How to green up the festive season – but not sacrifice the fun!
Our family spends all year looking forward to Christmas. How can we green our festive season without sacrificing the fun? It’s the most wonderful time of the year, but Christmas can also be the most wasteful.
From the 300,000 tonnes of card used for our festive missives to the two million turkeys, five million Christmas puddings, 17 million Brussel sprouts and 74 million mince pies that end up in the bin – as a nation we waste 30 per cent more stuff than usual.
As we’re living through a climate emergency, that’s not very jolly at all.
While it’s true that Christmas is associated with excess, by making informed choices and simple swaps you can celebrate without putting any extra strain on the planet or your pocket. Here are my tips ...
Food
Don’t shop impulsively. Write up lists according to your recipes and try to buy just what you need.
Also read up on a few recipes for Christmas leftovers ahead of time, so you aren’t tempted to just scrape them into the bin.
With our farmers warning of a turkey shortage, maybe this could be the year you consider a meat-free main for your Christmas dinner?
Scientists at the University of Oxford calculated that cutting out meat and dairy is the single biggest thing you can do to reduce your environmental impact.
Of course, you don’t have to go full vegan, but you could explore the huge number of delicious recipes for meat-free Christmas dinners on sites like Bosh.
If you’re not a cook, most supermarkets are now offering lots of ready-made, meat-free festive mains.
Gifts
Buying food and drink is a really good way to give gifts that are super useful.
But if you do want to give clothes or presents, then browsing charity shops or setting up a toy swap with friends are great ways to save money and reduce your carbon footprint.
Decorations
Avoid buying new plastic tree baubles.
Either reuse those from last year or make new ones with natural materials.
The Internet is full of ideas. You could make salt dough tree decorations, origami stars from used wrapping paper or a festive garland of dried orange slices and pinecones.
Cards and Wrap
Choose cards made from recycled materials and avoid those with glitter, as they can’t be recycled.
Most wrapping paper can’t be recycled, due to special coatings and ink.
Go for a vintage look with brown paper and add a special touch with tags and reusable ribbons.
Or use old magazines, newspapers or maps as quirky wrapping alternatives. Avoid plastic tape too.