Sustainable Christmas Ideas You Can Try This Holiday

Christmas is often synonymous with excess. During the holiday season, we tend to overconsume whether it’s buying, eating, or giving—embracing the festive spirit wholeheartedly. Yet, this abundance often leads to significant waste. On average, waste increases by 30% during Christmas, with over 100 million bags of rubbish heading to landfills.

But what if this year could be different? By making a few thoughtful decisions, you can celebrate a joyful and enchanting Christmas while being kinder to the planet. From sustainable food options to eco-conscious wrapping and decor ideas, here’s how to enjoy a greener holiday season without compromising on the magic and cheer!

Shop Locally

A simple way to lower your carbon footprint is to shop for locally sourced produce. Farmers’ markets, farm shops, and small independent grocers offer a wide selection of fresh, seasonal vegetables and meat. In supermarkets, keep an eye out for labels that highlight British-grown products.

Choosing local ingredients not only enhances the flavor of your Christmas dinner but also supports local farmers and cuts down on carbon emissions by reducing the distance your food travels.

Only Buy As Much As You Need

Did you know that over 270,000 tons of perfectly good Christmas food are thrown away each year? Many of us overbuy, worried about running out when hosting family and friends.

To avoid this common holiday pitfall, try planning your meals more precisely. Be sure to have a strategy for any leftovers too—Christmas sandwiches or a delicious bubble and squeak make fantastic Boxing Day dishes and help ensure no food goes to waste.

Avoid Excess Packaging!

Whenever you can, choose products with little to no packaging. Supermarkets are often laden with unnecessary plastic, but you can reduce this by selecting items with minimal or recyclable packaging and using your own reusable bags.

Another great option is shopping at eco-conscious stores that allow you to fill your own containers or buying from local independents, who usually use more sustainable packaging. Cutting down on plastic means a more eco-friendly Christmas and peace of mind for you!

Support Local Business’s

Shopping at local independent stores is often a more sustainable option for your Christmas gifts. These shops frequently offer unique, handcrafted items that make thoughtful presents. Plus, by choosing local, you’re helping to minimize the environmental impact associated with long-distance shipping while supporting small businesses in your community.

Invest In Recycled Wrapping Paper

Many brands today recognize the sustainability issues linked to wrapping paper and are offering greener alternatives. Wrapping made from recycled materials is becoming more accessible, with plenty of eco-friendly designs that still add festive charm to your gifts. Opt for fully recyclable paper without plastic coatings or glitter for a more environmentally friendly choice this Christmas.

Gift An Experience

Giving the gift of experiences is a great way to reduce the demand for physical goods and avoid cluttering homes with items that may go unused. It’s a thoughtful approach that brings people together, whether through shared activities or your time.

There are plenty of options to consider that can help lower your holiday footprint. You might purchase tickets to a show, concert, or event, or for a budget-friendly alternative, create a homemade coupon book offering babysitting, a trip to a local park, or even a summer picnic. Other ideas include booking a meal at a restaurant, gifting a voucher, or planning a day out to a National Trust or Wildlife Trust site. You could also prepare a homemade meal to enjoy together.

Experience gifts have the added bonus of lasting longer, giving your loved ones something special to look forward to throughout the year.

Know Your Logo’s

This holiday season, keep an eye out for sustainability certifications on the food and drinks you serve. For products containing palm oil, look for RSPO certification. If seafood is on the menu, choose MSC-certified wild options or ASC-certified farmed varieties. When it comes to tea, coffee, chocolate, and sweets, opt for items with Soil Association Organic or Fairtrade labels. The Impact Score app can also be a useful tool for identifying sustainable products in UK supermarkets.