Sustainable Christmas
The season of good will and kindness is upon us but have you thought about extending the love to the planet and make Christmas as sustainable as possible? Check out our tips for fabulous eco-friendly festivities.
Gifts
Gifts that make memories, choose sustainably and wrap thoughtfully.
Make memories
Rather than buying a present, why not gift an experience? Think of a fun activity to do with your loved one such as tickets to a gig, a spa experience or keep costs down with a DIY voucher for a movie night or picnic.
Think about materials
Opt for wood and paper made from recycled or FSC certified materials and stay away from plastic that can’t be recycled. Consider organic food and clothing or find one-off vintage or pre-loved items from charity shops or sites such as Vinted and eBay.
Wrap it up
However you wrap your gifts, be mindful of what can be recycled and avoid plastic tape, ribbon and bows. Glitter or foil paper might look cute but it can’t be recycled so look for FSC-certified paper. For a quirky alternative, use cloth and follow the Japanese technique, furoshiki.
Food
Shop smart, embrace leftovers, and savor a plant-powered feast.
Shopping List
Before you hit the shops, make a list of what you actually need. Think about each day and what you’ll be doing; make a menu plan and only buy ingredients for the plan.
Leftovers
Don’t waste any leftover food. Whatever isn’t eaten can be turned into new dishes. What about turkey pie or brussel sprout gratin?
Step away from the clingfilm and store food in Tupperware boxes, stock up on silicone dish covers or opt for foil. In the run up to Christmas, keep any plastic takeaway food containers, which are great for storing leftovers.
Plant-based Christmas
Eating a plant-based Christmas dinner doesn’t mean a plate of boring veggies or a nut roast any longer.
From mushroom wellington to curried sweet potato shepherd’s pie, wow your family and friends with a meat free alternative.
Cooking not your thing? Check out the supermarkets who all offer plant-based Christmas alternatives.
Decorations
Upcycled elegance, nature's bounty, and eco-friendly crackers.
DIY
Rather than buying new expensive decorations, try your hand at making your own or upcycle old ones. Check out YouTube or Tiktok for DIY ideas or look out for local Christmas craft workshops.
Foraging
Festoon your home with natural beauty. Go for a country walk and collect holly, ivy, mistletoe and pine cones.
Crackers
A must for any Christmas table but most crackers are not recyclable. Shop online for eco-friendly, plastic free options or try your hand at making your own.
Party time
Dressing chic, gifting wise, and sustainable celebrations.
Dress to Impress
There’s no need to splash out on a new outfit this year.
Go through your wardrobe and you might just find a LBD you’d forgotten you had or party shoes you haven’t worn yet. Can’t find anything suitable?
Organise a clothes swap with friends; it’s a great way to kick off the festive season, get rid of unwanted clothes and find some new gems.
Secret Santa
Avoid buying unwanted gifts for the annual Secret Santa and instead go for re-gifting.
You may have been given something that’s not your style or an item you’ll never use.
Give these items a new home and if you get something you don’t like, ask your friends if they’d like to swap.
Travel
Getting home from a night out can be a pain if you can’t get a taxi or can’t afford one.
Make the sustainable choice and take advantage of the late night buses and trains that Translink offer on the run up to Christmas.
If you don’t live close to a route, stay with a friend or arrange a carshare with a non-drinking buddy.