How Can I Be Waste-Free at Christmas?
ECO EM’S BLOG
HOW CAN I BE WASTE-FREE AT CHRISTMAS?
Making thoughtful choices is necessary to avoid waste during Christmas. These could include the ornaments you use throughout your home, the clothes you wear to the Christmas Party, the gifts you choose to give and receive for your loved ones, and more. The list is endless, and it’s honestly difficult to know where to begin with everything else you have going on.
SO, THIS YEAR, HOW CAN I HELP YOU?
Since adopting zero waste and launching Eco Ems, I’ve compiled the top questions I get asked around Christmas time. I hope this helps you plan ahead for the busiest time of year and provides you with some ideas. In addition to being environmentally conscious, without going over budget.
WHAT ARE ECO-FRIENDLY CHRISTMAS ITEMS?
Christmas decorations that are environmentally friendly are made from recyclable materials, renewable resources, or products that can be recycled or repurposed. Consider items like biodegradable phone covers, bamboo kitchen utensils, reusable stainless-steel straws, and organic cotton clothes. When in doubt or stuck, consider biodegradable. Ask yourself when you’re done using it, can this go into the compost? If not, where does it go? We have cut the amount of rubbish we produce as a household in half thanks to this question.
HOW DO YOU MAKE CHRISTMAS GREENER?
Selecting an eco-friendly Christmas tree is the first step towards making Christmas greener. Think about getting a potted tree from Kirkby Mallory Christmas Trees, which can be planted after Christmas. You can use less electricity by using LED lights because they are solar energy-powered and energy-efficient. Spread the green Christmas spirit by getting your family and friends to embrace eco-friendly practices as well. Instead of using throwaway plates and napkins, use reusable ones. When travelling to see friends and relatives, share a lift and take public transportation. Compost food waste and buy organic, locally grown produce to help local farm stores and sustainable agriculture. For your Christmas party, use digital invites or recyclable paper. You may also use furoshiki-style fabric wrapping or reusable gift bags to share your gifts.
HOW CAN I DECORATE MY CHRISTMAS SUSTAINABLY?
Selecting reused and natural materials is essential to sustainable decorating. The interior design trends for this year are a great fit. With organic tones and materials that you can mix and match to create stunning focal points and centre pieces throughout your home. Instead of using plastic decorations, use dried flowers, pinecones, and wooden ornaments. Use energy-saving candles to create a warm ambiance and think about making your own wreaths from branches that you’ve foraged. You can take your loved ones to one of the many workshops in the Leicestershire area for an early Christmas present or just a fun night out. A few ideas to help create a beautiful Christmas look, but they also have little environmental impact.
ECO EMS TIPS – HOW CAN I BE WASTE-FREE AT CHRISTMAS?
- DIY Gifts: Handmade Candles and Customised Recipe Books are examples of innovative and handcrafted gifts. This gives a unique touch and lessens the carbon footprint of mass-produced goods.
- Charitable Giving: Make a donation to a charity in the name of a loved one in lieu of giving them a tangible gift. In addition to helping a worthy cause, this also prevents wasteful consumption.
- Upcycled Decorations: Adorn your house with repurposed objects such as glass jars converted into candles or worn-out fabrics made into garlands. Things that may have ended up in landfill are given a new lease of life this way.
- Create a Christmas List: Making a Christmas list can help you cut down on pointless purchases or decide to do secret Santa with your loved ones. Lowering the cost of Christmas and concentrating on quality time spent with the ones closest to you.
- Shop second hand: This can be done for accessories, clothing, or gifts. Vinted and your local charity shops are both good places to look for a bargain.
- Advent Calendars: There is a tonne of possibilities, and I even received a seed advent calendar last year. Avoid buying the overly packaged chocolate calendars and choose a recyclable wooden calendar or second-hand beauty calendar that may be recycled and add sweets or chocolates for the kids.
- Christmas Cards: In previous years, a number of people I know have made the decision to donate their card money to charity. Digital e-cards and plantable cards are additional alternatives.
- Paper tape: As an eco-friendly alternative to cello tape when gift-wrapping, try paper tape. It can be recycled and helps to reduce the amount of plastic used around this time.
HOW CAN I BE WASTE-FREE AT CHRISTMAS?
Embracing an eco-friendly Christmas isn’t just about reducing waste; it’s about celebrating the season in a way that respects and preserves our planet. By choosing sustainable gifts, minimising waste, and decorating mindfully, you contribute to a greener, healthier Earth for generations to come. This Christmas let’s spread love and joy, not just to our loved ones, but to the planet we call home.
Thank you for reading this weeks blog, How Can I Be Waste-Free at Christmas?
Peace and love,
Eco Em xx
