Eco-Friendly Christmas Tips for Young Families

Before we delve right in and give our eco-friendly Christmas tips and tricks. Let's first look into what has the most environmental impact over the Christmas period. 

Alarming fact: Did you know that we waste approximately 7 million tonnes of food each Christmas, worth around £64 million  in the UK alone? This includes the equivalent of 2 million turkeys, 5 million Christmas puddings, and 74 million mince pies! All of the energy and water taken to produce this food is also wasted. So what has the biggest impact on our eco-friendly Christmas goals?

Packaging Waste

• The sheer volume of gift-giving leads to excessive packaging, much of which includes plastic, foil, and glitter that can’t be recycled. Wrapping paper, plastic packaging, and bubble wrap are often discarded after a single use, contributing to landfill waste. In addition, the energy required to produce and transport packaging materials adds to carbon emissions.

Food Waste

• With abundant feasts and gatherings, food waste spikes during Christmas. Leftovers and uneaten dishes often go to waste, especially perishable items that spoil quickly. Food waste isn’t just about the discarded food; it also represents wasted resources like water, fuel, and labour used in food production, with food waste contributing to greenhouse gas emissions when it decomposes in landfills.

Delivery and Traffic Emissions

• The rise in online shopping and deliveries during Christmas has a major environmental impact. Delivery trucks and personal vehicles are on the road more frequently, leading to higher emissions from transportation. This increase in road traffic not only contributes to carbon emissions but also adds to air pollution and congestion, especially in cities and urban areas.

Energy Consumption from Lights and Decorations

• Christmas lights and electronic decorations significantly increase energy usage during the holidays. Many households and public spaces display lights for weeks, and if powered by non-renewable energy sources, they can contribute to increased carbon emissions. Even with energy-efficient LED lights, the sheer number of lights displayed globally can still have a substantial impact on energy consumption.

Waste from Christmas Trees and Decorations

• Both real and artificial trees have environmental impacts. Real trees that aren’t responsibly disposed of after Christmas add to landfill waste, and artificial trees, typically made from non-biodegradable PVC, require significant resources to produce and aren’t recyclable. Similarly, holiday decorations, especially single-use plastic items, can lead to waste that lingers in landfills for centuries.

The holiday season brings joy, family gatherings, and cherished traditions. But as more of us seek ways to reduce waste and be kinder to the planet, an eco-friendly Christmas can be both festive and sustainable. Our aim for 2024, is to have all the Christmas cheer and magic whilst also being mindful of the environmental impact of our choices on to our planet.

 1. Plan Ahead and Simplify:

Make a list and check it twice! Get your lists started with tasks, gifts, deadlines, and meal plans! Set a limit on the number of gifts or opt for experiences instead of material presents. If buying physical gifts, select gifts from eco-friendly brands who prioritise sustainability, fair labour practices and who use environmentally friendly materials. As tempting as Shein and Temu are with their pricing, consider where these items are made and by whom. Avoid cheap novelty items that are likely to end up in the landfill.

2. Mindful Gifting:

Instead of buying new items, consider eco-friendly alternatives such as homemade gifts, second-hand treasures, or sustainable products! Our bamboo suction plates and bowls make the best Christmas gifts for the under 2 year olds and are well loved by their adult recipient. Another great idea is to set up a gift exhange with friends or family members.

Perhaps you have older friends or cousins that have outgrown their dollhouses, ride alongs etc and you can re-gift these items.

In action: We once bought replacement handle bars, brake and wheels for an old micro scooter for our son and he was none the wiser! We also re-gifted a wooden doll's house for a younger girl as despite it being wonderful, my daughter didn't play with it.

3. Sustainable Decorations:

Many mass-produced decorations are made of plastic and designed for single-season use. To have a more eco-friendly Christmas, you need to find sustainable decorations which are often crafted from natural materials and last longer, reducing waste over time. Consider investing in energy-efficient LED lights to reduce your electricity consumption too.

4. Thoughtful Wrapping:

There is plenty of wrapping alternatives on the market! You can opt for fabric wraps, recycled paper, or repurpose materials like newspapers or magazines from the Christmas guides for a creative touch. Avoid glitter and plastic wrapping paper at all costs and select an eco-friendly Christmas wrapping solution instead.

5. Plan Your Feast:

As we said above, food waste is one of the biggest drivers for meaning a non eco-friendly Christmas. This also comes at a big financial cost too. Over the Christmas period, people spend up to 50% more on their food shopping.

Christmas often leads to leftovers, much of which goes to waste. Thoughtful meal planning helps avoid over-purchasing and ensures that what you buy is used effectively. Create a menu and shop with a list to avoid excess.

For any leftovers, get creative with recipes like a post-Christmas casserole, a turkey curry or freeze portions to enjoy later. Compost food scraps to close the eco-loop on your Christmas dinner. If no-one in your family eats a Christmas pudding, don't buy one!

6. Shop Locally and Support Small Businesses:

Buying local products reduces the carbon footprint associated with shipping and supports small businesses in your area. It also means less packaging, as items purchased locally often come with minimal wrapping.

Bring reusable bags and containers to cut down on plastic when shopping for holiday treats and gifts. Farmers’ markets are a fantastic place to find unique gifts and seasonal ingredients for Christmas feasts.

7. Go Digital

Don't get me wrong, I used to love seeing my parents paste all their Christmas cards together and hang them like decorations around the house. I especially loved it when there was one person that they couldn't for the life of them remember who or how they knew them. And as much as it pains me to admit, this tradition is definitely dying. I keep physical Christmas cards for family and elderly people now and opt to send digital cards to everyone else.

8. Christmas Crafts with Kids 

Instead of buying new toys or holiday decorations, spend an afternoon making crafts with your children. DIY projects let kids practice creativity, use up materials you already have at home, and give your decorations a personal touch.

Use natural materials like twigs, pinecones, and recycled paper to make ornaments or holiday decorations. Crafting can be a meaningful Christmas tradition, teaching kids the joy of making rather than just consuming.

9. Real Christmas Tree:

Choosing a real Christmas tree can be a sustainable and environmentally friendly option when sourced locally. These trees are typically grown on farms that replant regularly, ensuring a steady supply without impacting natural forests. During their growth, real trees absorb carbon dioxide, support local ecosystems, and contribute to cleaner air. At the end of the season, real trees can be repurposed as mulch, composted, or recycled into wood chips, creating a natural cycle that reduces waste and gives back to the environment.

10. Artificial Christmas Tree:

An artificial tree can be a sustainable choice if it’s high-quality and used year after year, reducing the demand for new resources and minimising annual disposal. Since many artificial trees are designed to last 10 years or more, they provide long-term savings and convenience without the need for seasonal replacement. Look for options made from recycled materials to further reduce environmental impact.

Whichever tree best suits your family’s needs, dispose of it responsibly. For real trees, find a local recycling program, and if you opt for an artificial one, invest in a quality option that will last. When it’s time for a change, consider donating your tree to a local business or event company that can give it a new life.