Dreaming of a Green Christmas: Simple Eco-friendly Swaps for a Sustainable Holiday!
It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year!
Christmas is one of the most magical holidays—a time for gathering with family, celebrating traditions, and creating beautiful memories. After being away for much during the year, there’s nothing better than coming home to my favourite family Christmas traditions. But, the truth is, after deep diving into sustainability this year, I’ve found myself approaching Christmas with a less is more mindset. And the feeling that while the way you carry on Christmas traditions with Family shouldn’t have to change, maybe the WAY you go about them could stand to be more aligned with taking care of our planet which is already struggling to keep up with the amount of things we discard during the rest of the year.
Christmas in the media often emphasizes extravagant gift-giving, over-the-top decorations, and endless shopping, fueling a culture of consumerism. This representation can overshadow the true spirit of the season, leaving behind mountains of waste—including discarded trees and packaging—once the holiday is over. // Source: Unsplash (1: Darya Sannikova, 2: Anastasia Shuraeva, 3: Sam J).
Every year, the Christmas holidays bring an enormous surge in waste and consumption. To give you some context:
In the UK alone, 3 million tonnes of waste are generated over Christmas—30% more than at any other time of the year.
230,000 tonnes of food go uneaten during the holiday season, equating to 42 million plates of wasted food.
8 million real Christmas trees are discarded annually, producing methane—a greenhouse gas far more harmful than CO2—as they decompose.
I also heard on the radio today that 100 Billion dollars is sent on gifts annually that end up getting returned! Crazy, right?!
While these statistics are quite astonishing, they also remind us that we have the power to change the story of Christmas. One of the greatest gifts we can give ourselves and future generations is finding ways to think more carefully before we buy, and embrace creativity over consumerism during the holiday season.
There’s nothing better than Christmas leftovers, but how much is too much? Being mindful of how much we buy to how many people we need to feed helps keep food waste at a minimum!
Why a Low-Waste Christmas Matters
Christmas is a time of tradition. to hold onto those childhood memories, spark the Christmas spirit, or make our loved ones feel special. By no means does a sustainable Christmas mean sacrificing the joy of the holidays—it’s more so about shifting focus from material possessions to meaningful experiences.
The idea of a green Christmas also emphasizes connection—whether that’s connecting with loved ones over shared experiences, going for a family walk out in nature, or giving back to our communities. Every small change we make adds up and creates an experience packed with meaning, that won’t be retuned to the store or discarded of months later.
A few Christmas sustainability swaps: A potted tree that can be replanted, reusable cloth wrapping paper, and a dried orange garland for natural decor! // Source (1: Lina Kivaka, 2: Anastasia Shuraeva, 3: Katrin Bolovtsova)
Simple and Actionable Sustainable Christmas Tips
Here are some easy ways to make your holiday season more environmentally conscious this year:
🎁 Sustainable Gift Wrapping
Gift wrapping often ends up in the trash after just one use. Instead of buying shiny, non-recyclable wrapping paper, try:
Reusable fabric wraps like Shikiwrap, which can be used again and again.
Old newspapers or kraft paper that you can decorate with drawings, stamps, or handwritten notes.
Adding natural accents like twine, dried orange slices, or sprigs of evergreen for a festive, eco-friendly touch.
🎄 Which Kind of Christmas Tree Should I Buy?
Here’s a few tips:
Opt for a real Christmas tree and recycle it through local council programs.
Consider renting a potted tree, which can be replanted after the holidays.
If you prefer an artificial tree, invest in a high-quality one that can be reused for years (10-20 years is the magic number to offset the CO2 emissions created during the manufacturing process!)
👕 Reuse or Rethink Holiday Outfits
Holiday parties and events don’t have to mean new outfits. Instead:
Check thrift stores or shop your own closet for holiday looks. I know you have an ugly Christmas sweater hiding in the back of your closet somewhere…
Get creative by repurposing pieces you already own.
Thrifted or secondhand clothing reduces the impact of fast fashion and adds a unique touch to your celebrations.
You definitely can’t go wrong with a reusable mug or a thrifted ugly Christmas Sweater for the Holidays!
🍴 Sustainable Party Essentials
Hosting a holiday gathering? Keep it green by:
Using real dishes, utensils, and glassware instead of single-use items.
Planning portions carefully to avoid food waste. Get creative with leftovers, turning them into new meals or sharing them with guests.
Donating unopened, non-perishable items to your local food bank to spread the holiday cheer!
🌟 Give the Gift of Experiences
Instead of material gifts, consider giving experiences that create lasting memories:
Tickets to a concert, theater show, or sporting event.
A subscription to an eco-friendly product or service.
A cooking or art class that aligns with the recipient’s interests.
🎉 Repurpose Holiday Decorations
Holiday decorations don’t have to be wasteful:
Save and reuse decorations year after year.
Donate unused decorations to thrift stores or share them with friends and family.
Upcycle old ornaments or try DIY crafts to add a personal and sustainable touch.
🤗 Give Back
The holiday season is a time of giving, so why not give back to a cause you care about?
Make a donation to a social or environmental organization in someone’s name.
Volunteer your time at a local charity or community event.
Support small businesses or fair-trade artisans for gifts that make a difference.
🎁 Handmade Gifts That Show You Care
There’s nothing more personal or thoughtful than a handmade gift—and they’re often far more sustainable than store-bought options. Here are some ideas:
Stovetop potpourri: Create a cozy and aromatic gift with dried orange slices, cinnamon sticks, and cloves. Package it in a reusable jar with a handwritten note.
Pressed flower coasters: These are simple to make and add a beautiful touch to any home.
Baked goods: Whip up some holiday cookies, festive loaves of bread, or other treats. Food gifts are always appreciated and don’t create unnecessary waste.
☕️ Ditch the Paper Cups on You Coffee Run
Love grabbing a festive holiday drink? Bring a reusable mug! Many cafes offer discounts for bringing your own cup, and it’s an easy way to reduce single-use waste. It’s a small change, but over time, these efforts can make a big difference.
How to Reduce Holiday Waste
If you’re looking for even more ways to make your celebrations eco-friendly, here are a few additional tips:
Plan ahead: Thoughtful planning prevents over-purchasing, whether it’s gifts, food, or decorations.
Choose quality over quantity: Invest in durable, high-quality items that will last for years rather than disposable options.
Educate others: Share your sustainable holiday tips with friends and family to inspire change in your community.
The Spirit of a Sustainable Christmas
The holidays don’t have to be about things—they can be about connection, creativity, and care for the planet. By integrating some of the ideas above into your existing Christmas Traditions, you can reduce waste, support ethical choices, and create lasting memories that matter.
Remember, small changes add up. Whether it’s swapping shiny wrapping paper for reusable options, planning your meals carefully, or giving the gift of an experience, every step you take helps make a difference.
What are your favorite ways to celebrate sustainably? Share your tips in the comments—I’d love to hear your ideas!