As the weather gets colder, our thoughts often turn to the festive period, which seems to start earlier each year. Over the last few years, many of us have also started to think more about how much we waste during the holidays and explore ways to make our family Christmases more eco-friendly and more sustainable. Whether you’ve begun making plans already, or the holidays still seem a long way off, here are some eco-friendly changes that you might want to consider.
Plan Travel Carefully
Travel is one of the biggest polluters of modern times. During the holiday period, many of us spend time visiting family and driving to events. Whether you are planning a long trip or a series of smaller visits, your carbon emissions from travel might be higher than at any other time of the year.
So, think about ways to make your journeys more environmentally friendly. If you are considering a new car, you should read a guide to electric cars, to learn more about the benefits of electric vehicles. Walking, using public transport, avoiding busy routes and times, and offsetting carbon emissions are also great options.
Buy Less
Many of us are guilty of buying more than we really need to, especially when we have children. We want them to have lots to open, to make the day magical. But if we’re honest, they are only interested in some of it. This year, commit to buying less. Focusing on gifts that people really want or need, and not buying anything simply to give.
Make Gifts
Homemade gifts are a wonderful option, especially for extended family and friends. Things like chocolate truffles and gingerbread are great options if you like to bake.
Use Reusable Wrapping
Using fabric wrap, which can be kept and reused is a great way to reduce waste over the holidays. Another option is saving wrapping paper, and gift bags to reuse next year.
Buying or making a reusable advent calendar is another great way to reduce waste.
Rent a Tree
Decorating for Christmas is a big part of the joy of the season. But it can also be incredibly wasteful. Instead of buying a tree, just to throw it away at the end of the period, why not consider renting a tree?
You can hire a from a local supplier, take it home and decorate it, and then return it to the supplier to be replanted and cared for until next year. Some companies will even keep the same tree reserved for you until it gets too big.
Reduce Food Waste
Food is another big part of Christmas, but it’s also something that we waste a lot of. Many of us are guilty of getting carried away with all of the treats that are on offer. Instead, try to only buy what you need, you can always buy more later on. Making your own Christmas treats can be another way to save money and reduce waste.
An eco-friendlier Christmas can reduce waste, and save you money, both now, and in the future.
