Have yourself a sustainable (and cost-effective) Christmas
Here at Stowe Family Law our Sustainable Stowe and Mental Health and Wellbeing groups have joined forces to bring you this article, taking the stress out of finding ways to make your Christmas eco-friendlier. Read on for plenty of hints and tips on ways to have a sustainable festive period – helping you save the planet and save money at the same time!
If you have any of your own tips, please do share them in the comments!
Tip 1 – A Tree for life, not just for Christmas
Real vs. fake – the great Christmas tree debate continues! Ideally, a real tree that’s been grown with care is the most sustainable choice for Christmas, but make up your own mind and learn about the benefits here.
The Altrincham office purchased a potted Christmas tree last year and it is still going strong and is ready for this year!
Alternatively, you can rent a sustainable Christmas tree – afterwards, it can be collected and cared for until next year.
Obviously, if you already own a fake tree then bringing it out again this year could be the most cost and environmentally effective option for you.
Tip 2 – shop savvy
There are lots of different ways you can think about where you shop and what you buy this Christmas, here are just a few ideas.
Sustainable Gift Shops
https://www.protecttheplanet.co.uk/
Pre-loved – often as good as new!
Give a gift of time!
Why not offer up to do an evening of babysitting, an afternoon of gardening or arrange to take them for a day out – something that would mean so much to someone you care about
Give a gift that saves the planet or helps others
Help plant your own forest and watch it grow with Ecologi
Tip 3 – it’s a wrap
Did you know that most wrapping paper is unable to be recycled due to the dyes, plastic coating or glitter used?
In the UK, around 108 million rolls of wrapping paper are binned every year at Christmas
More and more people are looking to alternative ways to package gifts, from reusable fabric bags to using up old newspapers and magazines
This blog from sustainably lazy features some great ideas on creative ways to look at eco-friendly and cost-effective ways to wrap your gifts this year
Tip 4 – waste not want not
Food production is the biggest cause of tropical reforestation, so do everything you can to reduce food waste. Plan ahead and don’t feel the need to buy extra ‘just in case’ that ends up being thrown away. And try and use up any leftovers – there are lots of tips and recipes online.
Where possible shop locally and seasonally and know your labels, look out for UK-grown products to reduce miles travelled and sustainability certification.
There is no escaping that many homes will be filled with cardboard boxes, card, and paper over the festive season – as well as those glass bottles from any drinks consumed! So, taking the time to recycle can be a great way to do your bit
And after Christmas, if you have received any unwanted gifts, don’t let them sit at the back of cupboard, donate them to a good cause.
The teams have found lots of info online to help you further:
Family and eco friendly Christmas guide from NSPCC
