Christmas is well and truly here, with only a few weeks left to go until the big day. The advent calendars have begun and before we know it we’ll be in a wonderful food coma of Quality Street and left over turkey during the gloriously hazy days between Christmas and New Year where no one really knows what day, time or even year it is. I’m usually the first to start eating my own body weight in food, wrapping presents in a lavish manner and generally consuming everything in excess. And who isn’t? ’Tis the season of excess after all. But this year I can’t help but take a step back and think about the environmental impact all of this consumption is having. I think we can all agree that 2018 was the year that we all started to become more aware than ever about the importance of sustainability. There’s more shame now in using a plastic straw or single-use water bottle than ever before. We’ve all become so much more aware this year and that is brilliant, but when it comes to Christmas is that going to go out of the window in exchange for some good old traditional Christmas cheer?

I certainly don’t want to sound like a miserable scrouge when talking about this, and I am definitely not perfect, but it does seem kind of hypocritical to be focused all year on making sure we are acting in a more environmentally responsible way only for that to be blown in the final few weeks of the year when consumption is at an all time high anyway. It’s important that we still enjoy this time of year because it can be so beautiful and magical, but it is also important that we keep in mind the impact that we are having. 

Most of us are aware of, and have introduced, ways of being more environmentally conscious in our everyday lives. There is no reason why so many of these can’t be extended to the festive season and it can be so much more simple than you think. And no, it doesn’t have to cost you considerably more than your usual habits would at an already expensive time of year. So with this in mind I have outlined some ways in which I am going to try and be a little more conscious this holiday season. 

Present wrapping

Whether you love it or hate it, present wrapping is a pretty essential part of the pre-Christmas preparation. Reams of ribbon and paper are used every year only for them to be thrown away come 25th December, I think we can all agree that isn’t the best. To be a little more environmentally friendly why not purchase wrapping paper that is made from recycled materials and/or can be recycled again? Avoid the wrapping options, such as the plastic coated paper, cellophane and plastic ribbon, that can’t be recycled and you’ll make a great start. Alternatively you could forego the paper altogether. If something already comes in a beautiful gift box (think expensive candles and clothing items) then don’t wrap it up any further. Or you could wrap your presents in something that is more likely to be reused, such as a box or a scarf. 

Re-use decorations 

The internet can make you believe that it’s normal to have an entirely different Christmas decoration theme every year, or that you need one, and trust me you don’t. I never remember this being a “thing” when I was growing up but now it seems that every year there is a new trend to buy into. The new decorations are fun and it’s tempting but what about all the decorations you bought last year? Of course, if you’ve moved and now have more space to decorate or yours have seen better days then go ahead. But if there isn’t anything wrong with last year’s then why not just get them out again, and maybe just treat yourself to 1 or 2 if you really can’t resist. 

Thoughtful presents

When it comes to presents this is where most of us can make a difference. Put a ban on yourself (and others if possible) on buying the crap that no one really wants or will ever use to cut down on the amount that will inevitably end up in the bin. When it comes to the bigger presents why not look for a more ethical or sustainably sourced alternative? Instead of picking a cashmere jumper from any high street retailer why not head to Everlane or People Tree for a more ethically sourced option? Opt for a vegan leather bag instead of normal leather (Matt & Nat do some gorgeous ones) or go for something that will help for the rest of the year like a re-usable cup or cutlery set. These presents will still be appreciated, don’t have to be outside of your original budget but can all help in a little way to improve the situation. 

Food

This is the time of year when you can eat in excess with virtually no judgement, and isn’t it glorious? A mid-morning Quality Street? Why not! A fourth mince pie? Well of course! The food is brilliant at this time of year and it’s equally as irresistible, but with the endless options comes a large amount of food waste. If we’re honest most of us will be sick of the sight of turkey in a few days and with endless spreads being offered at every Christmas party it’s a sad fact that so much will get binned. Our food waste in the UK is astronomical so let’s not make it any worse. By no means should any of us stop catering parties and enjoy the food on offer at this time of year but maybe we could all be a little more mindful about the amount of food we are purchasing and whether or not it will all get eaten before the New Year shreds begin. 

Christmas is a wonderful time of the year and a time that really should be enjoyed. It’s the perfect opportunity to let your hair down after a busy year and thoroughly enjoy yourself, whether thats through treating one another or eating out. I’m definitely not saying that we should sacrifice our enjoyment at this time of year, however, we could probably all do a little bit more to make sure that we’re as environmentally conscious at Christmas as we are the rest of the year. After all, it’s much easier to get back into all of the good habits in the New Year if you never really abandoned them in the first place.