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Sustainable Christmas

Making sustainable changes at Xmas can be difficult. There are many societal pressures about what constitutes a good Xmas. We can still have a happy time with family and friends without breaking the bank and we need to keep the care of the environment high in our priorities. As we start to think about preparations for this festive time of year here are a few tips to try out.

Gift wrapping
In the UK we use 108 million rolls of paper at Xmas.. enough to go round the equator 9 times.

Reuse and recycle saved paper
Use old comics, newspaper or even sheet music.
Use left over scraps of fabric
If you do buy new paper then choose the recyclable sort. (Not shiny, glittery paper)
You could use brown paper and decorate it.
Use string or ribbon or paper tape for wrapping or buy plastic free sellotape. “Sellotape Zero” is one.
Use last year’s cards for gift tags or upcycle for this years Xmas cards.

Presents
Think outside the box.
Buy second hand from charity shops.
As a family establish a price limit, or say it should be home-made or recycled.
Gift an experience, outing or meal instead .

Send unwanted toys, games and puzzles and books to the charity shops or to your local Household Recycling Centre (where they are forwarding them to groups for needy children).

Children can still have a magical time without parents overdosing on consumerism.

Watch out for our special Advent Calendar arriving in December.

More Sustainable Xmas tips to follow next week.

Embsay with Eastby Environmental Action Group