This website has been built to comply with current web standards, but is accessible to any browser, screen reader or internet enabled device.

Home > Tips for a sustainable festive season

Tips for a sustainable festive season

The choices you make this Christmas can make a big difference to the environment. Here are some simple tips for a 'greener' festive season.

Cards, wrapping and decorating

Look for cards and wrapping paper that have some recycled paper content.
Make gift tags from old greeting cards and wrapping paper.
Save unusual papers, children’s paintings and comics to wrap gifts.
Recycle greeting cards, paper and tissue wrapping in your recycle bin.
Save cellophane or foil wrapping paper to use again or dispose of it in your rubbish bin.
Send e-Christmas cards.
Make your own Christmas decorations and reuse decorations each year.
If you buy a living tree, have it chipped into mulch or take it to a green waste facility for disposal.
Buy a living tree to plant in your garden or keep it in a pot for next year.
If you are having Christmas lights, reduce the size of your display, use energy-efficient LED lighting and turn lights off when you go to bed. You may wish to put your lights on a timer to automatically turn them on and off.

Give a gift that gives, such as a charity donation or aid project sponsorship.
Indulge friends with flowers and vegetables from your own garden or an organic hamper from the local farmer’s market.
Make chutneys, cakes, flavoured oils, biscuits or chocolate truffles for presents.
Instead of giving purchased goods, give a special treat, such as theatre tickets, a massage, child care, dog walk, garden care, day spa visit.
Give a gift for the garden – a plant, worm farm or compost bin.
Volunteer your time to deliver hampers, prepare meals for community groups or help out at the RSPCA.
Find unique, recycled gifts at the local markets, on-line market places, antique jewellery and vintage shops.
Look for locally-made gifts from markets, fairs and artisan shops.
Look for unusual gifts made from recycled materials, such as glass tableware, stationery or photo frames.
Buy gifts which are durable and avoid disposable parts, including batteries.
Wrap gifts with reusable materials, such as pre-loved bags, fabric, or pretty boxes.
Using ribbon instead of tape to seal wrapping makes it easier to reuse the wrapping paper.

Choose seasonal, locally-sourced food and drink and support your local produce markets.
Buy organic and/or free-range food.
Buy food with minimal packaging.
Try to avoid disposable plates, cups and cutlery. If it’s necessary to use them, dispose of cutlery in your rubbish bin and dispose of plates, bowls or cups made of hard plastic, paper or cardboard in your recycle bin.
Plan menus to avoid wasted, excess food. The average family wastes around a third of the food they buy.
Start a compost bin or work farm for leftover/unwanted food.
Buy food and drink packaged in materials that can be recycled.