How Can You Reduce Your Waste During Christmas?
The festive season is a time for celebration and togetherness, but it’s also one of the most wasteful times of the year. From decorations to gifts and food, the waste we generate during Christmas is staggering.
We recently shared an infographic on Instagram with our top tips for reducing waste over the holidays, and the response was incredible. Inspired by that, we’ve created a more in-depth guide to help make your festive season more mindful and sustainable.
The numbers are startling:
- Each year, the average UK household spends £185 on Christmas decorations.
- Royal Mail delivers over 150 million Christmas cards during the festive period, many of which end up in the bin.
- The UK spends £26 million annually to dispose of holiday waste sent to landfills.
Overconsumption is at the heart of the issue, but small changes can have a big impact. Apps like Olio can play a part in reducing waste. Olio connects people to share surplus items—whether it’s food, clothes, or even garden tools—before they end up in landfill. It’s like an ongoing community swap and an excellent way to keep valuable resources in use.
Reducing Food Waste
Food waste skyrockets during the festive season due to over-catering and poor planning. Here’s how to combat it:
- Plan Meals Carefully: Avoid preparing excessive amounts of food by planning menus in advance.
- Store Leftovers Properly: Use sealed containers instead of cling film to keep leftovers fresh and turn them into creative new dishes.
- Composting: Scraps that can’t be eaten—like vegetable peels—can be composted. If you don’t have a compost bin, local community gardens often welcome contributions. Alternatively, use scraps like bones and veg ends to make stock before composting the remains.
- Recycle Food Packaging: Follow council recycling guidelines to ensure materials like tins and cardboard are properly sorted.
- Opt for Reusable Tableware: Avoid disposable plates and cutlery for gatherings.
- Shop Local: Buying from farmers' markets supports local businesses and reduces the carbon footprint associated with food transport.
Reducing Decorations Waste
Decorations are an essential part of Christmas, but they don’t have to harm the planet.
- Christmas Trees: According to the UK Forestry Commission, real Christmas trees are generally more sustainable than artificial ones due to their lower energy usage during production. If you have an artificial tree, the most sustainable option is to continue using it for as long as possible. Other eco-friendly alternatives include driftwood trees, handmade designs, or potted trees that can be replanted after the holidays.
- Eco-Friendly Wrapping: Repurpose leftover wrapping paper or use alternatives such as fabric wraps, old newspapers, or reusable gift bags.
- DIY Decorations: Create your own biodegradable decorations or repurpose items you already own. For example, old Christmas cards can be turned into gift tags or donated to schools for craft projects.
- Choose E-Cards: Reduce paper waste by sending e-cards instead of traditional ones.
Reducing Gifting Waste
Thoughtful gifting doesn’t need to come at the planet’s expense.
- Quality Over Quantity: Avoid cheaply made gifts that are likely to break or be discarded quickly. Opt for durable, high-quality items instead.
- Refurbished Tech: If you’re giving gadgets, consider refurbished options. These are just as good as new and help extend the lifespan of existing technology.
- Ask for Wish Lists: Minimise unwanted gifts by checking with loved ones for items they truly need or want.
- Donate or Recycle Old Tech: Ensure any replaced devices are donated, resold, or taken to an e-waste recycling facility.
- Experience-Based Gifts: Consider gifting experiences like memberships, tickets, or lessons, which often hold more meaning and create no physical waste.
Let’s Make This Christmas Greener
Every small step counts towards reducing waste and creating a more sustainable festive season. From using apps like Olio to composting food scraps and rethinking gift-giving, there are plenty of ways to make a positive impact.
Have your own tips for reducing waste at Christmas? Share them in the comments—we’d love to hear how you’re making the holidays more mindful. Together, we can create a greener, more thoughtful festive season.
[info sourced on goodonyou.eco and businesswaste.co.uk | Featured image sourced on canva.com]