Christmas? Still time to planet carefully...
FROM GIFTS TO FOOD, LET’S CELEBRATE SUSTAINABLY, SAYS HARVEY JONES
IT MAY be the most wonderful time of the year, as the song suggests – but Christmas is also a festival of rampant consumerism that has knock-on effects in the battle against climate change.
Every year, an estimated 227,000 miles of wrapping paper goes into landfill, along with unwanted presents and all the plastic involved, uneaten food and throwaway trees.
But people are becoming more aware of the impact of our festive splurge, with almost half of us now trying to shop more sustainably and younger generations keen on greener gifting, Tesco research shows.
Here’s how you can make this Christmas as eco-friendly as can be, and bring some much-needed glad tidings for the environment.
Make gifts at home
Nine out of 10 of us say it’s more heartwarming to receive a homemade present for Christmas instead of a shop-bought gift.
Meanwhile, eight in 10 will visit Christmas markets and buy more original presents away from big stores.
Eco-friendly under-30s will be most likely to gift handmade jewellery, knitted jumpers or homemade bath bombs, while the over-60s will turn to homemade jams or chutneys, says a study by 3D laser print firm Glowforge.
Founder Dan Shapiro says: “Other popular homemade gift creations include candles, baked truffles, biscuits, Christmas decorations, artwork, pottery and soap bars.”
Pass on unwanted presents
More than a third of us have binned unwanted Christmas presents on Boxing Day, including perfume, clothes and books.
But instead of just throwing them away, regift, resell or recycle at charity shops, says Tessa Clarke, cofounder of sharing app Olio.
“Upload them to a recycling app, because one person’s trash could be another’s treasure,” she adds.
Classifieds website Gumtree says 100,000 electrical appliances will go to landfill this Christmas and is urging us to sell online if still usable.
Keep kitchen eco clean
The kitchen is the least environmentally friendly room in the home, with an average 277 plastic water bottles, 906 snack wrappers, and 215 crisp packets going through every year, according to research by conscious living brand Allmatters.
Cleaning products use harsh chemicals so consider planetfriendly alternatives such as Delphis Eco, Homethings or Bio D, says Laura Harnett, founder of the seepcompany.co.uk which sells 100% compostable household essentials.
“Or go one step further and make your own natural cleaning solution by mixing lemon juice with bicarbonate of soda to scrub off stains, or cleaning kitchens and bathrooms with white vinegar.”
Seep’s website sells plastic-free sponges, loofahs, scourers, cloths, bin bags and bamboo washing-up brushes.
Sustainable cleaning company Oceansaver offers plant based, non toxic, power-cleaning Ecodrop refills which dissolve when added to reusable spray bottles filled with water.
If you’re buying a new kitchen appliance go for the highest efficiency rating, says Jo Hand, cofounder of sustainable lifestyle app giki.earth.
“To save power when using appliances, only boil the water you need, put lids on saucepans and always use the eco settings on the dishwasher.”
If throwing out kitchen appliances, whether it’s an old blender or a fridge, make sure it’s recycled properly, Jo adds.
Cheeky Panda (uk.cheekypanda. com) sells eco alternatives to traditional tissue and paper products, such as bamboo napkins, straws, multi-surface wipes and kitchen towels. Bamboo is more ecofriendly simply because it can grow 30 times faster than trees.
Plan carefully and eat green
Every year we throw away a staggering five million Christmas puddings, two million turkeys, 17 million Brussels sprouts and 74 million mince pies.
Avoid food waste by planning meals and purchases, says Gabrielle Bourret-sicotte, co-founder of carbon footprint tracking app Greenr.
“Only serve fresh food you know will be eaten, and use those leftovers.”
Domestic appliance maker Miele’s home economist Cesar Fernandez suggests making a delicious Bubble and Squeak on Boxing Day using leftover roast potatoes and vegetables.
“Freeze any cooked vegetables separately and use them to bulk up soups, stews, curries, fajitas or vegetable frittatas.”
Take care when reheating turkey and other meats, says Sarah Taylor, food and drink content production manager at career development site highspeedtraining.co.uk.
“Make sure you properly heat meat the whole way through, so that it is steaming in the middle.
“If reheating a large portion of meat or chicken, be sure to check the temperature at the core of the meat – this is the thickest part.”
You could have a greener Christmas dinner by replacing meat with seasonal vegetarian recipes.
Another way to be more sustainable is to buy food directly from suppliers, says Wilfred Emmanueljones, said to be the UK’S only black farmer.
His site theblackfarmer.com sells both traditional and Caribbean Christmas food boxes, plus food, drinks and clothing all year round.
Wilfred says: “As well as buying high quality produce, you can support local food and drink businesses that have been hit hard by the pandemic.”
Online butcher fieldandflower. co.uk supports British farmers and fishermen. All products are free range and meat is traceable.
It sells festive Christmas meat and trimmings boxes, hampers and cheeseboards. Or order from British cheese board maker butlerscheeses.co.uk.
Make a fashion statement
Our addiction to fast fashion is damaging the planet because it is full of micro plastics which end up in rivers and seas, and our bodies. Sarah Divall, from online campaigning group Hubbub, says we can still look great without harming the planet. “Buying something new shouldn’t be the default when there are so many gems hiding in our wardrobes, so get inventive by restyling something you already own.” To turn your clothes green rewear, restyle or upcycle an outfit you already own, she says.
“Borrow or swap with
friends, rent from sites like Loanhood, By Rotation and Hurr, or buy second-hand from a vintage shop, online reseller or a charity shop.”
Milk it for all it’s worth
Many of us miss the old-fashioned milk round, with its reusable glass bottles and electric vehicles, but now there is a modern, equally sustainable alternative.
Website themodernmilkman. co.uk lets you order milk, eggs, yoghurts, shakes and juices in returnable glass bottles, which it collects, washes and reuses.
The site also delivers Christmas treats such as brandy butter, double cream and mince pies to doorsteps.
Any packaging that isn’t reusable is plastic free, recyclable or homecompostable, including its teabags.
Wrap up well
Reuse gift bags and use colourful fabric scarves, pillowcases or blankets that you already own for larger items.
Steer clear of wrapping paper that’s shiny, metallic, laminated or wax-coated or contains glitter.
If you do want to use wrapping paper, then look for ‘recyclable’ paper, marked with FSC for the Forest Stewardship Council.
Cut back on non-recyclable sticky tape or avoid it altogether by wrapping your presents origami-style.