Minimum environmental impact Christmas

2020 has been a difficult year for everyone. Thankfully there have been some small wins for the environment including a reduction of greenhouse emissions and the flourishing of ecosystems normally disrupted by human activity. Christmas is often a time of overconsumption and excessive waste production which is why we need to be mindful of the environmental impacts of how we celebrate. Here are some ways to reduce the impact of your Christmas when planning your food, decorations and presents.

Ditch the disposables! Get everyone involved in washing and drying up rather than throwing out
Fashion your fabric scraps or and old sheet into linen napkins for the table
Go for natural materials when purchasing Christmas decorations. Avoid plastic, polystyrene or easily broken glass.
Put out separate bins for recycling in the kitchen so all waste goes in the correct bin. If you do not have a worm farm or compost bin consider purchasing one as a Christmas present!
Think carefully about the gifts you give – something they want, something they need, something to wear or something to read
Buy ecofriendly gifts that will last, consider make your gifts or donating money
Use what you have around the house to wrap gifts. This could include glossy magazines, painted newspaper or material and tea towels. Start saving materials like this for present giving during the year. If you need to buy Christmas paper make sure it has been made from reusable sources.
Making your own Christmas cards and gift tags using scrap materials from around the house.
Have an eco-friendly Christmas tree- one that is living or make one out of sticks and natural materials
Donate unwanted gifts instead of putting them in the bin
Lean towards more plant-based ingredients in your food choice and make sure to buy local
Try not to over-cater! Ask your guests to bring a reusable container to take leftovers home

Some more tips on a sustainable Christmas can be found in the websites below:

Be an eco-warrior and change the culture of your family Christmas to be more eco-friendly one! Remember the words of Jane Goodall “What you do makes a difference, and you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make.” Have a wonderful Christmas.

Maailma and Primary Enviro Girls