For many, Christmas is a time of joy, celebration, and togetherness. It’s a season when we embrace family traditions, give gifts, and indulge in festive meals. However, the downside of this festive period is where our consumption can get out of control, and so does our environmental impact. From excessive plastic use to mountains of food waste, the Christmas period tends to leave behind a heavy environmental footprint that just isn’t sustainable long-term.
The good news is that a sustainable Christmas is not only possible but can also be more meaningful and fulfilling. A great way to achieve this is by making conscious choices, we can enjoy the festive season while minimising our impact on the environment around us. The ways to do this could be from choosing ethical gifts and eco-friendly gifts, reducing our waste, or embracing eco-friendly Christmas decor, there are many sustainable ways to celebrate Christmas sustainably. To help with this, I’ve put together this guide to help you make this Christmas a more sustainable Christmas and leaving the guilt out in the cold.
1. Sustainable Gift-Giving
Giving gifts to our nearest and dearest is at the heart of Christmas, but the downside is that with gift giving, come a lot of excess – this could include unwanted gifts, far too much over packaging, or novelty presents that sit in a closet after boxing day never to see the light of day. With that in mind, it may be worth considering a different approach to gift giving, one that’s truly meaningful to the recipient and much kinder to the environment. Here are some eco friendly christmas gift ideas:
Gifting an experience
I’ve said this previously across my social media, rather than contributing to the accumulation of “stuff,” why not gift an experience? Experiences can create lasting memories and often come with little to no environmental impact. Here are some ideas to help you get your thinking cap on:
- A National Trust membership, offering access to beautiful UK landscapes and heritage sites.
- A voucher for a fancy afternoon tea.
- Tickets to a West End show, concert, or sports event.
- Do they need a bit of rest and relaxation? A spa day or yoga class could be exactly what they’re looking for.
- For children, trips to a zoo, aquarium, or an adventure day can be much more exciting than another plastic toy.
By gifting experiences, rather than stuff, you’re not only reducing material waste but also offering something that can be cherished and remembered long after the festive season is over.
Homemade Gifts
If you’re a little creative, this will be right up your street. Homemade gifts can be incredibly personal and thoughtful. They also tend to have a lower environmental impact, especially if you use recycled or sustainable materials. Ideas for homemade gifts include:
- Jars of homemade jams, chutneys, or Christmas biscuits and cake.
- Hand-knitted scarves, blankets, or socks made from sustainable wool.
- Beeswax candles or DIY soap bars using natural ingredients.
- Photo albums, photo books or framed prints from memorable holidays or special occasions.
If DIY isn’t your thing, consider upcycling or reusing items you already have.
Support Local Businesses and Buy Ethically
When buying physical gifts, have a think about where the products come from and their environmental impact. Try to support UK-based artisans and local businesses that produce goods in sustainable, fair-trade ways. Look for products made from eco-friendly materials, such as bamboo, organic cotton, or recycled plastics. Here are some popular options:
- Reusable water bottles, bamboo coffee cups, or stainless steel lunchboxes.
- Organic skincare or beauty products, especially those sold without plastic packaging.
- Books from independent bookstores or vinyl records from local record shops.
- Handmade jewellery from local artisans or Etsy sellers that use recycled metals.
Shopping local not only supports the British economy but also reduces the carbon footprint associated with shipping and packaging products.
2. Sustainable Wrapping: Eco-Friendly Alternatives to Single-Use Paper
So much wrapping paper available in the shops is often single-use, coated in plastic, and non-recyclable due to foil or glitter embellishments. In fact, according to waste management company Biffa, the UK uses an estimated 227,000 miles of wrapping paper each Christmas, much of which ends up in landfill. Fortunately, there are many beautiful and eco-friendly Christmas alternatives to the traditional glittery wrapping paper.
Furoshiki (Fabric Wrapping)
Furoshiki is a Japanese tradition that uses fabric instead of paper for gift wrapping. It’s a wonderful zero-waste option, and the fabric can be reused year after year and the great thing is that you can be as creative as you want to be. You can use scarves, tea towels, or even old clothes you no longer wear. Furoshiki-wrapped gifts look elegant and unique, and the recipient gets an additional item to keep or reuse.
Recycled Paper
If you prefer a more traditional approach, opt for recycled kraft paper, which is biodegradable and can be recycled again after use. You can also get creative by using old newspaper, magazine pages, or even children’s artwork to wrap gifts. These materials are already on hand, making them a cost-effective and environmentally friendly option. All of these options allow for the paper to be recycled.
Natural Decorations
Instead of plastic bows, ribbons, or glitter, create your own decorations for gifts with natural materials that can be composted like pine cones, sprigs of holly, cinnamon sticks, or dried orange slices. These elements not only look beautiful but also evoke a traditional, rustic Christmas atmosphere. Another great option would be to use what you already have, year after year so nothing goes to landfill.
Gift Bags
Reusing gift bags you already have is a great way to save money. When you receive a gift, keep hold of the bag and reuse it for another time. A great idea for eco friendly gift bags. I do this A LOT and it’s saved me so much money and time. Just make sure you remove the tag, chances are it could have YOUR name on there and if you gift someone a present with the previous tag on it, well… that’s embarrassing. You could even make your own gift-tags, here’s how.
3. Choosing an Eco-Friendly Christmas Tree
This comes up every year: real or artificial Christmas tree? Both options have their environmental good and bad points, but there are ways to minimise your impact whichever tree you choose.
Real Tree
In recent times, real Christmas trees are often considered more environmentally friendly than plastic ones, as they are biodegradable and absorb carbon dioxide while they grow. Please don’t go out and get a tree before doing your research as it’s essential to choose a sustainably grown tree. A great tip is to look for a Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)-certified tree from a local grower (supporting a local business), or opt for a tree farm that practices responsible replanting. Look at their website and don’t be afraid to ask questions. Many local councils in the UK also offer Christmas tree recycling schemes, where trees are chipped and turned into mulch for parks and gardens.
For an even more sustainable option, you could consider renting a potted tree. There are several UK companies now offer potted trees that are delivered direct to your door, and once the Christmas season is over, the trees are collected, replanted, and rented out again the following year. This option eliminates waste and helps trees grow year after year, creating a positive environmental impact.
Artificial Trees
While artificial Christmas trees are often made from plastic and have a higher carbon footprint in production, they can still be a good option if you already own one (like me). The key to sustainability with an artificial tree is longevity—use it for as many years as possible, ideally a decade or more. I bought my artificial tree about 10 years ago second-hand. When you do eventually replace it, try donating it to a charity shop or school rather than sending it to landfill.
Alternative Options for Trees
For the most eco-conscious among us, alternative Christmas trees are an excellent option. You can make a tree from recycled wood, use books to stack in the shape of a tree, or create a minimalist wall-mounted “tree” from fairy lights or paper decorations. These creative alternatives are unique, low-waste, and often far more affordable than a traditional tree.
4. Reducing Food Waste During Christmas Feasts
The traditional Christmas dinner is a big deal in many household, but this often results in a lot of food waste. According to a survey by Unilever, Britons throw away the equivalent of 4 million Christmas dinners every year. Reducing food waste is one of the most impactful ways to make your Christmas more sustainable.
Planning Your Meals Carefully
Try to avoid over-preparation by planning your meals in advance. There are a few portion calculators you can choose from to ensure you’re cooking just the right amount of food for your guests. This not only reduces waste but will also save you money too.
Buy Local and Seasonal
Where you can, buy your Christmas ingredients from local farmers markets. Seasonal vegetables like Brussels sprouts, parsnips, carrots, and potatoes are all readily available in the UK in winter and have a much lower carbon emissions than imported food. Choose organic produce where possible, and try to source meat from local farms that use sustainable practices. For a lower impact, you could even consider a vegetarian or vegan Christmas meal—plant-based options like a nut roast or mushroom Wellington are becoming increasingly popular.
Make the Most of Leftovers
It’s amazing how Christmas leftovers can be transformed into delicious meals in the days following the big day. Turkey can be turned into sandwiches, curries, or soups, while vegetables can be made into bubble and squeak. Leftover Christmas pudding or cake can be used to create trifle or bread-and-butter pudding. The key is to store everything properly and get creative with your recipes.
Composting
Don’t let vegetable peelings and food scraps go to waste—compost them! If you have a garden, composting is an easy and effective way to turn food waste into valuable nutrients for your soil. Even if you live in a flat, small compost bins or wormeries can be used indoors to process food scraps sustainably.
5. Decorating Sustainably: Eco-Friendly Christmas Décor
Christmas decorations can be really beautiful, but so many are made from plastics that are near impossible to recycle and can be of poor quality that end up in landfill only after a few years. If you switch to more sustainable decorations, you can create a festive atmosphere that’s kinder to the planet.
Natural Décor
Bring the outdoors in with natural, biodegradable decorations. You can make your own wreaths from holly, ivy, or pine, or string together dried orange slices and cinnamon sticks for a garland that smells as good as it looks. Potted plants like poinsettias (I get one every year) or miniature Christmas trees also make for eco-friendly Christmas decorations that can be kept year after year.
For table centrepieces, use candles made from beeswax or soy rather than paraffin, and opt for reusable cloth napkins instead of paper ones – these can be used year after year.
Energy-Efficient Lighting
We all love the twinkle of Christmas lights, switch to LED bulbs. LED lights have been shown to use up to 80% less energy than traditional bulbs and last a lot longer, meaning you’ll save on both your energy bills and replacement costs. In addition, set your lights on a timer to avoid leaving them on all night, reducing energy consumption even further. Many lights come with timers or you can get a plug socket where you can set the timers.
DIY and Recycled Ornaments
Forget about the plastic decorations and get crafty with your Christmas decorations by making your own ornaments from recycled or sustainable materials. Salt dough ornaments, for example, are easy to make and can be customised with your own designs. Alternatively, use paper, old CDs, or scraps of fabric to create unique and eco-friendly Christmas decorations. Not only are these ornaments better for the environment, but they also add a personal touch to your tree.
6. Give the Gift of Charity and Environmental Action
Christmas is a season of giving, and what better way to give than to help protect the environment? Instead of traditional material gifts, consider making donations to environmental charities or organisations that work to combat climate change, preserve wildlife, or reduce waste. Many of my friends no longer give Christmas cards, instead they will donate the money to a charity of their choice. Many charities offer gift options, such as sponsoring an endangered animal or planting trees in the UK, which can make a meaningful present for the eco-conscious people in your life.
Conclusion: A More Greener Christmas
Celebrating Christmas in a sustainable way doesn’t mean sacrificing the things that make the season special to us. In fact, by focusing on aspects such as consumption, eco-friendly practices, and a reduced environmental impact, you can make this Christmas just as meaningful and enjoyable than ever. From thoughtful gift-giving and sustainable decorations to reducing food waste and choosing eco-friendly Christmas trees, these small changes can add up to a significant positive impact on the planet.
Let’s not forget that Christmas can be a time for giving not only to our loved ones but also to our planet we call home. A sustainable Christmas is not just about doing less harm to the environment—it’s about creating a time that’s rich in meaning, connection, and respect for the world we all share.
