the year to opt for a veggie option on Xmas day. Alternatively, see what is locally sourced near to you – support local farmers. Avoid pouring dairy products down the sink. It is a criminal offence for businesses to pour milk in the drain since they take up a large amount of oxygen to breakdown and reduce oxygen for wildlife. It’s better to put left over custards, yoghurts, creams and milk in the food waste recycling bin.
4. Crackers are often sprinkled with unrecyclable glitter and, to be honest, full of rather rubbish bits of plastic, so if you love pulling them – there are some made from FSC-certified paper with more sustainable gifts. Country Living voted these the best eco crackers [https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B09JPH1SLB?th=1], working out at £2 each. Alternatively, you can buy recyclable kits e.g., https://www.thecrackercompany.co.uk/collections/view-all-cracker-kits. If it’s just the cheesy jokes, get out your Xmas hats, raid the internet and put a positive message to pull out of a central pot?
5. 93% of sewer blockages are caused by makeup or sanitary wipes so when you are taking off your make up, either use recyclable wipes or put them straight in the bin, even if they say biodegradable. Here’s a recipe for make-up wipes using cotton pads: https://www.frugalfarmwife.com/article/homemade-makeup-remover-wipes/ and here’s one for making pretty cloth wipes: https://www.applegreencottage.com/diy-makeup-remover-wipes/
6. Christmas shopping aisles can be so tempting. Don’t go there without a strict shopping list and stick to it!
7. If you do overbuy by accident, why not donate to a local foodbank OR join Olio [Olioex.com] and freeshare your leftovers with a grateful local community
8. Choosing organic or free-range options may help to support small scale farming
9. LED Xmas lights use less energy but obviously wait till your old ones are broken.
10. Let’s face it, the tiny bits of chocolate in Advent Calendars are usually a big disappointment. Plan for next year – if Advent Calendars are a thing in your home – here’s a selection of ideas for DIY that could last for years and which you can fill with anything to your taste. https://www.parents.com/holiday/christmas/crafts/best-advent-calendars/
11. If you are still wondering about gifts to be bought or thinking that what you had planned will not make it through the post, give your gifts a special touch, with home-made Christmas biscuits, food that you know will get eaten, or ethical, fairtrade goods or experiences such as massage or events. Here’s a link to some of our members’ offers [link to page from November newsletter]
12. Finally: if you have a choice between plastic and no plastic wrapping, choose less plastic.