Christmas can often be a stressful and difficult time for overconsumption and trying to be sustainable. While you want to enjoy the magic of the season, the gift giving, the food, there often ends up a nagging sensation around the capitalist’s Christmas.
There are small swaps that we can make to help calm our nerves when it comes to sustainable Christmas swaps that are just as fun and festive.
Christmas wrapping
When it comes to presents think about what you’re wrapping them in, old newspapers can look gorgeous as wrapping paper for a vintage look. Many wrapping papers are not recyclable if they have glitter, foil, or any fancy extras. The newspapers are definitely recyclable or can even be used if you have a fire later on with smores.
A sustainable Christmas dinner
At the dinner table, there is often a lot of meat, from turkey to gammon and beef. You don’t have to give it all up but potentially add some more vegetarian options like a vegetarian Wellington or meat substitutes for bacon in pigs in blankets. Vegetarian or vegan substitutes can often seem very daunting for people who dislike their Christmas dinners being messed with but even an attempt to add some variation can make a difference and add new ventures.
Donating
Another way to not be wasteful with food is to look at options to give away to food banks and charities. Many food banks often ask for boxes of chocolates and sweets to be donated so families can also enjoy the little parts of Christmas.
Re-use and recycle!
Remind yourself that it is not needed to buy new decorations every single year. It may feel very overwhelming to go into supermarkets and see new baubles, signs, and accessories but they aren’t needed. Instead, remain purposeful with decorating. Try to get handmade options or ones that you will use again and again. Charity shops always have brilliant second-hand Christmas options that would also make a great day out.
Sustainable gift-giving
Speaking of charity shops, you can find some unique gifts in them. There will often be great office Secret Santa options, or gifts for people you do not know well as an alternative to buying yet another mug. Charity shops often offer fantastic options for children too with affordable books and games.
A key element of sustainability is purposeful gifting. Try and gift an experience or something to go and do rather than buy things for people. Or get creative! Bake or make something yourself. Christmas over the past few years has encouraged a ridiculous amount of overconsumption when realistically gifting should be personal. You can always gift by giving back. Many charities offer Christmas donation gifts such as supporting children or animals for a month or a year.
Focusing on sustainability does not mean a boring Christmas, it creates a meaningful and purpose-led festive holiday.
Featured image – Pexels
Film, Media and Journalism student who writes about things that catch her interest. Instagram @charlsutcliffe
