Have yourself a very Merry Eco-Christmas

It’s nearly that time of year again! Christmas is a time for family, friends and fun festivities, which for many feels all the more needed after the uncertainty over this last year coping with the Covid 19 pandemic.

Following this year’s COP26 Conference, we are all more aware than ever of just how important it is to be as sustainable as we can and make this Christmas our most eco-friendly yet.

So how can we still mark the festive season but not at the detriment to the planet?

The Climate Change team have developed these handy tips to help with various aspects – from hosting the big day to gift buying.

Every little bit we can do helps and these simple changes to your festive period really could make a big difference to tackling climate change and ensuring we protect our planet for generations to come.

From the Climate Change team, we wish you a very Merry Eco-Christmas and a Happy New Year!

The Christmas Tree

1. If you haven’t got an artificial tree already, avoid plastic. Real Christmas trees are much more sustainable than artificial alternatives. One study concluded you’d need to use a fake tree for 20 years for it to be greener.
2. That said, don’t forget to recycle your real tree after the Christmas period. Around seven million real trees are likely to be dumped in January! If you have a green waste collection the council will collect your tree and recycle it for you, but don’t worry if you don’t. You can book to take your tree to the green waste at your local Waste depot, or alternatively chop it up and stack the wood in your garden for the birds and insects to enjoy.

Christmas Cards

1. An unbelievable 1.5 billion Christmas cards are thought to be thrown away by UK households each year (according to Imperial College researchers). Why not send friends and family an e-card this year instead or, alternatively, look out for plantable Christmas cards that the recipient can sow in Spring and enjoy the added bonus of vegetables or wildflowers in their garden next year.

Gift buying

1. Buying presents you know people will enjoy and get long lasting use out of might seem obvious, but cutting out the novelty presents that don’t last beyond Christmas week really could save on waste!
2. Look for eco-friendly gifts and stockists. Perhaps buy a reusable bottle, adopt an animal, purchase a membership for the RSPB or Wildlife Trust or source sustainably produced, ‘green’ certified gifts such as ethical clothing, footwear, toiletries and many others.
3. Shop locally! Support the independent shops in your local area and reduce your carbon footprint at the same time.
4. Have a crafty Christmas. Homemade gifts are always gratefully received and treasured. A natural Christmas wreath, edible treat or homemade Advent calendar to enjoy for Christmas to come are all some low carbon ideas.
5. Try wrapping gifts with recycled paper or in colourful fabric that can be reused - this could be a gift in itself, as well as looking beautiful!

The Christmas Dinner

1. Try and buy only what you know you will eat and choose items which are light on packaging. If you do end up with leftovers, these can be transformed into meals for another day to save money and cut waste. Take a look at these BBC Good Food leftovers recipes for some great ideas.
2. According to the Soil Association, “food is the single most important, everyday way for people to reduce their own environmental impact”. Why not take a look at these festive treats on the Vegan Society website.
3. If you are buying meat, try choosing organic and free-range, and support small-scale, local farms where possible - it is better for the environment than intensively-farmed meat.