How to ensure that Christmas won’t cost the earth!

At Christmas, we generate more waste than any other time of the year. We produce around 300,000 tonnes of cardboard packaging – likely even more this year due to the rise in online shopping. With environmental issues becoming more critical, a big question mark hangs over the sustainability of all the tinsel and glitter we love so much. We need to find ways to reduce the plastic waste that often appears in our cards, decorations, and gifts. With a little extra thought, there are plenty of greener alternatives. Here are some ideas from the Environment Agency to ensure your Christmas won’t cost the earth.

The Tree

Consider buying a potted tree that you can plant outside once the festivities are over. If you don’t have space to plant it, you could keep it in its pot outside on the patio. This allows you to do your part for the environment and reuse the tree again next year – it could last a lifetime! If you don’t have outside space, you can still recycle your tree responsibly – your local council will have details on its website. If you prefer an artificial tree, it will need to be used for at least 10 years for its environmental impact to be lower than a real tree. So, if you’re buying one this year, make sure it will last and won’t just end up in the dustbin.

Wreaths

We all love a wreath for the front door – but some are more eco-friendly than others. Go for a real wreath made using natural foliage, which can be recycled along with your tree. If you choose one with glittery decorations, just pull them off before recycling and re-use them next year.

Wrapping Paper

When you’re wrapping presents, try to use recyclable paper if you can. If the paper has foil or glitter on it, it can’t be recycled and may contain plastic. Most supermarkets offer recyclable options, so try to buy these when possible. Even better (if you have the time), get creative! Decorate the brown paper with fabric ribbon and festive foliage that can be reused next year.

Christmas Cards

We throw away around a billion Christmas cards every year – that’s the equivalent of 33 million trees. If you can, buy cards printed on FSC-certified card, which can be recycled and are made from recycled paper. Like wrapping paper, cards decorated with glitter or foil can’t be recycled. Avoid using single-use decorations that often contain plastic and think twice about Christmas crackers. These are loaded with glitter and often contain plastic toys and gifts that go straight in the bin with the leftovers. If you can’t resist a cracker joke and a paper hat, look for FSC-certified crackers made from recycled paper and filled with sustainable party favors.

Dairy Waste

Here’s something you might not know: dairy products are among the most environmentally harmful items you can pour down the kitchen sink. They require large amounts of oxygen to break down, reducing oxygen levels in the water for wildlife. This is why pouring milk down the drain is a criminal offense for businesses. Be conscious of overbuying dairy products and if you do have some left over, recycle them in your food waste bin. Of course, if you are highly organized, all this advice may be too little too late. But it’s never too early to start thinking about next Christmas. Why not make it your New Year’s resolution to go green next year?