16 Ways to Make Your Christmas More Eco-Friendly
16 Ways to Make Your Christmas More Eco-Friendly
As Christmas approaches, it’s the perfect time to think about ways to make your holiday celebrations more eco-friendly – starting with the preparations! For many, the idea of making sustainable swaps can feel daunting, especially when you’re unsure where to begin. But it’s simpler than you might think—most of it involves being mindful about what you buy and checking the sources of your purchases.
Whether it’s crafting DIY decorations or finding creative uses for your kitchen scraps, some of these tips require a little extra effort, while others are quick and easy to implement. Even choosing just one or two sustainable swaps can make a positive difference. Dive in and discover how you can add a touch of green to your festive season this year!
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Reduce your food waste.
Do your best to figure out who to expect ahead of time. This way you can make sure you don’t over-cater. Ask your guests if there’s anything they don’t like to eat – makes for less cooking, so a win-win in our books.
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Use your cooking scraps.
There are several sources online that offer some inventive ways to use up kitchen scraps. For example, making vegetable peel into vegetable stock. Another option is to compost your scraps, ready to feed your garden for the spring. Here is a website from a lovely content creator to give you some ideas on how to utilise your kitchen scraps this Christmas!
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Eco-friendly Christmas decorations
If you’re looking for some new sparkle, make sure to do your due diligence before making any purchases. Often Christmas decorations can be made with unsustainable materials or by using damaging production processes, so do a little research before investing in some new decorations. Here are some websites that offer ethically sourced, sustainable options.
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Wrapping paper
Here’s a link to some lovely sustainable wrapping paper to order ahead of time. If you’re caught in the last-minute Christmas shopping scramble, look out for wrapping that is made from recycled materials, this includes the tape you buy – consider buying brown paper tape so that the entire wrappings can be recycled.
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Christmas crackers
Here are some options for sustainable Christmas crackers to suit an array of budgets:
High-End
Nancy and Betty Christmas Crackers
Mid-price
RSPB Christmas Crackers with Chocolate
Budget
Marks & Spencers Sausage Dog Christmas Crackers
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Donate unused decorations instead of throwing them out
Donating Christmas decorations instead of discarding them is a simple way to spread holiday cheer while reducing waste. By giving your gently used decorations a second life, you help others create joyful holiday memories without the cost of buying new items. It’s an eco-friendly choice that supports a more sustainable holiday season and ensures that these festive treasures stay out of landfills. Plus, your donations could brighten someone else’s Christmas, making the act of giving even more meaningful! Here are some ways to donate your decorations. The Air Ambulance also accept donations, so this is another option to consider.
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DIY your Christmas decorations
Creating your own Christmas decorations is a wonderful way to add a personal touch to your holiday celebrations while embracing creativity and sustainability. DIY decorations allow you to repurpose materials, save money, and reduce waste—all while crafting something unique and meaningful. Whether you’re making ornaments, garlands, or centerpieces, these handmade treasures bring charm and character to your festive decor. Plus, DIY projects are a great way to involve family and friends, turning the process into a joyful holiday tradition! Here is some inspiration to get you started.
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Christmas lights
Switching to LED lights and using automatic timers for your holiday displays is a smart way to save energy and reduce your electricity bills this Christmas season. LED lights consume significantly less energy than traditional bulbs and last much longer, making them an eco-friendly and cost-effective choice. Pairing them with automatic timers ensures your decorations shine at the perfect times without wasting power, giving you one less thing to worry about. It’s a simple change that benefits both your wallet and the planet, all while keeping your home beautifully illuminated for the holidays. You can purchase automatic light timers on Amazon here.
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Mindful present purchasing
It’s easy to fall into the trap of panic-buying Christmas presents, especially when time is tight. So, make sure to give yourself plenty of time, avoid the panic and prevent yourself from making rash purchases. By choosing mindfully, you can make your holiday gifting more personal, impactful, and sustainable.
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Buy from sustainable and environmentally friendly companies
When it comes to Christmas shopping, choosing gifts from sustainable companies is a great way to support ethical practices and reduce environmental impact. While these options can sometimes come with a higher price tag, focusing on quality over quantity can make all the difference. By investing in fewer, better-quality items, you’re giving gifts that are not only meaningful but also built to last. This approach not only reduces waste but also aligns with a more thoughtful and intentional way of celebrating the season. Here is an article on online ethical marketplaces to give you a few ideas.
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Gift experiences instead of physical items
Instead of rushing to grab the first item you see, consider giving the gift of experiences or planning a special activity to enjoy with your recipient. These thoughtful gestures create lasting memories and often carry more meaning than material items.
Whether it’s a cooking class, a day trip, or simply quality time together, experience-based gifts show care and reduce the risk of unwanted presents ending up unused. Here are some of my favourite experiences for all the loved ones in your life:
If these don’t float your boat, try looking through some of these:
Wowcher can be a little hit or miss but if you have some time, it’s definitely worth having a look through to see what deals they have on. For example, they do a mystery holiday bundle for £99pp!
For the most variety, try Virgin Experience Days, in particular, take a look at their Christmas Deals.
Can’t decide? You can also buy experience vouchers that’ll allow the recipient to choose from a selection of experiences.
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Try to organise a car share for the drive home for Christmas
Car sharing for your Christmas journey home is a great way to save money, reduce your carbon footprint, and make the trip more enjoyable. While it can take a bit of planning, giving yourself plenty of time to organize with friends or family increases the likelihood of making it work. Tools like the RAC Mileage Calculator can help you estimate the cost of the journey and split expenses fairly, ensuring everyone benefits from the arrangement. Not only does car sharing ease the financial burden of travel, but it also helps reduce congestion and emissions—making your trip home a greener one this holiday season.
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Swap games with friends for the festive period instead of buying new
Swapping games with friends during Christmas is a fantastic way to bring people together while saving money and reducing waste. Turn it into a festive gathering by hosting a game swap party, where everyone can trade games they’ve already enjoyed for something new. It’s a fun way to discover hidden gems, share your favorites, and maybe even find a new go-to game. Plus, reusing and sharing games helps the environment by extending their life and reducing the demand for new purchases. It’s a win-win for your wallet, your friendships, and the planet!
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Consider doing a Secret Santa with friendship groups or colleagues
Doing Secret Santa is a thoughtful way to simplify holiday gifting while reducing stress, overconsumption, and waste. Instead of buying for everyone, each person draws one name, focusing on giving a single meaningful gift. Setting a budget ensures fairness, and encouraging participants to write a “Dear Santa” letter with their top three gift ideas makes it easier to choose something they’ll truly appreciate. This approach not only saves money but also allows for more intentional gifting, ensuring everyone receives something they’ll love and use. Plus, it adds a fun and festive element to your holiday traditions!
Just incase you’re unfamiliar with the concept, here is a step-by-step guide.
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Real vs Fake Christmas Tree
The debate between real and artificial Christmas trees often comes down to personal preference and sustainability. Choosing a real tree from a sustainable supplier is generally considered the greener option, as it supports local growers and can be recycled into mulch after the holidays. However, if you prefer an artificial tree, investing in a high-quality, durable one is key. Look for trees made from eco-friendly materials and think long-term—will the size and design suit your needs for the foreseeable future? By making thoughtful choices, you can ensure your Christmas tree aligns with both your lifestyle and environmental values.
If you’re interested in reading a little more about this debate, take a look at this article.
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Delivery Co-ordination
When ordering gifts and decorations online, organizing your deliveries can help reduce your environmental impact. Many retailers, like Amazon, offer the option to consolidate multiple items into one delivery, even if they have different estimated arrival times. Planning ahead and choosing this option helps reduce the number of separate deliveries made to your home, cutting down on fuel consumption and lowering your carbon footprint. By being mindful of your delivery choices, you can make your holiday shopping not only more convenient but also more eco-friendly.
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