Christmas it may be the most beautiful time of the year, but it’s also a time of overconsumption.

In the UK alone, the average family spends around €811 more in December than in other months on gifts, treats, decorations, etc. As consumption rises, so does the amount of trash. In the USA, for example, by Christmas the amount of household waste increases by 25%.

However, there are some tips to make the best time of the year a little greener.

From used to homemade gifts

Of course, giving and receiving gifts is one of the greatest Christmas traditions. Anyone who makes smart gifts can help not only protect the environment, but also their wallet.

This way, you can think ahead about what you want to buy, avoiding rash purchases or looking for local products made from sustainable or recyclable materials. It is also a good idea to confirm that the gifts are durable and recyclable, as they are often only used a few times and then collect dust or end up in the bin.

If they give you something that doesn’t suit your taste, you can re-gift it.

According to a study published in the journal Nature in 2020, the myriad of human-made objects now outnumber all living organisms on Earth. Therefore, in search of gifts, it is preferable to visit vintage stores or second-hand shops.

Also, for those with a talent for needlework or cooking, a handmade gift or sweet treat would be a great option. Tickets for concerts, shows and other events also make great gifts.

Avoid Waste

Every year around 50,000 trees are cut down to produce over 365,000 km of wrapping paper used in the UK. Despite the beauty, most wrapping paper contains plastic, so it is not recycled.

A simple trick to determine if wrapping paper is just paper is to crumple it into a ball. If it remains as it is, it can be recycled. Use old wrapping paper or wrap the gift in newspaper. Cloth bags are also a good solution.

sustainable food

The Christmas season is also food waste season. According to the UN Environment Programme, more than 930 million tons of food was wasted in 2019, 60% of which came from private households.

If you think ahead about how many people you will be and how many servings you will need, you can better plan your meals and save money while protecting the environment.

If possible, opt for vegetarian food to reduce the carbon footprint of your Christmas dinner. Otherwise, try reducing the amount of meat and be careful what type of meat you use. By shopping at neighborhood stores, you reduce emissions. The same is true for the whole year, of course.

Eco-Friendly Christmas Lighting

It’s a fact that Christmas decorations, and especially garlands, bring a nice touch of warmth into the home these days. LED lighting is an ecological alternative, more economical, but also more energy efficient, safer and more durable.

Old decorations can also be reused, but if you want to freshen up your Christmas tree, you can make Christmas decorations with your family or friends from any material, or use or make from recyclable or sustainable materials.

Plastic or real tree?

Many people don’t know what is ultimately more sustainable. According to conservation organization WWF, buying an artificial tree only makes sense if it will be used for at least 10 years, and WWF suggests buying an FSC-certified tree so you can be sure the tree will be treated afterwards.

But there are other alternatives, such as a growing number of tree rental services that are potted and replanted after Christmas.

Source: Deutsche Welle.