By Grazia B, Emily W, Amalia M, Nina H, Lois B
Christmas season is a time that should be dedicated to joy and giving, and what better way to celebrate it than making the holidays more sustainable? Here are some suggestions on how to do that:
Choose Sustainable Gifts
Make an effort to choose gifts that leave a positive impact on the environment. Consider items made from recycled materials and avoid fast fashion brands. Choosing gifts in a sustainable way not only helps the planet, but also allows you to give people you love unique and original presents. Here are some ideas:
Homemade Gifts
Websites For Unique Gifts
- Who wouldn’t want a star to be named after them?
- For the animals lovers, why not adopt a penguin!
- Want to feel like royalty? Invest in a title.
Support Small Businesses
Embrace the holiday spirit of giving by supporting local and small businesses, helping to reduce the carbon footprint associated with large-scale production. Here are some ideas:
Christmas Markets
Local, small businesses often sell their products at Christmas Markets, such as Bristol Christmas Market and Bath Christmas Market. Pop along to enjoy a fun day out and find a sustainable gift!
Online Small Businesses
Shop handmade ceramics here.
Shop handmade home decor here.
Prepare A Sustainable Christmas Dinner
Try minimising food waste: consider portion sizes, share extras with neighbours or local charities and try alternative sustainable recipes. Need some inspiration? Here are some of our favourite recipes:
Mushroom and Cranberry Nut Roast
Veggie Sausage and Cranberry Wellington
Briam - Greek Vegetable Medley
Vegetable Lasagna
Chickpea Farinata (Italian Chickpea Pancake)
Craft Sustainable Ornaments
Get creative and craft homemade ornaments that add a personal touch to your Christmas tree. Try using recycled materials, such as old fabric, paper, or even repurpose broken decorations into new ones. Here are some examples: https://pin.it/19j2y12; https://pin.it/6XnHaYD; https://pin.it/6XnHaYD.
Choose Recyclable Christmas Trees
Opt for an eco-friendly Christmas tree option. Invest in high-quality artificial trees made from recyclable materials that will last you a lifetime. If you prefer a real tree, why not try renting one?