With a few simple eco-friendly swaps, you can have a magical Christmas while doing your bit for the planet. We’ve rounded up ideas to help you on your way to celebrating a more sustainable Christmas.
Go for alternative Christmas cards
Shutterstock | Rimma Bondarenko
While it’s nice to give and receive Christmas cards, there are more sustainable choices for showing you care during the festive season. Many people now donate the amount they would spend on cards to charity, while others choose to send e-cards, eco-friendly cards, plantable cards, or share social media posts as an alternative.
Choose eco-friendly wrapping
There are now so many sustainable options when it comes to gift wrap. A good idea is to keep gift bags from previous years to reuse or try furoshiki, a traditional Japanese technique for wrapping presents in beautiful fabric. And when choosing paper, avoid designs with glitter on them as they can’t be recycled.
Make reusable crackers
Parquet dining table | @thelightshesees
Great for table decor and fun for all the family, Christmas crackers are an integral part of the festive meal. Opt for crackers made from recycled materials with non-plastic toys inside, or treat yourself to some beautiful fabric crackers that you can fill with your own treats, year after year.
Buy second-hand presents
St. Ives sideboard | @thedaviesnest
Shop smarter this festive season and look to buy second-hand gifts. Scour charity shops to find everything from pre-loved toys, books, glassware, and more, or look online at Facebook Marketplace, Gumtree, eBay, Depop, and Vinted.
Choose a potted Christmas tree
A potted Christmas tree is an easy cost-effective swap that ups your green credentials as it can be used every year. Simply keep it in your garden throughout the year and bring it inside at Christmas. Plus, many farm shops also offer tree rental services which are worth checking out.
Reduce food waste
Dorset dining table | Marlene dining chair | St. Ives larder | St. Ives sideboard
Christmas is a time of indulgence but can also lead to a lot of food waste. Menu plan so you know exactly what you need when you do your food shop. If you find you have lots of leftovers, there are loads of recipes online for what to do with everything from a glut of satsumas to a bowl of roasties.
Hopefully, this has given you some ideas for a more sustainable Christmas. Even small swaps can make a big difference in the long run. We’d love to see how you have a more sustainable Christmas. Tag us at #OakFurnitureland on Instagram.
