How to give eco-friendly presents this Christmas
In December the average British family spends nearly a third more than other months, according to the Bank of England.
In these cash-strapped times that’s a lot of money – especially when you consider that Britons are said to receive 81 million unwanted presents each year, roughly three per household. What a waste!
All that money and so much pollution created for no reason at all.
It doesn’t make any sense. Has the time come to give green presents instead?
You don’t need to turn into the Grinch!
You can still show you care but without breaking the bank or maximising your carbon footprint.
Here are my five top tips:
1 Buy preloved
You don’t need to buy new. There are lots of websites where you can source preloved goods and toys in excellent condition – like Facebook Marketplace, Freegle, Olio, Trash Nothing and Preloved – at a fraction of the price they’d be new in-store.
2 Give experiences
With so many of us living in over-cluttered houses or flats, why not buy those you care about cinema, theatre or sporting event tickets, instead of yet more stuff?
Kids and teens can give the grown-ups in their lives vouchers for chores like cleaning the car or for treats like a lie-in and breakfast in bed.
3 Make your own
Nothing’s more special than a homemade present like a batch of lovingly baked brownies or a jar of jam.
YouTube is awash with ideas for edible gifts like cookie mix jars, flavoured salts or DIY tea bags.
Alternatively, this could be an opportunity for you to get into crafting and upcycling by making simple bags, cushion covers or scrunchies from old curtains, duvet covers or clothes.
4 Plant a tree
Instead of a physical gift, you could plant a tree on a loved one’s behalf, via The National Trust.
Or you can make a donation to The Woodland Trust in their name.
5 Do you need to give at all?
The most eco-friendly Christmas gift is one that doesn’t exist.
With household budgets tight in the wake of the COVID pandemic and rising energy prices, money-wise it makes sense to reduce the number of presents you give.
Just make sure to agree with your friends and family first.
For example, you could decide with family members to give only to the children.
Or organise a secret Santa for the adults.
Or offer services such as babysitting or meal cooking instead of physical gifts.