Top tips for a sustainable christmas

PRESENTS

1. Quality not quantity: When buying gifts think: less but better. This reduces the chances of gifts going to waste and can be better for your wallet!
2. Gift an experience: Gifting an experience for your loved ones will reduce demand for physical resources. You could buy tickets to shows, concerts or events. Make a restaurant reservation or give a gift card.
3. Think about materials: Look at the materials gifts are made from and keep sustainability in mind.
4. Remove packaging: Reduce waste even further by buying gifts with little or no packaging.
5. Test your wrapping skills: Look for cards and wrapping paper made from recycled or FSC-certified paper. Avoid plastic ribbon and tape or foil-backed wrapping paper.
6. The gift of a better future: If you’re struggling for a gift idea – why not support WWF’s work by choosing an animal adoption? These are perfect gifts for nature and wildlife-lovers wanting to help the environment.

FOOD

1. Cut your food waste: Try to cut any waste by planning ahead – be realistic about how much food you need and use up leftovers.
2. Eat More Plants: Eating more plant-based meals is good for you and the planet.
3. Know your logos: When shopping for food, look for local produce to reduce food miles. Search for sustainability certifications.
4. Eat seasonally: Make your shopping basket more sustainable by buying locally produced, seasonal products.

DECORATIONS

1. Table Manners: Many Christmas crackers are not recyclable, and the toys inside are often made of plastic. Instead, look out for FSC-certified crackers. Reusable DIY crackers are another great option. Fill them yourself with sustainable options (like chocolates) and personalised festive favours. Avoid single-use tablecloths and napkins. Instead, use material versions which have a longer lifecycle. Cranberry sauce stains? No problem! Washing at lower temperatures will help to reduce your environmental footprint.
2. Think about your lights: Use LED lights on your Christmas tree, they use less energy, last longer and look just as good! Also, switch off your lights at night – it’s safer and won’t cost the earth.
3. Make your own decorations: Save yourself some money by upcycling old decorations. Or make your own using spare material around the house.
4. Don’t forget the tree! If buying a plastic Christmas tree, make sure that you’re going to reuse it for at least 10 years. Otherwise, it would have been better to buy a living tree from a sustainable forest. If buying a real tree, make sure it’s FSC-certified.

OUT AND ABOUT

1. Dressing for the party season: Choose the sustainable option and try to use clothing that you already own! If you can’t find anything to wear, ask your friends or family.
2. Reconnect to nature: The festive season is all about spending time with friends and family. Try making one of your festive activities a walk around your local park or nature reserve.