24 ways to waste less this Christmas
Traditionally, Christmas has been a time to indulge, especially when it comes to eating, drinking and giving gifts. But is it time to rethink that ethos and adopt a more modern approach?
Christmas can often lead to mindless consumption. In fact, during the festive season, an estimated 30% more waste is created in the UK, according to the Environment Agency (EA).
Some facts to consider...
One billion Christmas cards are thrown away every year. The EA says it would take "the equivalent of 33 million trees to make that amount of card".
50,000 trees are cut down every year to be used for festive wrapping paper, according to DEFRA.
12 million tonnes of plastic enters the environment thanks to Christmas, says the EA. This is equivalent to a lorry load every minute.
500 tonnes of festive lights are reportedly discarded each year.
If we are honest with ourselves, we all contribute to these shocking waste figures. To help, the Environment Agency has listed 24 ways we can reduce, reuse and recycle this Christmas...
1. Advent calendars
Instead of buying a single use cardboard and plastic calendar, invest in a reusable one. A reusable calendar could be a material wall hanging with pockets for chocolates, or a sturdy cardboard one with drawers. Here's a round up of our favourites.
2. Christmas cards
Avoid cards that include glitter or adornments that can't be recycled. Look for FSC-certified cards if you are buying them. Here's how to recycle them after the big day.
3. Christmas wreath
If you've got a garden, use foliage to make your own eco-friendly wreath at home. If you can't do that, the EA suggests a fresh wreath is better than a faux one.
4. Christmas tree
The most sustainable way to approach your Christmas tree is to rent a real one. This way, nothing goes to waste. If you're new to renting trees, read our extensive guide here. If you already use a fake one, it's widely suggested that, in order to cancel out its carbon footprint, it should be used for at least 10 years.
5. Christmas lights
Energy is also an important factor to consider when it comes to waste, especially as bills increase. LED lights use less energy and should last longer.
6. Toys
Children's toys have a certain shelf life due to trends, age and regularly being broken. Many are made out of and packaged in plastic too, which likely goes to landfill. To avoid this, you could buy wooden toys which are easier to recycle, or look to using a subscription model to prolong the use of the toys.
7. Decorations
Avoid plastic decorations and those covered in glitter as they can't be recycled. Instead, go for natural materials such as wood, straw, paper, lace or glass that's not coated in glitter.
8. Reusable shopping bag
When you're doing your Christmas shopping in the supermarket and on the high street, remember your reusable bags.
9. Make or bake gifts
There's no reason why gifts have to be shop-bought. Often a DIY present is far more personal, and can cost less. Whether it's making chutneys, sauces, biscuits or perhaps knitting, it's sure to be a treasured gift.
10. Experience gifts
Many of us don't really need anything new. Instead of buying a physical present, an experience gift won't take up space and it's something your giftee will look forward to using after the festive period.
11. Eco-friendly gifts
We've rounded up our favourite eco-friendly gifts from conscious brands that will hopefully inspire you. If you don't want to purchase a physical gift, you could buy a membership or make a donation in someone's name to a charity that's helping to support the environment.
12. Wrapping presents
Always check your wrapping paper is recyclable by looking out for foil or glitter. You can also do the 'scrunch test': if you scrunch it into a ball and it does not unfold, then it's recyclable. If you scrunch it into a ball and it does come undone, it can't be recycled. Of course, you can't do this in the shop, but it's good to use on presents you've received.
More tips for less waste at Christmas:
Use fabric bows instead of plastic
Shop second hand or rent clothes for your festive wardrobe
If you use make-up wipes, don't flush them
Make or buy a reusable Christmas Eve box
Use public transport or car-share when travelling
Only buy soy, bees or coconut wax candles, scented with essential oils and cotton, hemp or wood wicks
Avoid crackers with glitter, or make your own with FCS cardboard
Buy local, go for loose, plastic-free produce and swap clingfilm for wax wraps
Don't pour waste fats down the sink – put them in then bin
Make sure the drinks bottles you buy can easily be recycled
Swap an hour of TV for a walk and save 170g CO2e
Donate, sell or regift any unwanted presents
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