How to have a more sustainable Christmas
For many Christmas is a time of connecting with loved ones and taking a well deserved break, but, it can also be a time of excessive waste and overconsumption.
For those of you dreaming of a green Christmas it can be hard to know where to start. So, as we begin to prepare for festivities here are some inspiration and tips on how you can make your celebrations more sustainable.
Decorations
Get crafty
As with anything, using what you already have is by far the most sustainable option, but if you do need some new decorations, making them by hand is a great option. Branches, dried oranges, and pine cones can make for great cheap and compostable seasonal decorations, or you could rework old ones for a fresh new look. Get creative!
A real or fake Christmas tree?
This is a common dilemma: whether it’s better to choose a felled Christmas tree or fake plastic tree. Ultimately, the best option is to opt for a potted tree that can be reused year on year and will keep growing. Or if you don't have space, another great option is decorating a house plant.
If you already have a plastic tree, keep using it! It’s estimated that you would need to use it for at least ten years for it to have a lower carbon impact than a ‘real’ tree. If you chose to have a felled tree make sure you recycle it. Check out local schemes like St Gemma's Hospice Treecycling.
Food
Reduce food waste
Food is a real focus for many at Christmas – but food waste, even if composted, has a huge impact globally. Christmas is the perfect time for reusing leftovers, and if you freeze some you’ll have plenty to enjoy during what sometimes seems like the endless month of January.
Plan out your meals, keep an eye on what needs eating and if you have anything you are not going to use you can share it with your community via initiatives such as the Community Pantry at Left Bank.
Experiment with plant-based, seasonal and local food
Integrating seasonal, local and plant-based food into your festive meals is also a great way to lower your carbon impact and try something delicious and new. For low-cost plant-based ideas check out webpages such as The Happy Foodie's vegetarian and vegan Christmas recipes and Lazy Cat Kitchen's vegan Christmas recipe round-up.
Activities
Get outdoors
Despite the weather not always being on side, the winter holidays are a great time to get outdoors with your loved ones and embrace the cold seasonal charm. Across West Yorkshire, many of the parks and woodlands put on festive winter walks and Christmas trails to lean into the festivities.
If that isn't your cup of tea, Christmas is a great time to revisit your favourite spots and notice the seasonal changes as we shift into winter. A personal favourite of mine is Caley Crags and Otley Chevin Woods as the evergreens and rocks look glorious in the snow!
Give back to your community
Despite Christmas being a time of joy for many, for others it can be one of the toughest times of the year. If you have some free time around the holidays you can make a real impact by giving back to you community. You can do this by volunteering your time or donating unwanted food or clothes to local community groups such as Rainbow Junktion.
Presents
Shop second-hand and local
When choosing presents thinking about the durability, meaning and usefulness is important for more sustainable gift-giving. Opting for second-hand and locally made items are great ways to reduce the impact of your gifts, by lowering carbon emissions and contributing to a local economy.
If you do shop online, buying items that support sustainable living such as a clothes repair kit or plastic free beauty products can be a great way of helping others reduce their impact and save them money in the long run!
Gift experiences
Instead of buying physical gifts, gifting experiences can be more meaningful have a lower environmental impact. Things like theatre tickets, a restaurant voucher or a planned day trip not only create memories but give your loved ones something to look forward to in the coming year.
Wrap it sustainably
Give your presents an eco-twist by wrapping them using recycled newspaper, gift paper, or brown paper from deliveries. Consider using fabric, old scarves and tea towels tied with string or ribbon for a reusable and aesthetic alternative. It is also okay to not wrap your gifts at all!
Wishing you a merry Christmas from all of us at the University of Leeds Sustainability Service!
United Nations Sustainable Development Goals
We use the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as a framework to guide our activity. Our work on sustainable consumption is linked to the following SDGs:
- Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
- Goal 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
Find out more about our impact on the SDGs.
