The countdown to Christmas is officially on, and with just a few weeks to go until the big day, there are a thousand and one tasks to tick off your festive to-do list. From gifting and decorating to preparing the most important meal of the year, there’s a lot to think about. But doing all these essential bits of prep a little more consciously remains a top priority for many.
Celebrating Christmas the sustainable way is easier than you think. Read on to discover our top tips for a very ethical Christmas.
Good gifting starts here
With events like Black Friday and Cyber Monday offering bargains galore, it’s all too easy to get swept up in a flurry of buying cheap gifts that aren’t very meaningful or ethical. By gifting for the good of the planet as well as the recipient, you’ll find gorgeous gifts that don’t cost the Earth in more ways than one.
Our collection of all-natural homewares and accessories helps to protect the planet and its inhabitants. All our eco-friendly gift ideas are handcrafted from ethical fibres and support artisan practices in the smallest of communities around the world. By gifting a So Cosy throw or home accessory, you’ll also be doing your bit for a fantastic local charity, Stevenage Community Trust.
We recently announced our plans to donate £1 of every order made between now and the New Year to the Trust. Show your support and bag a beautiful gift that lasts a lifetime – not just for Christmas – by shopping with us today.
To finish off your gifts to perfection, wrap them in recycled wrapping paper.
Deck the halls with care
Whilst the debate rages on about whether a real or fake Christmas tree is best for the planet, a Christmas tree rental trumps both of those options. Renting a Christmas tree is not only great for the planet (rented trees are either replanted or recycled after use), it’s affordable too as GoodtoKnow explains:
“Prices start from around £30 when renting a 3ft Christmas tree. Though you must be aware that this often does not include the refundable deposit and charge to deliver and collect the tree. Prices vary between suppliers and taller trees will also cost more to rent. So if you’re wanting to hire a 6ft tree or taller this could set you back between £80-120.”
You don’t need shiny, new decorations to do your festive scheme justice either. There are many steps you can take to deck the halls the sustainable way.
Making your own bunting from recycled materials, such as fabric offcuts, old magazines, and last year’s Christmas cards, is a great idea for instance. If you have some fabric left over, create a DIY wreath by combining it with foliage from your garden.
Waste less at Christmas lunch
Less is more, but that Christmas mega banquet doesn’t have to be any less impressive. Buying from a farm shop rather than a supermarket, planning your meals well to avoid wastage, and incorporating a vegan or veggie course will all help to fill those hungry bellies and reduce your carbon footprint.
Using your leftovers wisely is another must for an ethical Christmas lunch. You can refrigerate or freeze leftover turkey, nut roasts, potatoes, sprouts, pigs in blankets, root vegetables and stuffing to enjoy days later.
We’d love to hear your ethical Christmas tips! Share your wisdom of all things sustainable by heading to our Instagram or Facebook page.
Images: Bogdan Sonjachnyj, Shyntartanya / Shutterstock.com