Some of these we all know, some of these might not be so obvious
1 Avoid the glittery wrapping paper and cards –
They can’t be recycled Brown paper can be chic – or use cloth bags that can be re-used amongst family and friends. Here’s a video on how to make them (could just be a better use for clothes you just don’t wear any more…)
2 Re-use and repurpose is better than recycling
Shockingly low percentages of plastics put in for recycling are actually recycled. Much used to go to China and end up being burnt while used sanitary products and nappies have been shipped abroad as ‘waste paper’. Can you re-use it? Is there an alternative to the mountains of Xmassy-plastics we can get sucked into buying at Christmas time? More here
On the same subject – ask yourself if you REALLY need those new Christmas decorations or if the memories you have from your old ones will mean more over the years
3 Zero-waste eating
Here are the Soil Associations recipes to use up all those left overs
4 Greener Xmas trees
Fake trees become the greener option only once you have used them for 20 years while 7 million real trees will be dumped in January. You can rent a tree in some places. Here’s a Xmas tree rental guide from Country Living You could also think about a living Xmas tree in a pot which you bring in at Xmas and keep outside for the rest of the year – or even think completely outside the box with a wooden tree or slow-growing tree that could come in and go out. Set the trend!
5 Less papery cards
Aside from sending e-cards to family and friends, you could choose cards which are certified with FSC (Forest Stewardship Council), avoid the glittery cards and compost as much of them as you can
6 Crackers are, well, crackers
Let’s face it… they are generally full or rubbish bits of plastic that get chucked in the bin. Without being a complete Scrooge would they really be missed? Most of us have festive hats we can wear year after year and bad jokes are easily found on the internet! Wouldn’t you prefer a little something that has been picked for you especially by your plate?
7 Wreaths
Many of us love to see a wreath on a front door. For a greener option, look out for one made of natural compostable materials, that are plastic free. OR get create and make one that can be re-used year after year.
8 Food Planning
Now this one may save not just the planet, but your wallet! Fully plan your meals for the festive season before you set out for the supermarket and are enchanted by the shiny piles of chocolates and extras. Only buy what you have on your list and don’t be seduced by the ‘maybe I’d better buy an extra tub of cream or two’ for the desserts you will be too stuffed to eat anyway
9 Buy Local
Support your local butchers, greengrocers and shops, especially where they are sourcing from local food producers or small businesses.
10 Christmas Lights
Apart from being really unhelpful for insects, switch your outdoor Christmas lights OFF as much as possible – keeping your bills down and reducing wasted electricity generation
Last of all, despite the commercial pressures, Christmas is a time for rest, recharging, reconnecting and looking forward to the new year with people that we love. A time to enjoy the shrinking of the darkness, knowing the days are once again beginning to lengthen.