Lots of us are trying to be sustainable this Christmas, aiming to waste less food and wrapping paper. A Tesco survey shows over a third of people want to be more eco-friendly, and American Express research says we're even willing to spend more on “green” gifts.
People are starting to think twice about those crazy shopping habits, they want good value, not just cheap stuff – because sometimes that cheap price hurts the planet.
So, how can we have a green, sustainable Christmas?
We all love relaxing and enjoying the holidays, but let's be honest, unwanted gifts, tons of wasted food, and that huge pile of wrapping paper can be annoying.
Luckily, even small changes can make a big difference! We've put together 10 great tips and eco-friendly ideas for a sustainable Christmas. No matter how you celebrate, enjoy these sustainable tips.
Start Planning a Sustainable New Year
The time between Christmas and New Year's is perfect for reflecting on the past year and planning for a greener future. So, grab a pen and paper, and start dreaming of a more sustainable new year.
Opt For Pots, Not Plastic.
The best Christmas tree is one you can plant in your garden and reuse next year. If you buy a cut tree, look for the label to ensure it is grown responsibly. You could also rent a tree – some companies deliver and pick it up after the holidays.
A lot of wrapping paper ends up in the trash. Recycle what you can, but avoid paper with glitter, foil, or plastic.
For a really eco-friendly option, try seed paper! You can plant it after Christmas. Find it on sites like Etsy for about $25 for three sheets.
Give Gifts That Last
You've probably heard the saying, "Make memories, not stuff?" This Christmas, let's focus on eco-friendly gifts that are special and will be appreciated. Think about what the person actually wants, something useful and meaningful, or perhaps give the gift of an experience they'll enjoy.
Or shop secondhand…
There's something special about finding pre-loved Christmas decorations. Secondhand stores and charity shops are also great places to find unique gifts – a local artist's painting, a first-edition book, a board game, or that perfect Christmas sweater. Go explore and see what treasures you can find.
Give Your Unwanted Items a New Life Through Upcycling
The average American home contains 300,000 items, and we spend trillions of dollars annually on things we don't need. Instead of letting items pile up or end up in a landfill, why not try upcycling? There are tons of creative projects you can do using everyday items to make special decorations or even useful household items.
You can also engage in crafting to make handmade gifts, crackers, cards, and decorations. Skip the store-bought toys and try making personalized crackers from toilet paper rolls or a homemade advent calendar.
Remember those homemade Christmas cards we loved as kids? They're still the best! Making your own gifts is a great way to show someone you care. Even baked orange slices make lovely, plastic-free decorations.
Choose Eco-Friendly Wrapping Paper
The United States uses an estimated 4.6 million tons of wrapping paper annually, and much of it ends up in the trash because it can't be recycled due to glitter, foil, or other coatings. Sadly, about 50% ends up in landfills instead of being recycled or reused, adding to holiday waste.
Instead of the glittery, non-recyclable stuff, let's try some eco-friendly alternatives. Opt for brown paper, or recycled paper, or even get creative and decorate some scrap paper yourself. Fabric wrapping, using the Furoshiki method, is another great option.
Remember to reuse old gift boxes and bags, and try to avoid sticky tape and glitter whenever possible. Let's see who can find the prettiest zero-waste wrapping solution.
Plan Ahead to Reduce Food Waste
A huge amount of food is wasted each year, and single-use plastics are a big problem too. We need to change that! Plan your meals carefully so you use up everything you buy. Use real plates and cutlery instead of disposables—it's better for the environment and your wallet.
Switch to LEDs and Save
Christmas lights are beautiful, but they can be expensive to run. The Department of Energy says lighting makes up about 15% of a home's electricity use. With everything costing more these days, saving money on lights is a good idea.
LED Christmas lights are much cheaper to run than the incandescent lights. The Department of Energy estimates it costs just $0.27 to light a tree with LEDs for 40 days, compared to a whopping $10 with traditional bulbs.
Even with just a few strands of traditional lights, the cost adds up. Switching to LEDs can save you a lot of money.
E-cards vs. Paper Christmas Cards?
E-cards are becoming more popular, whether you're sending holiday greetings to clients or loved ones. If you're still sending paper cards, let's consider the benefits of switching to e-cards. Before you head to the store or print shop, think about how an e-card can spread holiday cheer.
E-cards are cheaper and better for the environment. Plus, you can personalize each one for family and friends, clients, customers, or employees—something you can't easily do with paper cards.
If you love sending paper cards, there are ways to make it more eco-friendly. Choose cards made from recycled paper, look for the PEFC or FSC logo (meaning they come from responsibly managed forests), or at least choose cards without glitter so they can be recycled.
Enjoy Time With Loved Ones
Most importantly, enjoy time with loved ones this Christmas. Think about how you can connect with your community and combat loneliness. Take time for relaxing walks and quality time with family and friends.
We hope these tips help you have a more sustainable and joyful Christmas! Let us know your favorite eco-friendly tips – contact the Shaka Love Team or join our Instagram community.
Merry Christmas!