Going zero waste this Christmas is possible – here’s how
At this time of year, we often generate tremendous amounts of trash – but there are steps you can follow to ease the burden on landfills, and reduce your impact on the planet
It’s easy to fall into a frenzy of buying new Christmas decorations, stockpiling excessive gifts, and lining our wardrobes with colourful wrapping paper.
But when the big day has come and gone, we’re left with heaps of discarded gift wrap, broken Christmas lights, gifts that we won’t use, and plenty of junk to be packed into a storage cupboard for another year.
With more consumers keen on reducing their environmental impact, Christmas is the perfect time to make smart consumption choices. Going zero waste is not as daunting as it seems, and can make the holiday season less about material things and more about memorable experiences.
Gifts
To reduce waste, wrap gifts in recycled brown paper or sturdy boxes that can be reused. You can try the traditional Japanese style of cloth wrapping called furoshiki by using scarves, fabrics or T-shirts.
Instead of sending Christmas cards or photos printed on glossy paper, send cards made with recycled paper or e-cards this year.
As far as the gifts go, you can significantly reduce waste by making home-made gifts for friends and family. These can include Christmas cookies, soup or cake mixes prepared in mason jars, knitted clothing, home-made body scrubs. If you’re not the crafty type, you can buy memberships, upcycled toys or preloved fashions.
If you really want to gift something impressive to loved ones, shop with eco-friendly brands. Lush Fresh Handmade Cosmetics offer package-free “naked” products that can be wrapped in knot-wraps made from recycled plastic bottles. You could encourage the recipient to become more eco-conscious in the new year by gifting something reusable, like bamboo kitchenware, plant-based leather accessories, or upcycled jewellery.
Perhaps the most effective thing to do is simply buy less. Instead of making the holidays solely about gift giving, opt for experiences over merchandise. Set a limit on the number of gifts exchanged and instead spend time ice skating, watching a Christmas film, singing carols, or volunteering at a soup kitchen.
Decorations
