Waste less, live more. 7 ways to make Christmas more sustainable this year
The festive period is fast approaching, so it’s possibly time to think about what steps you can take to have a more sustainable Christmas this year. Over the years Christmas seems to have become a season of excesses: too much food, too many drinks (for the adults) and too much stuff!
Each year, millions of people receive unwanted/unused gifts leading to tonnes of waste. So here’s a few tips to avoid waste and make a more sustainable Christmas.
1. Gift memories
We all love a gift that keeps on giving and annual passes for your children to visit their favourite places throughout the year are a great option. Or, ask family members to give vouchers towards that activity/class you can't quite stretch to.
2. Shop local
It’s so tempting to head to Amazon and order everything at the click of a button. However, shopping locally not only reduces the carbon footprint, it means the money you spend in a small business could help keep a family afloat.
3. Gift your time
Maybe someone in your family would really love some of your time/expertise to help them out? They might need a hand with decorating, gardening or even a couple of hours showing them how to use their tech. Gift them a handmade voucher or IOU for whatever they need.
4. Shop second hand
There are lots of benefits to buying second hand. Firstly, saving money as some items can be found at a fraction of the retail cost. Secondly, you can ditch the packaging and kids can get straight to playing. There are already enough toys on the planet to entertain every child in the world, and more.
You can sell items your children have grown out of too to recoup some cash towards your festive treats.
5. Meal plan
It can be so easy to buy everything you fancy in the run up to Christmas. But sometimes, you don't get a chance to eat it all and food goes to waste. Have a plan of where you’ll be, when, and what meals or snacks you’ll need so you can ensure you can fit in all your favourites without them going to waste.
6. Make homemade gifts
You and your children can make a handmade gift for family or friends. There are so many keepsake gifts that can be made - from pottery to calendars and artwork. If you’re into baking why not get your cook-on and give some yummy treats?
7. Take a good look at your buying list
You may find yourself buying presents for far more people than you actually need to. Rather than gifting distant friends or family with something that requires little thought, you could agree to no presents (in light of being less wasteful, not scrooge-like) or arrange a festive get together instead.
And finally, here’s a few other sustainable Christmas swaps you might want to try
Wrapping paper: source recyclable, non-shiny paper that doesn't come wrapped in plastic. You can also decorate parcels with twine and greenery from the garden.
Christmas tree: if you opt for a real tree, consider a potted one that you can keep for next year too. If you have a fake tree, keep using it year on year. Another option is to consider renting a tree.
Decorations: opt for LED lights and keep using your decorations year on year. If you want to update your baubles, head to your local charity shop first to see what festive decorations you can find.
Lastly, Christmas is about family - so please don’t feel the need to keep up with the Joneses and celebrate within your means.
Written by Jessamine Hislop - Owner of Little Pickles Markets.
Organising baby and children's nearly new sales, where families can buy and sell items from each other at local community events. Little Pickles Markets want to help families rethink their shopping habits, choose to buy and sell second-hand to keep items in the loop for longer, ultimately helping to build a sustainable circular economy.
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