How to have an eco-friendly Christmas.

Christmas is such a magical time but it can create so much waste. Mounds of discarded present packaging, masses of uneaten food and waiting in traffic to do your Christmas shop mean it can be a struggle to be green and do our bit for our planet.

There are several ways to make the holidays more sustainable and it might be easier than you think.

Use recyclable wrapping paper.

You can check if your wrapping paper is recyclable by doing ‘the scrunch test’. Simply scrunch a piece of the paper in the palm of your hand and if the paper remains scrunched it is paper based and widely recycled in the UK. If the wrapping paper unfolds or springs back it cannot be recycled.

Turn last year’s Christmas cards into this year’s present labels.

It might not be possible to use last years cards as they are already in the bin but this year save them and use them next year! 

Think about your Christmas card list.

Avoiding sending physical Christmas cards is another simple option for reducing waste. Consider opting for an e-card, writing an email or giving someone a call if getting in touch with friends and family is important to you over the Christmas period. Desperate to write cards? Opt for a design on recycled paper.

Give second hand presents.

A book you really loved reading or a charity shop toy. There is no shame in 2nd hand.

Reuse cardboard delivery boxes to wrap larger presents.

Add some wrapping paper and along with some ribbon for a festive touch you can recycle the cardboard boxes.

Choose natural Christmas candles.

Candles are certainly a big part of Christmas and whether you enjoy them as part of advent or simply to make a room feel cosy in the colder months, it's worth thinking about their impact on pollution levels, as well as your health. 

Decorate your space with natural foliage.

Ditch the plastic wreaths in exchange for the real thing as they're cheaper and much better for the environment. Picking up fallen sprigs of winter greenery from your garden or local park. Holly, pine and eucalyptus are great examples. They don't cost a penny and makes for a fun (and festive) afternoon. It is possible to make a wreath that you can compost at the end of the festive season. Any materials that can't be composted can be reused next year.

Reuse Christmas decorations year after year.

Get a collection of Christmas decorations going. You can even buy new one's each year to add to your collection of buy a new ones to replace any that are broken. Decorations made from recycled wood, fabric and glass make great alternatives to plastic or PVC options that are non-recyclable

Search second hand shops for your Christmas party outfit.

Do you really need to buy new for something you might wear once. 

Choose eco friendly crackers.

An eco-friendly way to embellish your Christmas dinner table is reusable Christmas crackers can be used year after year and filled with small but useful zero waste items.

Reduce food waste by finding creative ways of using up your Christmas Turkey.

It tastes great as a curry, in a pie or even as part of a stir-fry.

Take a reusable bag, tote or even cardboard box with you Christmas shopping to cut down on single use carriers.

Set your Christmas lights up through a timer switch.

Set them so they only come on as it gets dark outside and don’t run throughout the night. This will not only cut down on energy usage but also help save £s off your energy bill!

How would you have an eco-friendly Christmas?