HOW TO HAVE A SUSTAINABLE CHRISTMAS: MINIMISING WASTE AND MAKING ECO-FRIENDLY CHOICES

Christmas is a season of joy, giving, and togetherness, but it’s also a time when waste can easily get out of hand. Every year, tons of wrapping paper, Christmas decorations, and even unwanted gifts end up in landfills, impacting the environment in a big way. Fortunately, with a few mindful adjustments, we can celebrate a more sustainable Christmas that’s kinder to the planet.

Here’s how you can reduce waste this season by choosing recyclable and reusable items:

1. OPT FOR RECYCLABLE OR REUSABLE WRAPPING

Wrapping paper with glitter, foil, or plastic is often non-recyclable, so it’s best to avoid it. Instead, consider these eco-friendly alternatives:

• Recycled Kraft Paper: Simple yet stylish, Kraft paper can be decorated with twine or eco-friendly ribbon and is fully recyclable. Or keep an eye out for gorgeous festive printed craft papers that can easily be recycled.
• Fabric Wraps (Furoshiki): This Japanese-inspired technique uses cloth to wrap presents, creating a beautiful, reusable option.
• Reusable Gift Bags or Boxes: Gift bags, baskets, or decorative boxes make excellent, waste-free alternatives that can be reused by the recipient.

2. FOCUS ON THOUGHTFUL AND LASTING GIFTS

Often, Christmas presents end up forgotten or unused, especially novelty items and trinkets. Choose gifts with a purpose, durability, or practical value:

• Experiences Over Things: Gifting experiences like a cooking class, theatre tickets, or a weekend away creates memories without the material waste.
• Eco-friendly Products: Opt for gifts made from sustainable materials such as bamboo, recycled plastic, or organic cotton. There are many small British businesses that specialise in eco-friendly items like reusable water bottles, tote bags, and skincare. Our luxurious Gift Sets, thoughtfully curated with clean, natural ingredients and sustainable elements, make the perfect Christmas gift for those who cherish wellness, relaxation, and eco-friendly living.
• DIY Gifts: Homemade treats, candles, or preserves add a personal touch and are usually appreciated more than generic gifts.

3. RETHINK CHRISTMAS CRACKERS AND TABLE DECORATIONS

Christmas crackers and disposable decorations are popular but often end up in the bin, once the moment of festive fun is over.
Instead:

• Eco-Friendly Crackers: Look for plastic-free crackers made from recyclable or compostable materials, or try making your own with personalised contents.
• Natural Decorations: Use biodegradable items like dried orange slices, pinecones, or cinnamon sticks to decorate your tree or your table. These can be composted after the season, reducing waste.
• Invest in Timeless Décor: Opt for durable decorations that you can treasure and reuse year after year rather than single-use tinsel or plastic ornaments.

4. BE MINDFUL WITH FOOD AND DRINK

Food waste peaks over Christmas, so it’s worth planning carefully to avoid excess:

• Plan Portions and Shop Local: Purchase only what you need and try to buy from local farmers’ markets or shops where packaging is minimal.
• Use Leftovers Creatively: Get creative with leftovers—many festive foods can be turned into new meals or frozen for later. There are also apps and websites offering brilliant leftover recipe ideas.
• Compost Food Scraps: If you have access to a compost bin, this is a great way to ensure food scraps don’t end up in landfill.

5. AVOID SINGLE-USE PLASTICS

From plastic cutlery to disposable plates, single-use plastics are prevalent during festive gatherings. Avoid them by:

• Using Real Cutlery and Crockery: Even for larger gatherings, using real plates and cutlery is more sustainable than disposable options. Charity shops can have some fun finds if you need a few extra place settings or pieces of cutlery.
• Reusable Cups and Straws: If you need extra cups, try borrowing or investing in reusable options, and avoid plastic straws altogether.

6. CONSIDER SUSTAINABLE CHRISTMAS TREES

Traditional Christmas trees, while nostalgic, have environmental downsides if not disposed of responsibly. Here are some alternatives:

• Real Tree with a Plan: Real trees don’t have the carbon emissions that artificial trees need to be produced. In fact, real trees actually take in CO₂. If you do choose a real tree, look for one from a sustainable source and plan to recycle it at the end of the season.
• Potted Tree: A potted tree can be kept outside and brought in each year, or planted after the festive season.
• Artificial Tree: Every year I wonder which is better for the environment, a real or an artificial tree. According to Ecochain, the answer really depends on how many times you use your artificial Christmas tree – an artificial tree is more sustainable if you use it for as long as possible (approx. more than 10 years). Otherwise, a real tree is a more sustainable option.

7. SEND DIGITAL CHRISTMAS CARDS

While sending physical cards is a lovely tradition, many cards end up in landfills after Christmas. Digital cards offer a sustainable alternative, allowing you to send thoughtful messages without the waste. If you do prefer physical cards, consider:

• Recycled and Recyclable Cards: Choose cards made from recycled paper and avoid glitter or embellishments that can’t be recycled.
• Seed Paper Cards: These can be planted after use, blooming into flowers or herbs for a lovely, lasting memory.
• Make Gift Tags from Cards: A fun post-Christmas activity can be to cut up this year’s Christmas cards into smaller tags for gifts next year, giving them a longer life.

SMALL CHANGES, BIG IMPACT

A sustainable Christmas doesn’t mean missing out on festive cheer; it’s about celebrating more mindfully. Each small change, from choosing recyclable wrapping to shopping for durable, thoughtful gifts, contributes to a greener planet.

When you choose The Herbtender, you’re supporting our commitment to sustainability — from eco-conscious packaging to responsible sourcing — and as proud members of 1% for the Planet, you’re also helping us give back to environmental causes.

This year, embrace the spirit of giving by making choices that give back to the earth, creating a festive season that’s as kind to the environment as it is to the people around us.