How To Enjoy An Eco-Friendly Christmas

If you listen carefully, you can almost hear the distinct sound of bells as Christmas approaches. All the while keeping the cheer, love and food we all love so much. Christmas is one of the least environmentally-friendly times of the year, but with people rethinking their effect on the planet, we wanted to bring you a list of ways you can enjoy Christmas and be eco-friendly.

Decorate Your Homes Eco-Friendly Style

If you can, re-use decorations and baubles from a previous year to avoid waste, but if you're desperate for something new, try to shop local, check out charity shops or purchase eco-conscious products. We stock a range of sustainable and recycled items, such as our Nevasa Christmas Bauble, which come in two sizes and look elegantly Christmas. 

Invest In A Reusable Advent Calendar

Another staple of Christmas, especially for children and pets, are advent calendars. But with all the plastic, they're not the kindest for the planet. However, investing in reusable advent calendars not only helps the plant and are more eco-friendly but allow you to customise and add in treats or homemade gifts for the special one in your life to open each day. You can even purchase highly customisable, adding names or stitching to make them even more special.

Purchase Eco-Friendly Gifts

Often, we overbuy at times of celebration as a way to show we care. But, if we consciously buy, ensure environmentally friendly gifts and choose more considerate and necessary gifts. Not only is this better for the environment but also more meaningful and valuable. Another option is to begin a Secret Santa with family and friends. Check out some of our ideas here on Eco-Friendly Secret Santa Gift Ideas. (insert blog post about Secret Santa).

Shop Small and Sustainable

Shopping small isn't only a great way to boost the local economy and support independent shops, but it also means you'll get your hands on more ethical, well-cared-for products the recipient hasn't got. Independent shops also tend to seek out more eco-friendly ways to make their products, as well as making gifts you haven't thought of.

Switch To Eco-Friendly Gift Wrapping

You've chosen your gifts, and now it's time to wrap them. If you have to use wrapping paper, try and re-use from a previous year, saving what your gifts come in each year to limit the effect on the environment. But, with many wrapping paper products on the high street not recyclable, switch to eco-friendly brown paper to wrap your gifts and use string to tie together.

Wrap Your Gifts In Fabric Wrap

Another good option and great for the environment is using fabric wrap for a personalised touch. We happen to love KindlyYarn, which is made sustainable and made from 100% natural cotton. These cloths can then either be re-used as wrapping or turned into another use such as a scarf. https://www.protecttheplanet.co.uk/search/for/kindlyyarn/

Have Eco-Friendly Christmas Crackers

The Christmas cracker is a staple at the dinner table, but with most Christmas crackers not recyclable, it's time to switch to something more environmentally friendly. You can either purchase some plastic-free eco-friendly crackers or make your own. Grab some brown paper and make your own, including things such as orange and cinnamon Christmas soaps, recycled pencils or even sweets.

Eco-Christmas Cards or E-Christmas Cards

Ensure when sending a Merry Christmas this year that your cards have the official FSC accreditation on them. This marking means the cards have been ethically produced. For example, the cards we stock by Alison Hardcastle are also designed with vegetable-based inks and have the FSC accreditation, with the brand even repackaging where possible. Ensuring they're ethical, eco-friendly and sustainable. However, if these aren't up your street, consider sending an E-Christmas card to limit waste and be kinder to the planet.
 

Try To Cut Food Waste

While our hearts are in the right place, we can over-buy and over-estimate how much food we need at Christmas, often resulting in leftovers we eventually throw away. If you can't donate your leftovers to relatives, food banks or neighbours, look at purchasing less food if you're prone to being an over-feeder or look at recipes in advance to help turn leftovers into other meals. Not only will this reduce overall waste, but it'll mean you'll be buying less in the days after.

Christmas is often a time of excess spending, shopping and food. But, while it's wonderful to show those we love we care, it's also essential to think about our effect on the planet. Adopting even one of the above tips this holiday season will make an impact on our planet, as well as support smaller businesses that are environmentally friendly.

From the nine tips above, will you be using the tips above? Or, if you have any you'd like to share with us, drop them below in the comments.