How to enjoy a greener Christmas

As Christmas looms tantalisingly on the crimson horizons, you may find that you begin to not only overspend, but you also overbuy. And while a few burned holes in the pocket may impact you in the short-term, to be reconciled come the New Year, the impact that excessive waste has on the planet cannot be understated.

So, if you plan to spend more mindfully this festive season, whether it’s for budgeting or environmental reasons – or a combination of both – here are some top tips.

USE YOUR COMPOST BINS

It’s common to overspend when buying ingredients for Christmas lunch, resulting in large amounts of waste.

If you follow a recipe, it might state how many people the dish serves and you can shop accordingly, so you’re less likely to overspend and create unnecessary waste – particularly if you’re cooking for a smaller group than usual.

For any food waste you do generate, try to make use of the food compost and green waste bins. You can even use some waste to grow your own plants – try planting an avocado stone or growing tomatoes from the seeds of supermarket veg.

CUT OUT PLASTIC WRAPPING

Go for loose fruit and vegetables, which are often cheaper than packaged ones.

Many high street and independent supermarkets also offer ‘wonky’ fruit and veg, which are cheaper than regular items, but just as delicious and nutritious.

SHOP LOCAL

This can be more cost effective and helps to support local businesses, while reducing transport emissions.

Or, if a healthy diet is the goal for your New Year’s resolution. why not adventurously begin early and try eating something different this year. By swapping red meat for a vegetarian recipe on Christmas Day, you could reduce your carbon footprint and also save money.

Or if you can’t give up the turkey and pigs in blankets, try cutting down on red meat in the run-up to the big day instead.

PUT A LID ON IT

And only boil the amount of water you actually need – these little hacks go a long way, and can help reduce your energy bills.

RENT A CHRISTMAS TREE

Rather than buying a tree that could end up out with the bins in January, you could consider renting a Christmas tree. That way, you can enjoy it over the festive season, then the tree gets picked up after the holidays and returned to a farm.

If you have a garden, another option is to plant your Christmas tree in between seasons and use it again each Christmas – which will save you buying a tree every year.

AN E-CARD FROM ME TO YOU

Reusing gift wrap from last Christmas can cut costs and waste. You can also get creative with your wrapping, using old magazines and spare fabric. Try sending e-cards, or make your own using paper and materials lying around the house.

E FOR ENERGY-SAVING

Energy-saving LED lights are available from many stores or garden centres. You could also switch to solar-powered outdoor lights, which can be operated on a timer.

If the average household replaced all of their bulbs with LEDs, they could potentially save £40 a year on bills.

DON’T IMPULSE BUY

Whether it’s online or in person, try to be mindful of how, when and where you shop.

There’s often a pressure to buy gifts for people unnecessarily. Although this comes with good intentions, it can lead to overspending and more waste sent to landfill.

You could also try to limit the number of different online deliveries to your home, to help reduce vehicle emissions and excess packaging. It could also save you from paying multiple delivery charges, which can all add up.

GIVE PRESENTS THAT LAST

Examples of thoughtful and long lasting presents could include a houseplant or a memory photo album.

Buying ‘gift experience’ vouchers to be used some time in the future could also help support local businesses at a time when they need it most.

CHANGE PROVIDER

At this time of year, households’ energy consumption is particularly high. So, you could switch to a cheaper tariff or provider.

You could also consider a renewable energy provider as a way of going green.