We absolutely love Christmas: the decorations; the food; the presents and the time with family and friends. But we know that a lot of waste is generated at this time of year. From excessive packaging to unused gifts, the environmental impact of Christmas is huge. But there are plenty of ways to cut waste.

Here are some practical tips we found:

Plan Your Gift Purchases Wisely

The first step to a low-waste Christmas is thoughtful planning.

Work out your budget. How much can you spend? List who you’re buying for and assign an approximate budget for each person but don’t be a slave to it if you find the perfect gift under budget!

When deciding what to gift:

• Try focusing on quality over quantity.

• Instead of purchasing multiple small gifts, consider giving fewer, more meaningful presents.

• Find out what the people in your life really need or want for Christmas. It sounds obvious but buying wanted gifts is sure to reduce the number of items that end up in landfill or at the back of the wardrobe.

• Consider Secret Santa for your family or group of friends.

• Opt for items that are durable, useful, and ethically produced

• Consider what you could make to give. Pinterest has hundreds of ideas, from simple eats to more involved hand-crafted items. We found some great ideas here too https://sustainablykindliving.com/sustainably-diy-holiday-gift-guide/

• Think about giving experiences. These can include tickets to concerts, cooking classes, or memberships to local museums. Experience gifts often create lasting memories without adding to material waste.

Photo by Kateryna Hliznitsova on Unsplash

• Give vouchers for your time. A low cost, low waste idea is to create vouchers for baby-sitting, DIY, car-washing and other activities your loved ones would benefit from.

• Go for charity gifts. Purchasing items for those in need is a great way to spread the spirit of Christmas. It also cuts waste dramatically! Through organisations like Concern, you can give anything from a warm blanket to a camel to counselling sessions for a child in Ukraine. Prices start at around £5

https://gifts.concern.org.uk/catalog

Choose where to buy

• Support local artisans at maker’s markets or maker’s cooperatives for unique handmade gifts with lower carbon footprints. Look out for dates on local forums and notice boards.

• Select online brands with sound ethical and environmental practices.

• Charity shops are excellent sources of sustainable, affordable gifts.

Get Creative with Gift Wrapping

Gift wrapping often results in a significant amount of waste, especially with the use of glossy paper that isn't recyclable. Instead, consider alternative wrapping methods:

• Using newspaper, magazines, brown paper bags, or fabric scraps to wrap gifts uses waste rather than creating it! You can personalize these materials with stamps or drawings for a unique touch.

• Furoshiki is a Japanese method that involves wrapping gifts in a piece of fabric, which can be reused later. It’s an elegant and eco-friendly way to present your gifts.

• Gift Boxes or tin can be part of the gift itself and are perfect for smaller items.

Photo by Fiona Murray-deGraaff on Unsplash

Choose Eco-Friendly Decorations

Decorations often contribute to waste, particularly when using plastic ornaments and synthetic materials. Here are some ideas for low-waste decorations:

• Use pinecones, branches, and dried oranges to create beautiful, biodegradable decorations. You can also make a wreath from natural materials, which can compost easily after the holiday season.

• Invest in decorations that you can use year after year, such as cloth bunting or fabric ornaments. Consider crafting your own decorations with family as a fun holiday activity.

• Embrace a minimalist decorating style that focuses on fewer, more meaningful pieces rather than overwhelming your space with decorations.

Mindful Meal Planning

The Christmas feast is often a highlight of the holiday season, but it can also generate a lot of food waste. Mindful meal-planning can help:

• Create a menu for the festive period and shop accordingly

Photo by Diliara Garifullina on Unsplash

• Estimate how much food you need based on the number of guests and aim to reduce leftovers. Encourage guests to bring their own containers for leftovers.

• Support local farmers by purchasing seasonal produce. This reduces the carbon footprint of transporting food while ensuring freshness.

• Compost your food scraps (no dairy, fatty foods or meat).

We admit that a low-waste Christmas can be more effort but it’s worth it. Not only is it good for the planet but it’s really satisfying too. By planning ahead and making conscious choices, we can enjoy the holiday season while minimizing our environmental impact. This festive season let’s celebrate sustainability and create lasting memories without the excess waste. With a little planning and creativity, we can have a joyful and eco-friendly Christmas!

Introduction:

As the festive season approaches, it's the perfect time to deck the halls with joy and sustainable Christmas decorations. In a world increasingly aware of environmental impact, incorporating eco-friendly choices into our holiday traditions is a wonderful way to celebrate responsibly. From handmade ornaments to nature-inspired wreaths, let's explore creative and sustainable ways to adorn our homes this Christmas.

Heart-warming traditions:

Reusing things is one of the cornerstones of sustainable living and Christmas is no different. Old decorations carry memories of previous Christmases so why not start a tradition? If you have kids, get them to give favourite decorations names so that they are like old friends coming out every year. Wrap and store them carefully in a dry place and they will last and last.

Nature's Bounty:

Start by drawing inspiration from the beauty of nature. Collect fallen pinecones, twigs, and leaves to create charming ornaments. Pinecone ornaments can be easily transformed into adorable reindeer or snowmen with a bit of paint and imagination. These decorations not only look stunning but also serve as a reminder of the importance of preserving the environment.

Upcycled Elegance:

Give new life to old items by upcycling them into unique decorations. Repurpose glass jars into candle holders, transforming them into cozy and eco-friendly lighting options. Old newspapers or magazines can be fashioned into paper chains or origami ornaments, adding a personal touch to your Christmas tree.

These beautiful votives are a quick and easy make that will bring warmth and atmosphere to a room.

Christmas candles (floating votives)

https://todayscreativelife.com/5-minute-diy-christmas-luminaries/

Who would believe these gorgeous snowflake ornaments are made from loo rolls holders!

Snowflake ornaments (loo roll)

https://www.veraviglie.com/en/2018/12/17/diy-how-to-make-zero-waste-decorations-for-christmas/

Fabric Finesse:

Consider using fabric remnants or old clothing to craft festive decorations. Create colourful fabric garlands or sew your own reusable fabric gift wraps. Not only does this reduce waste, but it also adds a warm and personal touch to your holiday decor.

Try these fabric origami star decorations made by folding and weaving strips of scrap fabric

https://www.gathered.how/sewing-and-quilting/sewing/how-to-make-origami-stars-from-fabric-scraps/

Lighting the Green Way:

Opt for energy-efficient LED lights to illuminate your home during the festive season. These lights consume significantly less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs, saving both electricity and money. Make the switch to solar-powered outdoor lights for an even more sustainable sparkle.

Edible Decor Delights:

Combine sustainability with a delicious twist by incorporating edible decorations into your Christmas theme. String popcorn or cranberries to create timeless garlands. Gingerbread cookies can double as tree ornaments, adding a delightful aroma to your festive space.

These spice biscuits from Nigella are a classic.

https://www.nigella.com/recipes/edible-christmas-tree-decorations

Living Decor:

Consider using potted plants or small evergreen trees as part of your Christmas decor. These living elements not only enhance the festive atmosphere but can be replanted or enjoyed throughout the year. Miniature poinsettias, rosemary bushes, or even small succulents make for wonderful eco-friendly choices.

Photo by Kaufmann Mercantile on Unsplash

Eco-friendly shop finds

If DIY decorations aren’t your jam, there’s a growing range of new sustainable decorations to choose from. To limit your consumption, choose carefully decorations that will last and that you’ll want to get out year after year.

Secondhand has to be the greenest option: charity shops are a great source of glittering treasures.

There are many retailers who offer sustainable ornaments. Here are a few of our favourites:
Recycled sari wreath

https://onlineshop.oxfam.org.uk/recycled-sari-wreath/product/HN505598?sku=HN505598

Tea light holders

https://www.protecttheplanet.co.uk/christmas-decorations/aban-rustic-tealight

Hand made baubles

https://www.protecttheplanet.co.uk/christmas-decorations/patta-baubles-antique-gold-set-of-4

RSPB ethical and eco-friendly decorations including this low energy efficient Led deer.

https://shopping.rspb.org.uk/christmas-shop/christmas-decorations-accessories/gold-wire-reindeer-light.html

Community Crafting:

Gather friends and family for a festive crafting day. Create a sense of community by making decorations together, sharing ideas, and enjoying the process of crafting sustainable holiday decor. This not only reduces the environmental impact but also adds a special touch to your celebrations.

These mini wreaths are perfect little projects for a social festive crafting afternoon. There is plenty of scope to add your own creative touches.

DIY Mini Wreath Ornaments Tutorial | Love Create Celebrate (lindiandruss.com)

Or set up a fun production line to make some really special crackers. Personalise them with jokes, wishes or blessings that mean something to your family and friends.

https://www.gathered.how/arts-crafts/how-to-make-christmas-crackers/

This Christmas, let's embrace the beauty of sustainable decorations that reflect our commitment to caring for the planet. From repurposed materials to nature-inspired creations, the possibilities are endless when it comes to crafting an eco-friendly and elegant holiday atmosphere. By making mindful choices, we can enjoy the festive season while leaving a positive impact on the environment for generations to come.

How to have a Minimal Waste Eco Friendly Christmas

How to do Sustainable Christmas Decorations