With December officially here and the festive season in full swing, finishing the prep for the countdown to Christmas Day, and all the exciting events it brings, is certain to be on your mind. When designing your Christmas scheme, choosing gifts for those special people in your life, or planning that epic Christmas lunch menu, thinking about the impact all those extravagant extras could have on the planet is an important responsibility.
Sustainability touches every part of our lives, with most individuals aiming to do their bit for the environment on a daily basis. Taking the same eco conscious approach to Christmas can help finish the year with a thoughtful flourish. Christmas may be a time of celebration and giving, but it’s also synonymous with waste, which isn’t very jolly at all!
According to these statistics, we bin around 7.5 million mince pies every year. Elsewhere, a whopping 230,000 tonnes – which is the weight of 460,000 grand pianos – of food is thrown away during the Christmas holidays! And, this is just the beginning…
Have an indulgent, cosy Christmas that doesn’t contribute to landfill unnecessarily by reading our tips for a sustainable festive season.
The countdown
No countdown would be complete without an advent calendar, and these can be given the eco-friendly touch too.
You can of course call on a reusable calendar that can be filled with whatever you like and brought out for many, many Christmases to come. There are also shop bought options that support charities or encourage good deeds rather than provide the usual chocolatey treats. Buying an advent calendar for a chocoholic? Go Fairtrade with your choice.
The decorations
Transform your hygge home into a winter wonderland by letting nature be your guide. Foraging for foliage is not only fun, it’s super sustainable, and can add a real authentic twist to your Christmas décor scheme. Use natural touches like pine cones, berries, cinnamon sticks and dried fruit to make the move away from plastic, non-recyclable decorations and towards a zero waste Christmas.
Making your own decorations is fun for all the family too. Paper can be used to create origami stars, or you can go old school by crafting your own popcorn garlands. If you do like the more polished look, head to your local charity shop to snap up preloved decorations and give them a second life in your home.
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The tree
As the centrepiece of any Christmas décor scheme, we thought the tree deserved its very own section! Christmas wouldn’t be complete without one, and whether you’re a fan of fake or like the look and scent that the real thing brings, renting instead of buying is the way to go if you want to continue the eco-friendly theme.
We’ll let Country Living explain more about the environmental plus-points of a Christmas tree rental:
“If you rent a real Christmas tree as opposed to buying one, it has many planet-friendly benefits, including:
- You get to enjoy a healthy, real Christmas tree but don’t have to worry about what to do with it afterward.
- There is zero tree waste because the tree does not die in the new year.
- In between Christmases, rented trees can be re-planted and cared for by the supplier, ready to use again next year.
- The trees provide habitats for wildlife in between festivities.
- The trees continue to remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere in between festivities.”
The gifts
Buying gifts that last is the key to enjoying a sustainable Christmas, and we specialise in providing just that in the form of the cosiest home accessories.
Our blankets, cushions, bedspreads and candles use all-natural materials that are sustainable, renewable and ethically sourced to their advantage. This means you can gift with care and compassion, while giving your loved one something they can hold onto for years to come.
The food
Food and drink play vital roles not just on Christmas day but before and after the big event. Planning really does make perfect when minimising food waste during the festive period. Shop only for what you need, and get creative with leftovers to make the most of your festive fodder.
We’d always recommend shopping local for seasonal produce. It’ll not only ensure the best taste, but support your community in the most wonderful way.
Sustainable Christmas gifting is just a click away…
You don’t have to search far to finish off your Christmas shop in a way that satisfies your needs, your budget and the planet. We have a carefully curated collection of cosy, natural goodies that make the perfect Christmas gifts.
Christmas Gift Inspiration