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The holiday season is quickly approaching, and whether you celebrate big or not at all, it’s easy to get caught up in the whirlwind of consumption that comes with this time of year. Here are 12 ways to help make your holidays a little more sustainable.
1. A survey found that 58% of Brits have received unwanted gifts at Christmas. This year, focus on quality over quantity—or consider gifting an experience instead of an object.
2. Make your own Christmas decorations! It’s a great way to take a break from everyday chores and a fun activity to do together. Here are some ideas.
3. Take time during the holidays to reconnect with nature. Explore your local wildlife and think about how you can make your community more sustainable.
4. When planning your Christmas meal, try to buy local and seasonal produce. You could also swap some dishes for vegetarian or meat-free alternatives.
5. Buying second-hand can save money and help the planet. Try looking for your gifts second-hand online or in charity shops before buying new.
6. When buying lights, opt for LED or solar-powered. Don’t forget to switch them off at night or when you’re out!
7. Look for cards and wrapping paper made from 100% recycled or FSC-certified paper. Even better, try buying them from a charity shop.
8. There’s an ongoing debate about whether a plastic tree is better than a real one that gets burned after Christmas. You’d need to reuse a plastic tree for over 10 years to offset its carbon footprint, but most are discarded after just four years. Read more here.
9. Cut down on food waste this Christmas by checking portion sizes and saving leftovers. You could even share them with friends or family.
10. Avoid glitter—it’s a microplastic that isn’t recyclable and harms the ocean, even in its biodegradable form.
11. Don’t throw old lights or other Christmas e-waste in the bin. Anything with wires, plugs, or batteries should be recycled properly. Find your local recycling point here.
12. When it comes to Christmas jumpers and other clothing, check your local charity shop, browse online on platforms like Vinted, or organise a swap with friends—especially if you admired their jumper last year!
We hope you found these tips useful and that you have a holly, jolly waste-not-want-not Christmas!
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