Wrapping paper, plastic packaging, plastic decorations, too much food and many unwanted gifts... These are just some of the ways the holiday season contributes to waste. 

However, it doesn't have to be that way...

There are plenty of things you can do to make the holiday season sustainable. 

You just have to know how & where to start! 

So in this blog, you'll find everything you need to have a sustainable Christmas: 

1. Sustainable Gift Ideas 
2. Gifts for Teenagers 
3. Gifts for Kids 
4. Wrapping Paper
5. Christmas Cards 
6. Decorations 
7. Christmas Trees 
8. And food 

We wish you zero waste and maximum cheer 😅🎄

1. SUSTAINABLE GIFT IDEAS

Non-Physical Gift Ideas

Christmas doesn't have to be about physical gifts. 

You can gift experiences, which encourage quality-time and discourages single-use plastics too! 

Here's a few ideas:

• Read a book to someone who is ill or elderly over zoom 
• Donate to a charity in someone else's name 
• Gift to charitable or environmental initiatives - like One Tree Planted. 
• Gift cards are a great way to ensure your giftee gets something that they will use

Physical Gift Ideas 

We understand that there are times where you might need to give something tangible - whether it's for Secret Santa or a more traditional Christmas approach. 

Here are some ideas for physical gifts:

• Handmade condiments in a reusable jar 

Homemade jam, pickles, and chutney make a thoughtful gift which your giftee can consume.

To make it more special, add some cute wrapping. Cut out rounds of gingham fabric, wrap the top of the jar and secure with twine. You can then add a hanging paper tag stamped with holiday greetings to complete the look. 

• Shop at the thrift stores 

Remember - you don't have to buy new. There are plenty of great-quality options available at second-hand shops, and you may even find something vintage & valuable!

2. GIFTS FOR TEENAGERS

Teenagers are notoriously hard to buy for. 

But today's teenagers are paying attention to the zero waste movement and will appreciate a sustainable gift more than anyone else. 

Here are some ideas:

1) Reusable Razor

Great for both genders. They have a nice weight and luxurious feel. 

Plus, they cut out the need for disposable razors saving plastic and money.

2) Eco-Friendly Make Up

From zero-waste cake mascara, to recyclable lipstick, natural cheek tint, and eye brow tint... We have lots of plastic-free, chemical-free make-up which makes great stocking fillers!

3) Bamboo Socks

Every year, my parents give me a pair of socks in my stocking. They are useful and fun - make sure you choose a sustainable material, like bamboo, cotton, or hemp. 

4) Coconut Candles

Made from a mix of coconut & soy wax - these smell amazing, burn slowly, and can be reused as coconut bowls after!

3. GIFTS FOR KIDS

4. WRAPPING PAPER

Wrapping paper isn't necessary but it's fun and can be half the experience of getting a gift. 

You can still gift beautiful presents without the ugly waste. Instead try: 

• Save the comics from the Sunday paper or the Sunday funny papers & use these as gift wrapping 
• Use plain brown packaging paper, and use brightly-colored yarn to tie them up 
• Use Reusable Christmas bags (we've developed some sustainable cotton ones here which you can preorder now) 

PS: Whatever wrapping paper you do use can easily be recycled and used again.

5. CHRISTMAS CARDS

Glittery and glossy cards often can't be recycled - so while they look dazzling, they aren't good for the environment. 

If you want to send Christmas cards, here are some options:

• Plantable cards 
• Reuse old Christmas cards (by cutting your favorite bits out)
• E-cards!

You can also reuse old cards to create gift tags.   

6. DECORATIONS

7.  CHRISTMAS TREE

While an artificial tree is often made of plastic, they can last 20+ years so there's an argument for these being the more-sustainable option.

However, sometimes there's nothing better than the festive smell of a locally-grown tree. Just make sure you support your local farms that grow their own trees nearby and can then be composted back in the grounds after Christmas. 

8. FOOD

We cook in abundance for the holiday season, and while leftovers are great, food waste is not. 

Throwing food away can be easily avoided.  

So here's a few tips to help reduce food waste: 

• Invite your guests to bring their own Tupperware over so they can take any leftovers home
• Preserve your food with reusable stretch lids, silicone food huggers or beeswax wraps
• Use a compost bin so you can give nutrients back to the soil. If you're not sure what can be composted, check out our Composting Bible here.

AND ONE FINAL WORD...

And finally, if you don’t want to do Christmas, don’t. 

Don’t let expectations from others get in the way of your peace and quiet. 

Christmas has become so commercialized with a lot of focus on the material things... rather than the time you spend with your friends and family. 

For me, the best thing about Christmas is gathering around the locally-grown Christmas tree, eating leftovers on Boxing Day, and enjoying a classic film with my family in front of the fire, with my dog on my lap.

However you spend the holiday season, we wish you so much joy and happiness.