Sustainable Christmas
The holiday season is a time of joy, giving, and celebration, but it can also lead to a significant increase in waste and consumption. This toolkit is designed to help you enjoy a festive and sustainable Christmas, reducing your environmental impact while still embracing the holiday spirit. By making thoughtful choices, we can all contribute to a greener, more sustainable future. Let's celebrate consciously and make this Christmas one to remember for all the right reasons.
Shopping
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Adopt a mindset of buying only what you need, choosing high-quality and sustainable products, and repairing items instead of replacing them. Find out more about our Repair Cafés here! This reduces waste and the demand for new resources.
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Shop secondhand at charity shops, or online marketplaces to find pre-loved items at affordable prices.
Buying secondhand reduces demand for new products and extends the lifespan of existing ones.
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Practice mindful consumption by considering the environmental and social impacts of products before purchasing. Look for eco-friendly certifications, fair trade labels, and ethically sourced materials.
Good On You: Ethical Fashion Guide
Visit the Refill Shop
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Organise or participate in community swap events where people can exchange clothing, books, toys, and other items. Swapping reduces the demand for new products and promotes reuse within the community.
Come along to the Our Zero Selby Christmas Jumper swop 13th November 2.30-4.30 at Community House. -
here’s often a huge swathe of clear-outs after Christmas, but consider making room for all those lovely presents beforehand. Charity shops and local initiatives such as the Spirit of Christmas are very appreciative of preloved items in decent condition that can be redistributed across the community- so everybody can have a truly merry Christmas
Decorations and Wrapping
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Get creative with do-it-yourself (DIY) and upcycling projects to repurpose old items into new treasures. Explore online tutorials and workshops to learn new skills and breathe new life into old materials.
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Traditional wrapping paper often cannot be recycled and contributes to significant waste. Opt for recyclable or reusable wrapping options, such as fabric wrapping squares or recycled paper.
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Create your own Christmas crackers with items that people will actually want and use rather than plastic trinkets. Fill them with small, useful gifts, jokes, or handwritten notes.
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Choosing a sustainable tree option can significantly reduce your carbon footprint. Consider a potted tree that can be replanted, a rented tree, or a high-quality artificial tree that can be reused for many years.
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After the holidays, have your real tree collected and turned into mulch. Local charities such as Rotary Clubs often organise tree collections and mulching services, helping to recycle your tree in an environmentally friendly way.
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Repairing instead of replacing Christmas lights reduces electronic waste and saves money. Attend our Repair Café events to fix your lights or learn how to do it yourself with online tutorials.
Gift-Giving
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Give the gift of experiences rather than physical items. Experiences such as cooking classes, concert tickets, annual passes or a day out create lasting memories without the environmental impact of material goods.
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Create homemade gifts such as baked goods, knitted items, or personalised crafts. These gifts are often more meaningful and reduce the environmental impact associated with manufacturing and shipping new products.
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Opt for digital gifts like e-books, online courses, or streaming service subscriptions. These gifts have a lower environmental footprint and can be enjoyed instantly.
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Choose products with minimal or recyclable packaging to reduce waste. Look for brands that use compostable or biodegradable packaging materials and support initiatives for package-free shopping. By being mindful of your purchases, you can reduce waste and support sustainable businesses.
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Instead of sending traditional paper Christmas cards, choose digital versions. This reduces paper waste and the environmental impact associated with printing and mailing cards.
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We all get unwanted gifts, but you can donate them to local charities, or look out for local initiatives asking for donations- don't just throw things away!