It’s the most wonderful time of the year! With less than a week to go until Christmas, we’re sharing some top tips on how you can make more sustainable choices this year. Hopefully this will also help you to influence your friends and family to do the same, as reducing your carbon emissions over the festive period is a great way to help pave the way into a more sustainable new year for all.
Presents that help the planet
- It’s all about quality over quantity: Quality items will last longer than many poor-quality ones. This will also avoid gifts going to waste and minimise overall costs.
- Focus on experiences: By gifting an experience instead of a physical item, this can reduce your carbon footprint and can create incredible memories with loved ones.
- Choose sustainable wrapping: Ensure to purchase cards and wrapping paper made from recycled or FSC-certified paper, and avoid plastic ribbon and tape.
Do more with decorations
- Buy sustainable crackers: Ensure to look for recyclable and FSC-certified crackers, or you can also make your own reusable ones.
- Setting the table: Reuse your fabric tablecloths and napkins instead of using a single use item for your table.
- Time to think about your tree: Did you know you can rent a tree? Hire out a tree and contribute towards a healthy planet by watering every day and then returning to the farm to be cared for until next year.
Food, glorious food
- Reduce food waste: Take time to meal plan and be realistic with how much food you need, as this will reduce your food waste and subsequent carbon emissions.
- Shop local: Buy seasonal and local products where possible, to reduce energy on flying food to the UK and growing out of season products here.
- Try meat free: Why not try a plant-based diet over Christmas instead of traditional turkey? You can also try shopping organic and free range products to help the environment.
We hope you have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. To find out more about our journey towards a more sustainable Elmbridge, please see Sustainable Elmbridge.