A green Christmas
Christmas is a time of abundance and celebration: meals and parties with friends and family, decorations, twinkling lights and buying gifts for loved ones. But is there a way to celebrate this joyful season while also considering the impact on the environment?
We all want to shop in an environmentally sensitive way. But is it possible to do this and still enjoy a truly celebratory Christmas?
I’D LIKE MY FESTIVE DECORATIONS TO BE PLANET-FRIENDLY. WHERE DO I BEGIN?
“To be more environmentally conscious, buy quality products made out of sustainably sourced natural ingredients such as paper, card, wood and clay,” says Bruce Bratley, founder of recycling company First Mile. Or make your own decorations. Dehydrated orange slices, bundles of cinnamon sticks, gingerbread and strings of plain popcorn make great sustainable ornaments for the tree.
Or go Blue Peter and repurpose paper, card, loo rolls, fabric and felt with a sprinkling of biodegradable glitter (standard glitter contains microplastics that infiltrate waterways, damaging marine life and the environment).
Is there a way to celebrate this joyful season while also considering the impact on the environment?”
WHAT ABOUT WRAPPING PAPER?
Try repurposing the paper used to pad out boxed deliveries and tie presents with plain or coloured butcher’s string rather than plastic-coated ribbons, or go for chic fabric wrapping instead. Gifts bound in tote bags, pillowcases, tea towels and scarves can look stylish. Go foraging for tiny pine cones, sprigs of fir or real holly and tie them to your parcels. They make elegant but eco-friendly accents.
If you can’t resist gift wrap, go for recyclable brown paper. Avoid rolls that contain aluminium or glitter and paper with a gloss or sheen – these can’t be recycled.
HAVE THE LIGHTS GONE OUT ON TWINKLERS?
Not at all. Sustainable sparkle for your tree and home is possible if you opt for LED-powered Christmas lights. These require 90% less energy than their incandescent alternatives. And use solar-powered ones for any outdoor display if you can: provided the solar panel gets enough daylight to power the batteries.
HOW CAN I THINK DIFFERENTLY ABOUT GIFTS?
Increasing numbers of us are warming to the idea of giving and receiving fewer – but more meaningful – Christmas presents. You’ll find some great recipes for edible gifts here. And remember, Christmas doesn’t have to involve mountains of new ‘stuff’. Choose non-object gifts such as audio books, experiences, or an art or pottery class. Gifts that give back always go down well.
CAN SENDING CHRISTMAS CARDS EVER BE GREEN?
Yes. Look for ones with the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) stamp, which means the paper has been sourced ethically and in an environmentally friendly way.
Increasing numbers of us are warming to the idea of giving and receiving fewer – but more meaningful – Christmas presents.”
AM I CRAZY TO BUY CRACKERS?
They’re a much-loved feature of the festive table, but crackers are often filled with single-use plastic trinkets that quickly get thrown out – but crackers don’t have to be bad news. You can get ones made from recycled materials and you can also make your own – search for cracker snaps and other materials from hobby and craft suppliers. It’s worth knowing that all John Lewis crackers sold at Waitrose are recyclable and completely plastic-free, including the contents. Also, look out for fill-your-own crackers that you can customise to give guests something you know they’ll want to keep.
WHAT ABOUT ADVENT CALENDARS?
Just like Christmas crackers, advent calendars made from recycled materials and FSC card are a greener choice. Or try making your own refillable ones: it’s a great way to cut down on unwanted plastic and packaging, but also gives you the chance to include your favourite sweet treats.
