Christmas is a magical time of festivities, but lets face it - it can also be a season of excess and waste. From piles of plastic packaging from the childrens’ toys to decorations that don’t last, the environmental impact of the holidays quickly adds up.
The good news? You can still have a fun-filled, meaningful Christmas without anything spoiling the fun. The small adjustments, we can make impactful and lasting change - but it must be a team-effort. Whether it’s rethinking how you decorate your home, getting creative with wrapping paper, or planning what to do with the delicious leftovers, a green Christmas is within reach!
For the past few Christmases I’ve tried most of these ideas or know people who have, so you can be sure that these top tips have been tried, tested and approved!
Sustainable Decorations
For me, decorating the house and tree is when Christmas really begins. There’s nothing like spending an afternoon transforming your space into a festive wonderland! But many store-bought decorations, like tinsel and plastic baubles, are designed to fall apart after a few uses.
The great thing that store-bought decorations don’t have to be destined for the bin, look for more durable options like wood, metal, or other natural materials. Glass ornaments are also a great option, they are beautiful on a tree and if stored correctly can last a lifetime.
Or, better yet, try making your own! It’s simpler than you might think. String together dried orange slices, pinecones, and holly to create stunning garlands, or tie them onto your tree for a natural, rustic vibe. Bonus? Your house will smell amazing! For an extra creative touch, grab some logs (or pre-cut wood slices) and paint or carve festive designs.
Creative Wrapping Paper
Wrapping paper can be surprisingly wasteful: Despite its name, a lot of it isn’t made entirely of paper and most isn’t recyclable thanks to glitter, plastic coatings and metallic finishings. Though they look lovely, they are only needed for a few days before spending a very very long time in landfill.
The solution: Go for a paper-based wrapping paper, or get creative with what you already have: Old maps, newspapers, or even fabric wraps (a thrifted scarf works perfectly for this!) make beautiful, eco friendly alternatives.
TOP TIP: Wondering if your wrapping paper can be recycled? Try the scrunch test. Scrunch it in your hand—if it stays crumpled, it’s paper. If it bounces back, it’s not recyclable and belongs in the general waste.
Cutting Down on Food Waste
The festive season is famous for its feasts, but also for its notorious food waste… from oversized turkey to leftovers for weeks, the bin often sees more food than our plates (even if we had good intentions)
You can tackle this in two ways:
First, make the most of your leftovers by getting creative. A Boxing day sandwich is a classic, but why stop there? Soups, pies, stir-fries, curries - there are endless possibilities if we think creatively or turn to our favourite TV chefs for inspiration. (James Martin’s Turkey and Leek pie is a firm favourite)
Second, plan your portions more carefully. If you’re hosting six people, skip the Turkey that feed 12. There’s often pressure to create a lavish spread, but a well-thought-out menu will save money, time and waste. - What’s not to love?
The Plastic Problem
Christmas often brings a bittersweet moment when you realise how much waste the festivities generate. From heaps of plastic packaging to non-recyclable we just mentioned, it can be overwhelming. On average, UK Households generate three extra bin bags of rubbish on Christmas day alone. If that sounds normal to you, I understand. But when you multiple that by 20 Million, it ends up being quite a lot for a single day…
To minimise this, choose gifts with cardboard or paper-base packaging (which is becoming more and more popular, thankfully) - or better yet, look for items with no packaging at all. The same idea goes for the gift itself: aim for non-plastic alternatives where possible.
Secondhand Sequins
Nothing says ‘Christmas Party’ like a sparkly outfit covered in sequins - but did you know that 25% of women admitted to only wearing a sequined outfit only once before donating it or banishing it to the back of the wardrobe? It’s not only wasteful, but sequins are really bad for our planet as they’re made from petroleum-based plastic, meaning they take thousands of years to degrade.
This year, why not swap outfits with friends, shop secondhand, or re-wear an old favourite? You’ll look just as fabulous without contributing to microplastic pollution—and you might save some money too.
Support Local Businesses
Christmas shopping is now dominated by convenience, with online giants like Amazon dominating. But here’s the thing… Amazon really doesn’t need your money - local businesses do.
Shopping locally not only supports small businesses in your community, but often means higher-quality products, unique finds and a lower carbon footprint. Your shopping really can make a huge different one product at a time.
Plus, no one does a happy dance when you ‘add to cart’ on Amazon - but a local business owner just might!
Sustainable Secret Santa
If you’re anything like me, creating a Christmas shopping list can feel a bit overwhelming when you realise just how many people you need to buy for. A Great solution? Organise a Secret Santa!
Its a win-win for the planet and your wallet - what’s not to love? For extra planet brownie points, you could consider adding a sustainable twist like giving gifts that are secondhand, homemade, or even re-gifted. With fewer gifts to buy (and less money to spend) you can focus on finding (or making) something truly meaningful.
DIY Gifts
There’s something extra special about a handmade gift (I’m sure your family still have a Christmas decoration you or someone in the family made at school!) Whether you’re upcycling an old item, knitting a cozy scarf, or baking some festive treats, a DIY present always feels more personal.
Ideas to try: chutneys, homemade candles, hand-painted ornaments, or even a photo album made from recycled materials. In a world of mass-produced gifts, nothing says “I care” like something you’ve made with your own hands.
Make Your Own Wreath
Wreaths are a classic this time of year, but instead of buying one, why not make your own? You can pick up a base from most craft stores from November or use a wire frame.
Decorate it with anything you like!(Holly and Ivy always look great!) You can head to your local florist to buy some greenery or you can forage for your own and secure them with some twine.
*If foraging, be mindful when gathering materials - always respect local wildlife and avoid over-picking.
Homemade Crackers
Lets face it: store-bought Christmas crackers are always overwhelming and full of plastic trinkets destined for the bin. This year, why not get creative and make your own!!
Use some pretty paper for the outside and fill them with anything you like! Its a fun activity that adds a personal touch to your table while also cutting down waste. Worried you’ll miss the iconic SNAP? Don’t worry, you can buy these separate if you like!
BONUS: Donate Before Christmas
Watching kids light up as they open their presents is a highlight of Christmas morning, but for many families, this isn’t a reality. Instead of waiting until after the holidays to declutter, consider donating toys and clothes before Christmas.
Charity shops often rely on pre-Christmas donations to stock their shelves, making it easier for families to find affordable gifts. It’s a small gesture that spreads a lot of holiday cheer!
A Christmas to Remember—For All the Right Reasons
A Sustainable Christmas doesn’t mean giving up the traditions we love - its about making small, thoughtful changes that add up in the long run. From rethinking _______ to ________ to cut back on waste, there are so many ways to celebrate with the planet in mind.
After all, if we want to keep singing about white Christmases, we’ll need to pull together as a collective to think more sustainably.
This year, let’s focus on the things that truly matter: joy, connection, and a little kindness to the Earth.
Merry Christmas!
Meg, Miss Earth Wales Water 2024 x
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