How to Have a Merry, Eco-Friendly Christmas

Deck the halls with boughs of organic holly!

‘Tis the season of excess and consumption, but that doesn’t mean you can’t give a little love to Mother Earth!

The time is up for inaction on climate change and after COP26 the world is more aware than ever of humanity’s carelessness.

How about putting some goodies into the planet’s stockings this year by making an effort at home to mitigate the climate crisis? And tbh—these ideas make for some super cute alternatives to what you may be used to.

Don’t buy a plastic Christmas tree—rent a real one.

It’s tempting to go for one of those cheap plasticky trees that completely fall apart by the end of December, chuck 'em out and repeat the same thing next year.

But as you can guess, this isn’t great for the environment. And buying a real Christmas tree doesn’t necessarily solve the problem, either.

The issue here is dumping materials which never get reused. Renting is the perfect solution.

Image Credit: Any Lane via Pexels

You can find Christmas tree rentals in your local area—sometimes they’re a skip out of town, but you can treat this as a festive trip!

DIY your own reusable Advent calendar.

Instead of opting for a flimsy cardboard calendar from the supermarket with tiny disappointing chocolates inside, why not get crafty?

We’re already on the cusp of December but if you didn’t manage to snag an Advent calendar, this is the perfect excuse to make your own.

Fill your calendar with whatever you’d like or ask a friend or family member to fill it for you for a surprise!

Here’s some inspo to get you in the spirit.

Buy gifts from local, independent retailers.

You know those little boutique trinket stores you see around, but never venture into?

How about checking them out while the department stores are packed and finding some gifts which aren’t mass produced?

If you’re looking for an online alternative, Etsy is the number one online marketplace for homemade gifts. You’ll be sure to find something for everyone.

Wrap gifts with recycled paper or fabric.

There are plenty of things lying around your house that can be used as wrapping paper.

Got some old newspapers? Baskets? Boxes? A chip bag? You can’t tell me you don’t have any of those things.

Image Credit: Sanja Kostic via Treehugger

Source organic food for your Christmas feast.

Tasting platters and cheese boards are great for making your Christmas feast organic, with freshly sourced nibblies.

Most local food stores will be providing plenty of gourmet providore to make for a lip-smackingly tasty Chrissie.

You can read more about how to be environmentally conscious here. There’s always a way, year round, to get in the eco-friendly spirit!

Header Image: Iryna Kostsenich via Pexels