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Your Most Ethical Christmas Yet
Are you dreaming of a green Christmas? The festive period is a time when we all tend to do things in excess. If you’re thinking of ways to have a more ethical Christmas this year we have some top tips to help you out. You can still enjoy a little indulgence and be kind to the planet - Here’s how:
Travelling
Many of us have family members that live far and wide, with Christmas often being the only time we’re able to all come together. Planning to make the journey for a jolly holly reunion this year? Why not research eco-friendly travel options for your visit? Could you take a train rather than a plane? Walk or ride instead of drive?
It’s not always so easy to get from A to B responsibly though. If you’re flying across the Atlantic, minimising the energy you use throughout the year is a great compromise. Or make the rest of your Christmas so green you offset those CO2 emissions.
Gifts
Christmas is a time of cheer and giving, but it can be easy to get lost in a sea of advertising when you’re working your way through your list. Finding gifts that are good for your loved ones and the planet can be challenging. If you’re looking for inspiration and you want to ensure you know what goes into the presents you purchase, check out How Lush does handmade Christmas gifts, or have a hand in constructing your own with bath bomb holders like Prancer and Dancer.
Christmas cards
Christmas cards have been a tradition for decades. It’s a way to let our loved ones know we’re thinking of them. But how many trees were cut down to make them? And where do they all end up? Why not make your own by reusing your old Christmas cards? Keep them safe, get crafty and creative and show your care for the earth as well as your friends and family. E-cards are also a great alternative to their card counterparts. You’ll be saving trees, time and money.
Trees
For many of us, it wouldn’t be Christmas without a tree. The act of decorating is a ritual for many, from the placement of the tinsel to sitting the gifts beneath. One would assume that buying a plastic tree that consumes a lot of energy to manufacture and ship would be the least environmentally friendly option. But purchasing a real tree isn’t necessarily the greener option. The UK purchases as many as eight million real Christmas trees a year, seven million of which end up in landfill.
So how exactly can you keep up with tradition while being kind to the planet? If you’re planning to purchase a real tree this year, try researching the supplier to find out if it’s grown responsibly (look for Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) approved trees). Think about buying from a local tree seller to reduce your tree’s carbon footprint. And once Christmas is over, take your tree to a recycling centre where it can be shredded and reused locally as bark chippings and environmentally friendly animal bedding.
Wrapping
It’s estimated that 277,000 miles of wrapping paper will go to waste over Christmas. Choose reusable options this year and give your loved ones something they can keep long after the big day such as our fabric gift wrap alternatives - Knot Wraps. We’ve been Knot Wrapping for 10 years and in that time 47,000 kilograms of vintage scarves have been upcycled - the equivalent weight of eight elephants.
If you’re on the receiving end of paper gift wrap, consider how you can reuse it. Got a little excited during the unwrapping frenzy? If your gift wrap is unsalvageable, do the scrunch test to check whether it’s recyclable before you bin it.
Decorations
It’s easy to be tempted by new decorations that entice you from high street windows, but many are made out of non-biodegradable materials. Can you reuse last year’s baubles? Can you find that pesky loose bulb and fix your tree lights rather than buying new ones?
If you’re aiming for a completely handmade Christmas, make your own using bits and bobs around the house; ribbons from your Lush gifts make great bows and old gift wrap can be used to make origami animals that you can place on the tree. Scent your tree for the season with a few of our bath melt tablets like Snowman or Retro Tree. You and the family will be able to enjoy a softening soak at the end of Christmas day. For place settings and crackers, you’ll find loads of inspiration on Pinterest to help adorn your Christmas table.
Now you’re set for your most eco-friendly Christmas yet, how will you take your learnings into the new year with you? Living ethically and sustainably doesn’t have to be difficult. For more tips on how to protect our planet, head here.
Do you have any tips on how you celebrate and ethical Christmas? Share them in the comments section and be part of a community that cares for each other and the earth.
