All I want for Christmas is ..........

Christmas is a time for family, friends and fun but it can also put a strain the environment. As we all start planning for the big day and picking out gifts for our nearest and dearest it’s a good time to keep the environment in mind.

There are many benefits to acting sustainably and some small simple changes to your festive period could make a big difference to tackling climate change and ensuring we protect our planet for generations to come. Together we can make this Christmas our most eco-friendly yet!

When all you want is an Eco-friendly Christmas the Climate Change Team have got you covered! Here are our festive top tips:

“Rocking Around the Sustainable Christmas Tree……..”

• 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.
• 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.
• Make sure your real tree comes from a sustainable local seller who is contributing to your local area.

“On The First Day of Christmas My True Love Sent to Me, a Wildflower Seed Christmas Card”

• An unbelievable 1.5 billion Christmas cards are thought to be thrown away by UK households each year (which is approximately 33 million trees). Why not send friends and family an e-card this year instead. 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.
• Disposable advent calendars contain high levels of plastic and very little chocolate. A reusable calendar lets you add treats of your own choice and can be used every Christmas.

“Santa Claus is Coming to Town”

• 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!
• 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.
• Shop locally! Support the independent shops in your local area and reduce your carbon footprint at the same time.
• 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 Christmases to come are all some low carbon ideas.
• 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!

“Now Bring us Some Figgy Pudding …….”

• Try and buy only what you know you will eat and choose items which are light on packaging. If you do have leftovers, they can be transformed into meals for another day to save money and cut waste. Some tips on how to shop and cook sustainably can be found here https://food-drink.wales/ .
• Do you have a vegan on the guest list? Don’t panic, there are lots of tasty vegan recipes available online. Why not try some out as an occasional alternative?
• Try to buy meat products from local butchers or direct from your local farmer to cut down on the miles your meat travels and support local businesses.
• Certain labels can show the food standards and sustainability of food purchases.
  • The red tractor – Certifies British Food Production Standards
  • LEAF Mar­que – shows that products have come from farmers who are focusing on sustainable farming methods.
  • Fairtrade – tackles injustice by making sure disadvantaged farmers in the global south are given fair prices for their products.
  • Organic – you can be sure that the farmer is following a strict set of rules and guidelines in their food production.

“That’s the Jingle Bell Rock”

• A new outfit for the work Christmas Do can seem super glam but fast fashion contributes to 8-10% of global carbon emissions. Why not arrange a clothes swap with friends or shop pre-used, for example, from local charity shops or online second hand marketplaces, such as Vinted? If you decide to buy new clothes, stick to stores that are open about how and where their items are produced.

Merry Eco-Christmas and a Sustainable New Year to you all!