We all know just how important it is to make more eco-friendly choices nowadays, and that doesn't change at Christmas. Being sustainable doesn't have to be difficult, in fact we think everyone is able to have a jolly, sustainable Christmas! Small changes can make all the difference in reducing our environmental footprint, especially over Christmas, when the potential for waste and over consumption is high. Here are our top tips for Earth-friendly festive decorating...
Christmas Trees
Real or faux? That's the big tree debate! The good news is, there's more sustainable options no matter your preference. A recent study suggested that you would need to use your plastic Christmas tree for 20 years in order for it to be greener than a real tree. This doesn't necessarily make a faux tree a bad choice, just be sure to pick a good quality tree that you are going to love and use for many years to come! If you do prefer a faux tree, it is also a great idea to shop for one second-hand via your local charity shops, bootfairs and even online via platforms such as eBay and Facebook Marketplace.
If you opt for a real tree, there are multiple factors to consider. Firstly, ensure it’s been grown as locally as possible. You can go to growninbritain.org to find out about growers in your area. Also look out for the ‘Grown in Britain’ label or Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) ‘seal of approval’, both of which guarantee your tree has been grown to strict environmental standards. You can also rent a real Christmas tree through various different schemes! This way you get to decorate and care for a real tree during the festive period before it gets picked up and replanted in January. After Christmas, be sure to go to recyclenow to find out about drop-off points in your area, where your old tree will be recycled and don't add to the seven million real trees will be sent to landfill in January.
You could also go down an entirely different route and pick up a unique Christmas tree alternative that you're able to use again and again. There are lots of exciting alternatives to Christmas trees on the market, including wooden trees, upcycled branches and even tree murals! Have fun finding something that is perfect for you.
Christmas Lights
A great way to make this Christmas the greenest one yet is to switch up the lights you are using! If every UK household swapped a string of incandescent lights for the LED equivalent, we could save more than £11 million and over 29,000 tonnes of CO2, just over the 12 days of Christmas. Not only is that better for the environment, but it's better for our wallets too! LED lights use up to 80% less energy, making them the obvious choice for a more sustainable Christmas. We also suggest switching to solar powered lights outdoors, and be sure to put all of your Christmas lights on a timer to help cut down on energy wastage.
Of course, lights aren't essential! You can create an equally cosy atmosphere in your home with the use of candles, which not only saves on electricity, it will also save you some pennies! Our Brass Candle Stick Holders are perfect for adding a touch of ambience to a room and are made from gorgeous recycled brass.
Christmas Decorations
We think the best decorations are ones that you will reuse year after year. Many of our favourite Christmas decorations have been passed down from our family members and are treasured heirlooms that we will keep for many years more. However, we do also love to add some new pieces to our collection here and there, making sure to choose ethically made & sustainable decorations that will also stand the test of time.
Choose decorations made from natural, sustainable materials such as wood, glass, recycled paper, soapstone & brass. All of our Christmas decorations are ethically handmade from sustainable materials Choose from soapstone squirrels, beaded octopuses, felt pompom garlands & recycled paper baubles.
Buying secondhand decorations is also a great way to save some money, as well as being a more sustainable option than purchasing new, plastic ornaments. Keep an eye out at your local charity shops as well as online marketplaces such as Facebook and eBay. Not only will this save your some cash, you will also be saving decorations from landfill!
You could also make your own festive decorations from things you already have at home! Use foraged greenery to make your own wreath and tie it off with some recycled ribbon. Cut paper snowflakes out of scrap paper or make your own pom pom garland out of any odds and ends of yarn you have at home.