Christmas is a time of joy, togetherness, and festive cheer but it can also be a season of excessive waste and environmental impact. If you are dreaming of a more sustainable Christmas here are just a few simple tweaks that can help you to enjoy a festive season that is both merry and mindful of the planet.

The Christmas Tree.

There has been much debate about which is the more eco-friendly option between real and artifical trees. A locally sourced real tree can be more sustainable, especially if it comes from a farm or forest where trees are planted in cycles. After the festive season they can be composted or recycled into wood chips and many farms now offer Christmas tree recycling services. Or you could get a real tree in a pot and plant it in your garden in the spring. If you don’t fancy planting one in your garden you could opt for the more recent trend of renting a tree. Companies such as Greenelf rent a tree to you for the festive season which they collect and then plant back in the wild.

But if you still prefer an artificial tree, you can reduce the carbon footprint by using it for many years. So try to aim for a high-quality artificial tree that is likely to last at least a decade or more.

Did you know….. the first artificial Christmas tree was made of goose feathers?

Long before artificial trees were made of plastic, Germans created the first fake trees using dyed goose feathers in the 1800s. Feathers were attached to wire branches, and voilà – instant Christmas decor! They must have looked spectacular although it’s hard to imagine hanging ornaments on goose feathers without it looking like you decked out the turkey.

The Christmas decorations.

When decorating your tree and house why not try to use more natural and up cycled decorations. Pine cones, holly and mistletoe` make beautiful, rustic decorations and you can have great fun foraging for them on winter walks. Dried oranges, apple slices and cinnamon sticks can create lovely, eco-friendly decorations that also bring the wonderful scent of Christmas indoors. Repurposing materials like wine corks, glass jars or paper reduce waste and make fabulous garlands and chains to decorate trees and mantels. And try to use LED lights as they consume far less electricity than traditional bulbs and last longer. You can also set them on timers to reduce energy usage further while keeping your home festive.

Did you know….. tinsel was originally made of real silver?

Tinsel wasn’t always the thin plastic stuff we use today. The original tinsel, dating back to 17th-century Germany, was made from actual silver. It was intended to reflect candlelight on trees, adding a shimmering effect (not a bad idea unless you had a house cat). Unfortunately, silver tends to tarnish, so after a while, it probably looked less ‘holiday sparkle’ and more ‘early onset zombie tree’

The Christmas feast.

Try to avoid food waste by not over-buying in the first place. Plan your meals carefully and around what your family will realistically consume. Make a shopping list, stick to it, and avoid impulse buys or bulk buying to prevent excess. Use leftovers creatively by making delicious new dishes like vegetable soups, turkey sandwiches or a post-Christmas curry. If you do find that you have too much food consider donating unopened items to local food banks. And if you have a garden, many food scraps, such as vegetable peels and eggshells, can be composted providing a nutrient-rich soil for the spring.

Did you know….. Japan’s favourite Christmas dinner is fried chicken?

Thanks to a brilliant KFC marketing campaign in the 1970s, Japan now celebrates a ‘Kentucky Fried Christmas’. In fact, the demand is so high that they have to reserve their holiday chicken well in advance.

Buy Local.

One of the easiest ways to reduce your carbon footprint this Christmas is to support local businesses. By shopping at local markets, fairs and stores not only do you instantly reduce shipping costs but you are also supporting your local community. When giving gifts this season try to look for items made from recycled, organic, or upcycled materials. Support local artisans by visiting Christmas craft fairs and choosing handmade gifts with minimal packaging. Give reusable gifts like stainless steel water bottles, bamboo utensils, or cloth produce bags. Or give the gift of experience like cooking classes, concert tickets or memberships to local charities and parks.

Did you know….. Santa’s reindeers are probably all female.

Contrary to popular belief, Santa’s reindeer are likely female. Male reindeer lose their antlers in early winter, while females keep theirs through the season. So if Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, and the gang are rocking their antlers on Christmas Eve, it means Santa’s team is really girl power in action.

An eco-friendly Christmas doesn’t mean giving up on traditions or being bah humbug. It’s about finding new ways to honour the festive spirit in a way that respects the planet. Small changes like choosing eco-friendly decorations or opting for local or handmade gifts can make a significant difference. Why not join us for our first Christmas Craft Fair at Painters Forstal Community Hall on Saturday 16th November between 10am and 2pm. You’ll find wonderful, unique artisan gifts, food and decor on offer and be supporting your local community. There will also be mulled wine, hot chocolate, bacon rolls and cake available.

A Christmas that aligns with values of kindness, thoughtfulness and community is truly the season of goodwill.

Are you dreaming of a Green Christmas?