10 ways to have a green, eco-friendly Christmas

Christmas is just around the corner and whilst it’s the wonderful time of the year it certainly isn’t for the environment. Following this years COP26, we are all aware of just how important it is to care for the environment.

From the food waste to the wrapping paper you choose, no matter how big or small it can all make a difference to the environment this Christmas.

To help you have an eco-friendly Christmas recycling and waste management experts Businesswaste.co.uk reveals 10 simple ways for a greener, more sustainable Christmas:

1. Invest in a reusable advent calendar

Advent calendars are one of the best festive traditions but buying a chocolate calendar from your local supermarket has a lot of throw away packaging. Being environmentally friendly doesn’t mean you have to miss this much-loved tradition; all you need to do is invest in a reusable calendar and fill it with your favourite treats every year.  

2. Opt for a real Christmas tree instead of fake

Buying a real Christmas tree is more environmentally friendly than a fake one. A lot of fake Christmas trees are made in China which means they have travelled a long way using a vast amount of carbon emissions, plus fake trees use petroleum-based products in the manufacturing process. However real trees are grown on local farms that usually replant trees after every season and can be recycling afterwards.

3. Find long lasting decorations

When choosing decorations perhaps choose timeless classic designs that can be used year after year instead of on trend decorations that you won’t want to use next year. Also buy decorations that are made from glass, wood and fabric instead of plastic ones that are non-recyclable.

4. Make Christmas travel greener

As many people drive home for Christmas and the roads get even more congested, why not do your bit for the environment and travel via public transport. If you are escaping to warmer weather or abroad to visit friends and family then use Skyscanner that allows you to choose eco-friendly flights.

5. Cut down on food waste

Note down how many visitors you are cooking for over Christmas and write a list before visiting the supermarket to avoid buying too much food or panic buying. If you still end up with leftovers then why not cook a pie or soup on boxing day to help reduce waste.

6. Buy plastic-free gifts

Gift sets are usually wrapped in lots of plastic packaging, instead buy the items separately to avoid buying plastic, and why not look at The Plastic Free Shop for inspiration. Children’s toys are usually made of plastic, so instead buy toys that are made of wood or try making your own.

7. Think twice when wrapping gifts

Use twice and reuse gift bags, paper and ribbon from last Christmas. But if you didn’t think to save last Christmas then make sure you do this year. Or if you fancy going the extra mile then why not wrap presents in a beautiful scarf and give two gifts in one.

8. Give green

Why not give a green Christmas gift via a non-profit charity such as Oxfam International or Water.org. You could donate water, food, shelter to someone that is much less fortunate. Surely that’s the best gift of all!

9. Try an eco-conscience tipple

There’s plenty of organic wines on the market to choose from but if you fancy something a little stronger why not have a look at Dà Mhìle‘s for organic whisky, gin, and brandy made at the UK’s first organic distillery.

10. Think green when planning your outfit

Instead of splashing out the cash on a new outfit, that you may only wear once why not opt for the sustainable option of either renting an outfit from websites such as HURR or By rotation. If you fancy buying a festive outfit then lookout for sustainable brands.

Mark Hall founder of Businesswaste.co.uk adds “The festive season creates more plastic waste than any time of year, most of which goes to landfill or is burned – all a horrifying waste of money, resources and energy. We hope that our top tips allow you to take more eco-friendly decisions this Christmas”.