It's surprisingly simple to embrace an eco-friendly Christmas, and more enjoyable than the conventional route of purchasing everything from the store. The handcrafted approach adds a personal touch and is often more budget-friendly than retail purchases. Celebrating Christmas while positively impacting the planet is not only possible but also rewarding. Here are The Bugle's recommendations for a sustainable holiday season.

Acknowledging that Christmas tends to be a wasteful period, generating millions of extra tonnes of waste compared to the rest of the year, here are our top three suggestions in each Christmas category that will reduce your environmental footprint without compromising on quality and value.

Decorations:

Get real: Artificial trees have a high carbon footprint – some 40kg of greenhouse gas emissions in fact – so buy a real one for a more authenticity and choose a local option, but make sure that it’s sustainably grown!

Do it yourself tree or decorations: This fun creative option is great especially if space is at a premium. There are many types, such as driftwood, painted pallet wood, mobiles, twigs and sticks. 

Rent a tree: A potted tree can be rented over the Christmas period, and then returned to the supplier until next time! It can also contribute to the fresh air in your home at the same time.

Wreaths & Decorations:

Use your creativity to DIY a wreath: It is possible to use a kit to make your own sustainable wreath and have some family fun and interaction at the same time. The internet full of options on how you can go about it, and the various materials that can be used, like fresh foliage or dried flowers.

Invest in eco-friendly decorations: Opting for eco-friendly options ensures that your decorations not only stand the test of time but also align with ethical and environmentally conscious choices. Explore a variety of "ethical Christmas decorations" to find a plethora of sustainable and aesthetically pleasing options.

Craft personalised table decorations: Engage the entire family in a delightful and simple DIY project to create unique table adornments. Sourcing materials is a breeze, and the added benefit is the freedom to select the contents, steering clear of conventional plastic trinkets. Additionally, consider reusing your crackers for an eco-friendly touch.

Gifts:

Make edible gifts: Explore the vast array of delightful Christmas recipes, ranging from candied orange peel to indulgent white chocolate fudge. A quick online search will help you discover the perfect recipe to suit your preferences, ensuring that your gifts are not only delicious but also personalised.

Give an Experience: Challenge the conventional notion of wrapped gifts by opting for experiences instead. From concerts and shows to high tea or memberships/subscriptions, the possibilities are vast. Consider the recipient's interests and your budget, ensuring a thoughtful and memorable present that goes beyond material possessions.

Opt for Fairtrade, Ethical, and Local: Make a positive impact by selecting gifts that are Fairtrade and ethically sourced, preferably from local businesses. This thoughtful choice not only contributes to the well-being of communities but also supports the local economy, creating a meaningful and sustainable approach to gift-giving.

Wrapping:

Embrace DIY gift wrapping: Elevate the presentation of your gifts by opting for a creative DIY approach. Consider using recycled parcel paper and add a personal touch with homemade potato stamps featuring vibrant vegetable ink. Explore 'How To' videos on platforms like YouTube for inspiration and step-by-step guidance, ensuring your wrapped gifts are not only visually appealing but also environmentally conscious.

Use fabric: Traditional Japanese Furoshiki is very attractive, and the added bonus is that it is plastic-free as well. 

Traditional Japanese Furoshiki

Recycle: Another option is to recycle last year’s Christmas wrapping or utilise reusable boxes. Even newspaper can look good. 

Foods: Avoid the massive waste that normally occurs over the Christmas season.

Buy ‘seasonal’: Embrace what's currently in season for a thoughtful and budget-friendly approach to your holiday giving. Enjoy cost-effective options that align with nature's rhythms and support local farmers and businesses. 

Good planning: Ensure efficient and mindful shopping by creating a detailed plan that considers the number of guests and meals to be prepared. Purchase quantities based on your plan, avoiding overbuying. If you wish to have reserves for unexpected situations, focus on items with a long shelf life or those that can be frozen, minimising waste and maximising practicality.

Feast on healthy snacks in between meals: To avoid sugar can carb overload, choose snacks that tick the ‘healthy’ box for the benefit of your guests and family. There are plenty of ethically sourced foods that are available, and a quick web search will reveal these. 

Drinks:

Zero waste cocktails: Celebrating the festive season by making your own lime infused vodka and lots more ideas when you search ‘zero waste cocktail ideas’. 

Try alcohol free: The popularity for sustainable non-alcohol beers and spirit alternatives is growing. It’s also a great idea for your health and waistline to give this a try.

Go ethical: No matter what you are drinking this festive season, think about keeping plastic out of your teabags, or consider trying Fairtrade coffee. 

The Bugle wishes you and your family a clean green and highly enjoyable Christmas celebration.