It’s the most wonderful time of the year… for consuming, wasting, and generally producing more stuff than we know what to do with. But this Christmas, let’s trade in the excess for something a little kinder to the planet. After all, we want to keep the festive cheer, not the mountain of waste. Here’s how to enjoy a sustainable Christmas that’s good for the planet—and won’t leave you feeling guilty when the New Year rolls around.

1. Choose Eco-Friendly Gifts

Let’s face it—gifting can get a bit… excessive. Instead of buying something that’s destined to end up gathering dust in a drawer, try a gift that’s thoughtful, practical, and sustainable.

• Give experiences, not stuff: How many novelty socks or random trinkets does one person need? Instead, why not gift experiences like a wine-tasting, a pottery class, or a weekend staycation? These gifts keep on giving (well, in memories, anyway).
• Support local businesses: Skip the big chain stores and opt for locally made gifts. Whether it’s handmade jewellery, quirky pottery, or delicious local jams, supporting small businesses is a win-win for everyone.
• Sustainable products: Go for gifts made from recycled materials, organic cotton, or biodegradable materials. Think reusable coffee cups, bamboo toothbrushes, or those eco-friendly beauty sets you’ve been eyeing.
• Regift and swap: Don’t be afraid to give something a second life! Swap with friends or regift those lovely items you never use—just be sure it’s something they'd actually love, of course.

2. Wrap Gifts Sustainably

Wrapping paper can often be the villain in the story of post-Christmas waste. Instead of tossing yet another roll of shiny, non-recyclable wrapping paper into the trash, try these creative alternatives:

• Reusable gift bags or fabric wraps: It’s like your gift is getting a present of its own. Plus, you can use it again and again—talk about sustainable chic!
• Upcycled materials: Who knew old magazines and newspapers could be so stylish? Add a bit of twine or a natural fibre ribbon, and voilà—eco-friendly wrapping that’s Instagram-worthy.
• Recyclable wrapping paper: If you really must use the traditional kind, make sure it’s recyclable and free from glitter or foil (those are the sneaky troublemakers).

3. Decorate Sustainably

It’s time to get creative with your Christmas decor and avoid the plastic-fantastic, one-use-only items. Here’s how you can deck the halls in an eco-friendly way:

• Natural decorations: Who needs synthetic tinsel when you can have pinecones, holly, and dried fruit? Nature’s own decorations are biodegradable, making clean-up a breeze when January rolls around.
• Invest in reusable decor: Skip the plastic baubles that break after a season. Choose durable, high-quality decorations made from wood, metal, or fabric that can be reused year after year.
• LED lights: The holiday glow doesn’t have to cost the Earth—literally. Swap out those old incandescent lights for energy-efficient LED versions, which use far less energy and last longer.

4. Consider a Sustainable Christmas Tree

Ah, the Christmas tree: a festive icon that often causes us to grapple with our eco-conscience. Here's how to make your tree decision a little greener:

• Real trees can actually be a more sustainable option if they’re locally sourced and composted after the holidays. If you want to keep your tree alive and kicking for longer, consider getting one in a pot that you can replant in your garden—or keep for next year. It’s like giving your tree a holiday home where it can thrive for years to come.
• Artificial trees are an option, but to truly make them eco-friendly, you’ll need to keep them for at least 10 years. Why? Because the environmental cost of producing an artificial tree is higher than a real one, so using it for a decade helps balance things out. Just be sure to avoid PVC trees, which are tricky to recycle (and we all know what happens when plastic gets thrown around too much—yep, you guessed it, landfill).
• Tree alternatives: Want to be a bit different? Decorate an existing house plant, make a DIY cardboard tree, or create something entirely unique! You can still have all the festive vibes without the environmental guilt.

5. Be Mindful of Food Waste

The Christmas feast is one of the best parts of the season, but it also tends to result in a lot of food waste. Let’s be honest—how many half-eaten Brussels sprouts end up in the bin? Here’s how to keep the feasting, but reduce the waste:

• Plan meals carefully: Avoid buying more food than you need. We all know what it’s like: you think you’ll have 20 guests, but then only 5 show up (thanks, Covid). Planning ahead helps cut down on over-buying and leftovers that might end up in the bin.
• Compost food scraps: The sprouts you didn’t eat can still have a second life! Compost food scraps to turn them into nutrient-rich soil for your garden.
• Get creative with leftovers: That leftover turkey? Perfect for sandwiches, soups, or pies. Get inventive with your meals, and you’ll have no waste left to worry about.

6. Sustainable Travel

Travel can be a big contributor to your carbon footprint during the festive season. If you’re travelling to visit family or friends, here’s how to keep your travels a bit greener:

• Take the train or bus: Public transport is usually more energy-efficient than flying or driving, especially for short trips.
• Carpool with friends and family: If you do need to drive, share the ride to reduce emissions. Plus, it makes for great road-trip memories!
• Stay local: If you can, consider a “staycation” this year. A local break can be just as fun—and it doesn’t come with the environmental cost of a plane journey.

7. Reduce Energy Use

The holiday season is also the time when our energy consumption goes through the roof. Here's how to keep your energy use (and your bills) in check:

• Switch off lights when you’re not using them: This is the simplest tip in the book. If you’re not in the room, why is the Christmas tree still glowing like a UFO?
• Use energy-efficient lights and appliances: If you’re putting up lights, go for LED versions. They’re brighter, last longer, and use less energy.
• Seal up drafts: Keep your house warm and cosy by making sure windows and doors are properly sealed, so you’re not wasting heat and energy.

8. Support Sustainable Brands and Charities

If you’re looking to make a difference this Christmas, why not give a gift that gives back? Here's how you can spread the holiday cheer while supporting ethical businesses:

• Shop with purpose: Look for companies that prioritise sustainability, fair wages, and responsible sourcing. Whether it's eco-friendly products, locally made gifts, or ethical fashion, there are plenty of options that help make the world a better place.
• Charitable donations: Instead of buying more ‘stuff’, consider donating to a charity that supports environmental or social causes. It’s the gift that keeps on giving.

9. Spread Awareness

The more people who join in the sustainability movement, the better! Share your sustainable Christmas tips with friends and family, and inspire them to make more eco-friendly choices this season. After all, the more the merrier (and greener!).