As we all look forward to spending time with family and friends there are still simple things you can do this Christmas to help minimise your carbon footprint – And in the spirit of that famous Christmas song here are 12 tips for an eco-friendly Christmas.
Christmas Dinner
Be mindful about the food waste – good planning and preparation is the key. Plan meals accordingly and have food storage containers at hand ready for leftovers (if any).
I don't know about you, but for my household, the leftovers are a major part of Christmas!
Christmas Tree
Studies have suggested you would need to keep an artificial tree for 20 years for it to be greener than a real one… So if possible, source one that’s been grown locally or grown within the UK.
My colleague Susan Froome has also looked at recycling trees and her post includes a fantastic video showing how much lions love a good tree!
Christmas Lights
Choose LED and put them on the timer
Christmas Shopping
Keep reusable shopping bags handy in your handbag or car to avoid singe use ones.
Christmas Presents
Choose eco-friendly gifts:
- Consider gifts that don’t consume electricity
- If require batteries – choose rechargeable batteries
- Reusable gifts
- Homemade
- Why not gift of experience rather than an item
Wrapping Paper
Use environmentally friendly wrapping paper
Christmas Cards
Make your own or buy ones made from recycled paper and avoid glittery ones. Don’t forget to recycle them afterwards
Christmas Decorations
Why not try natural decorations (e.g. mistletoe and holly)
Christmas Jumpers
Turn the heating down by 1 degree and enjoy the warmth of your Christmas jumper
Christmas Time
Turn off TV/Xbox/PlayStation etc. and save some electricity. Get out a pack of cards or some board games and enjoy family and friends time.
Share
Christmas is a time for sharing so make sure you share your Christmas Tips with everyone
New Year’s resolutions
Remember small changes add up – every little helps, so make sure you resolve to have a greener New Year.
Russell Jones is content and communications manager and curator of The Hub
