If you’re reading this, you probably try to make eco-friendly choices all year round. You may have even had a Solar PV Installer visit your house during the year. To ensure your Christmas is just as eco-friendly as the rest of the year is for you, follow these 5 tips.
Shop local
During the pandemic, many of us supported local businesses. In fact, according to Pollinate 53% of people believe that it’s more important to shop with local businesses now than it was pre-pandemic.
As well as helping the local economy, shopping locally also helps the environment. This is because goods do not need to be shipped as far. Since transportation distances are lower, the likelihood of goods needing to travel long distances by plane or on the road is decreased. This means that the product’s journey to your home will be less likely to produce lots of carbon emissions.
Other eco-friendly gifting options
This year, give eco-friendly gifts that will be well received. The range of gifts you can give that are kind to the planet has never been wider.
For example, you could consider looking for pristine second hand items, making your own gifts, supporting sustainable brands or maybe even sponsoring an endangered animal on behalf of the recipient.
Whatever you choose, it’s the thought that counts.
Reduce, reuse, recycle your gift wrap
Now that you know how to give green festive gifts, you just need to sort the environmentally friendly gift wrap.
Firstly, reduce the quantity of giftwrap you use by only using the essential amount of packaging or wrapping for gifts. Remember, you’re not wrapping for a game of pass the parcel!
If you take good care of gift wrap, or you use materials like fabric wraps you can reuse and re-gift these materials in future too.
Recycling gift wrap when it has come to the end of its life is also important. If you are purchasing new gift wrap, make sure it is recyclable. Wrapping paper that can be recycled will have no plastic elements such as glitter and foil effect parts. As a rule of thumb, try using wrapping paper that has a matte finish.
Prevent food waste
Many people think that Christmas ‘tis the season to overindulge. Of course, you have every right to eat as many sweets as you want. The important thing is just to make sure when you do the christmas shop you are not buying so much food that some will have to go in the landfill.
Food waste is a huge problem all year round but it is especially the case at Christmas. WRAP, a non-profit recycling organisation, has reported some shocking statistics about food waste in the UK. For example, the number of potatoes thrown away by households each year would be enough for the whole country to enjoy roasties on Christmas day for 48 years!
As previously stated, the best way to avoid food waste is only buying what you need. If possible, also consider buying food with reduced packaging and/ or packaging that is recyclable.
Curb fossil fuel consumption where possible
Thinking of doing a Chris Rea and driving home for Christmas? You could make your journey more environmentally friendly by sharing a car with other people you know taking a similar route.
Alternatively, try taking public transport for long journeys in any situation where it is practical to do so. Options like taking the bus or a train (providing you avoid strike dates) will be a convenient way for you to reduce your carbon emissions this December.
When you are home for the holidays, you should also reduce energy consumption where possible. Most of the energy saving rules you use throughout the year, such as turning out lights in rooms you’re not using still apply. You, and the loved ones you’re spending Christmas with, can also try minimising use of electronically powered Christmas Decorations.