Top Ten Tips for a Zero Waste Christmas

Christmas can be a time of overindulgence and over-consumption but it doesn’t have to be that way! Being a little more mindful during the festive season won’t dampen your spirit. The holiday season is officially upon us and this is our guide to an eco-friendly and zero Waste Christmas and still have a jolly old time!

From six million Christmas Trees to over 227,000 miles of wrapping paper. Our crimes against festive food are even worse. We chuck out approximately two million turkeys, 74 million mince pies and 17.2 million Brussel sprouts.

But despite this depressing total, there are plenty of ways we can be less wasteful and sustainable to avoid adding to the stockpile of Christmas trash.

Get creative and make homemade decorations

Opt for solar power outdoor lights and remember to turn off your lights when you go out or when you are asleep.

Reuse the same decorations every year.

Gather up some pine cones and holly and create your own. 

Purchase reusable napkins and don’t keep buying the throw away ones!

Use reusable crackers

Opt for a potted Christmas tree

It’s easy enough to grab a plastic tree for £5 and be done with it. And, while having a real tree is great, aside from the downpour of pine needles that you’ll be hoovering up a month, getting one isn’t as environmentally friendly as you probably first thought. Most real Christmas trees you’ll find have been cut down, so why not opt for a potted one instead? Yes, it might be more on the pricier side but you’ll be able to plant the tree in your garden and watch it grow in years to come.

Environmental gifting ideas

Visit second-hand shops to find unique gifts that are built to last.

Go for an experience – like gig tickets, a fancy meal out, a hot air balloon trip or a spa day – instead of material items for an unforgettable gift.

Give someone a gift such as a membership or courses to give people a chance to develop a skill as well as indulging in a hobby or passion. 

Ever received a gift that you don’t need? Return it for an exchange, re-gift it, sell it online or donate it to charity!

Make cakes, jams & chutneys for a thoughtful gift.

Buy re-useable gifts such as shopping bags, coffee mugs and metal straws.

Try buying eco-friendly gift wrapping

Tailor your wrapping paper by personality and give your gifts some flair. Wrap your fashionable friend’s gift using an old copy of Vogue, for example, or re-use old comics to wrap kids’ Christmas presents. Cut down on paper waste by sending e-cards or purchasing cards made from recycled paper. 

Keep cards as gift tags for next Christmas.

Cosy up the dinner table

In terms of table settings, you’ve got plenty of options. For a real countryside vibe, head out and forage for mistletoe, holly or even cut off excess pine from your Christmas tree, and make your own DIY rustic centrepiece.

Cut down on food waste

Plan your meals before you go shopping. Writing a list makes sure you don’t over buy, saves you money and prevents food waste. Food banks are always in need of extra supples over the Christmas period so grab your excess tins and packets you overbought on your food shop.

Use up leftovers!

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