Embracing A Sustainable Christmas

The build-up to Christmas is a magical time and I absolutely love the festive season but it's also a time that sees significant waste - from excessive packaging to food waste to disposable decorations. So what can we do about it?

Fortunately, there’s a growing movement toward celebrating Christmas in a way that is both festive and sustainable. By making conscious choices, we can reduce our impact on the planet and have a season that’s just as joyful and meaningful.

Here are some simple, effective ways to celebrate a sustainable Christmas without compromising on that holiday cheer:

Tip #1 - Choose Eco-Friendly Decorations

Christmas decorations bring so much joy to our homes, the bright colours and twinkling lights, but many traditional decorations are made of plastic and single-use materials, or end up in landfills. This year, why not consider these sustainable alternatives:

• Natural Elements: Decorate with items like pinecones, holly, dried citrus, and branches, which are biodegradable and can be composted after the season plus they make your house smell incredible without the need for artificial scents!

• Reusable Ornaments: Embrace Your Story and invest in high-quality ornaments that will last for years. Or consider making your own with fabric scraps, recycled materials, or natural elements.

• LED Lights: If you love Christmas lights, and the lights from last year have broken, make the switch to LED options, which use up to 80% less energy and last much longer than traditional bulbs.

  
  

Tip #2 - Be Mindful with Gift-Giving

Gift-giving is a beautiful tradition, but it can also lead to unnecessary waste as well as pressure on your finances (Money Saving Expert Martin Lewis has made powerful campaigns on this for more than a decade & I couldn't agree with his sentiment more - read about that here). You can still delight your friends and family with thoughtful gifts:

• Quality Over Quantity: Opt for fewer, more meaningful gifts that are designed to last, rather than multiple cheaper items that might not stand the test of time. This is a key one as we approach the dreaded Black Friday this week (remember those deals are often not the great deal you think they are!)

• Experience Gifts: Consider giving the gift of experiences like a cooking class, a museum membership, or a weekend getaway. It doesn't even need to be a bought experience - give the gift of your time and plan things to look forward to in 2025. These gifts create lasting memories without creating waste.

• Homemade and Upcycled Gifts: Handmade gifts, like baked goods, crafts or upcycled items, are unique and often have a lower environmental footprint.

Tip #3 - Wrap It Up Sustainably

Gift wrap is a large source of our Christmas waste, often used once and then tossed into the bin. Try these eco-friendly alternatives that look beautiful and reduce waste:

• Wrapping Your Gift: Try the art of Furoshiki - this Japanese method of wrapping gifts in fabric is stylish, reusable and versatile. You can use scarves, cloth napkins, or any fabric you have on hand - make the wrapping part of your gift. Or choose wrapping paper made from recycled materials, or wrap gifts in newspaper or brown kraft paper, both of which are recyclable. You may think that's not very colourful or pretty but you can create the festivity by painting, drawing or stamping your own designs onto plain brown kraft paper.

• Reusable Gift Tags: Opt for gift tags that can be reused rather than those that have to be thrown away (shameless plug here - you can buy Embrace Bespoke's zero waste Reusable Fabric Gift Tags that are made from offcuts and can be used again year after year or have a go at making your own from fabric or paper/card).

• Natural Embellishments: Decorate gifts with twine, dried flowers, pine sprigs or reusable ribbon instead of the plastic options.

Tip #4 - Plan a Sustainable Christmas Feast

Christmas dinner is often the highlight for many people, but it can also lead to food waste and excess packaging. Make your meal more sustainable with these tips:

• Shop Locally: Support local farmers and suppliers by purchasing fresh, seasonal and locally sourced ingredients. This reduces the carbon footprint of your food and will be fresh and delicious.

• Limit Food Waste: Plan your meals carefully to avoid excess, and use leftovers creatively in dishes like soups, casseroles, and sandwiches. Turkey curry on Boxing Day and using up the Christmas cheese in a Stilton soup are some of my favourite family traditions.

• Reduce Single-Use Tableware: If you’re hosting, use real plates, glasses and cutlery instead of disposable options. If that’s not feasible, look for biodegradable or compostable tableware.

A Green Christmas for a Brighter Future

Sustainability is not just about reducing waste; it’s also about refocusing on what truly matters. Christmas is a time for connection, gratitude and generosity - and that doesn't mean spending a lot of money, it's about giving thought, care and time. Spending quality time with loved ones and embracing a slower, more mindful approach to the holidays can be incredibly fulfilling and it often leads to less consumption overall.

Making sustainable choices during the run up to Christmas doesn’t mean giving up the magic. In fact, a sustainable Christmas often feels more intentional, cosy and heart-warming. This year, let’s celebrate with purpose by creating memories, honouring (or creating new) traditions and protecting the planet for future generations.

Wishing you all a very happy December and I look forward to seeing all the pictures of the reusable advent calendars popping up this weekend!