How to Have a More Eco-Friendly, Sustainable Christmas
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While the festive season is a time of joy and togetherness, it’s also a period of excess consumption and waste. As the health of our planet continues to decline, it’s critical to implement more eco-friendly practices in our holiday celebrations. From the decorations in your home to the gifts that you offer to friends, there are several ways to have a more sustainable Christmas. Here are some sustainable Christmas ideas and tips to help you have a more eco-friendly and meaningful holiday season in 2023.
Although I’m not perfect in my practices, I’m trying to implement several of the tips below this season. Try out one or all of these sustainable Christmas ideas — the key is to act within your own means, share information with others, and continually improve your habits.
1. Try Christmas Tree Alternatives
Opt for a sustainable Christmas tree. Renting a Christmas tree locally is a sustainable way to decorate your home, as each tree is replanted at the end of the holiday season. You can also turn an existing houseplant into a modern Christmas tree just by adding lights and handmade ornaments. If you already own a plastic tree at home, treat it carefully so that you can continue to reuse it each year for as long as possible. These eco-friendly Christmas tree alternatives reduce the demand for fresh-cut trees and decrease your environmental footprint.
2. Keep It Energy-Efficient
If you aren't already using more efficient sources of energy in your home, opting for LED Christmas lights is the perfect place to start. LED lights use up to 80% less energy than traditional incandescent lights making them much more environmentally-friendly. You can find affordable LED Christmas lights at almost any store, and the cost you’ll save on your electricity bill makes it a smart investment.
Hosting a Christmas gathering? Make it energy-efficient by lowering your thermostat a few degrees when guests are over. Body heat and cooking will help keep your house warm.
3. Re-Use Christmas Tree Decorations
Instead of buying new Christmas decorations every year, try to reuse items you already own. You can find endless ideas on Pinterest for upcycling pre-loved ornaments and decor. If you need new decorations, check out your local thrift shop to save money and find unique items. Avoid plastic materials and opt for eco-friendly alternatives like fabric or wood. If you’re purchasing new decorations, choose reusable items like fabric bunting, natural wreaths, and LED string lights for plastic-free Christmas decorations
You can also DIY your decorations using natural materials like pinecones, twine, twigs, red berries, holly and evergreen branches. These sustainable Christmas decoration ideas bring a touch of the outdoors into your home.
4. Shop Eco-Friendly And Plastic-Free Gifts
Make your holiday gift-giving both thoughtful and eco-friendly by shopping for sustainable Christmas gifts. When purchasing presents for your friends and family, avoid items made from plastic. Package Free, Acala Online, and Wild Minimalist are just a few of the best online shops for buying zero-waste gifts like reusable water bottles, bamboo toothbrushes, or organic skincare products. You can also check out your local shops and markets as they can often offer more sustainable products.
If you’re feeling crafty, try making gifts for your loved ones. Whether it’s baking, painting, or sewing, you’re gift will be more eco-friendly and more special. Consider offering your time and skills as a gift. Services like babysitting, cooking a meal, or helping with home projects can be meaningful, green Christmas presents.
Looking sustainable Christmas gifts that are as equally stylish? Here are some thoughtful and environmentally conscious gift ideas that are sure to please your loved ones.
LARQ Bottle Filtered
Help your friends and family reduce their single-use plastic consumption with a reusable water bottle from LARQ. It not only filters your water, but also keeps beverages cold for hours. The sleek, stainless steel design makes for an aesthetic gift that anyone will appreciate.
Bee's Wrap
Encourage eco-conscious kitchen habits with bee's wrap, an eco-friendly alternative to plastic wrap. Made from organic cotton infused with beeswax, resin, and jojoba oil, it’s reusable, washable, and perfect for preserving food. These sustainable wraps are both practical and planet-friendly.
Sustainable Home
If your loved one has recently moved or is embracing more eco-friendly living, consider gifting them Sustainable Home, a stylish, inspirational and practical guidebook to maintaining a more environmentally friendly household. It offers tips, tricks and 18 step-by-step projects designed to help you lead a more low-impact lifestyle. Books make excellent gifts for those looking to live a more eco-conscious lifestyle.
W&P Porter Silicone Reusable Storage Bag
Help your friends and family reduce single-use plastic waste with a W&P Porter Silicone Reusable Storage Bag. These stylish and durable bags are perfect for storing food, snacks, or other items. They come in a variety of aesthetic colors (I’m obsessed with the cream shade) and will help contribute to a plastic-free kitchen.
FinalStraw Metal Straw
Encourage eco-friendly sipping with FinalStraw, a reusable metal straw that folds up into a compact case, making it easy to carry wherever you go. Say goodbye to disposable plastic straws and help reduce plastic pollution with this stylish and sustainable gift.
Marseille Soap Cube
Marseille Soap Cubes are timeless classics in sustainable hygiene. Made from natural vegetable oils, these biodegradable soap bars are free from synthetic additives and come in eco-friendly packaging. They are an elegant and eco-conscious addition to any bathroom.
Paula's Choice Reusable Makeup Remover Pads
I’m already a big fan of Paula’s Choice skincare, and their reusable makeup remover pads would make a lovely gift idea for any beauty lover in your life. These soft and washable pads are perfect for removing makeup and applying skincare products. By swapping disposable cotton pads for this sustainable alternative, they reduce waste and promote eco-friendly beauty routines.
AeroGarden Indoor Garden
Gift the joy of gardening year-round with an AeroGarden Indoor Garden. These compact hydroponic systems allow anyone to grow herbs, vegetables, and flowers indoors. It's an excellent way to enjoy fresh, homegrown produce while reducing the need for store-bought goods.
B.O.B Purifying Shampoo Bar
Elevate their shower with a B.O.B shampoo bar. These compact and eco-friendly shampoo bars are formulated with natural ingredients and free from harsh chemicals. They reduce plastic waste and leave hair feeling fresh and clean.
Subscription Service
Consider gifting a subscription to an vegan meal kit delivery like Purple Carrot, plant-based snack boxes, or a zero-waste shaving kit. These subscriptions make sustainable living more accessible and enjoyable.
5. Buy Plantable Christmas Cards
Choose plantable Christmas cards for a zero-waste way to send some holiday greetings. Made with biodegradable paper and embedded with seeds, these cards can be planted in a pot of soil in the spring. It’s like a bonus little gift for your loved ones. Sustainable Christmas cards can be more expensive, so if it’s not in your budget send an e-card or call your family and friends. Remember to recycle your cards at the end of the season or use them as decorations for next year.
6. Switch To Eco-Friendly Gift Wrap
Avoid sticky tape, ribbons, and wrapping papers contained non-recyclable materials like foil, glitter and plastic. Opt for recyclable wrapping paper, brown paper or tissue. Decorate your gifts with twine, twigs, and fresh herbs tucked under the string. It makes an eco-friendly and beautiful gift. Keep any gift bags you receive and reuse them by adding a new tag. You can also wrap your gifts in with decorative fabric squares or furoshiki gift wrap (Wrappr makes some of my favorites).
7. Go Meat And Dairy-Free
The meat and dairy industry is responsible for a staggering amount of greenhouse gas emissions. Start an environmentally friend tradition by preparing a plant-based menu. If it’s not feasible to make an entirely vegan meal, swap one or two dishes for meat and dairy-free alternatives. For gourmet holiday meal ideas, check out one of my favorite vegan cookbooks: Plant-Based Gourmet.
You can also enjoy a more sustainable holiday meal by purchasing locally sourced and organic ingredients. Supporting local farmers reduces the carbon footprint associated with food transportation. Reduce food waste by planning your meals carefully. Freeze leftovers for future use, compost organic waste, and consider donating excess food to local charities.
Opt for reusable plates, cutlery, and glasses instead of disposable options. These choices reduce waste and are eco-friendly.
8. Invest In A Reusable Advent Calendar
Buy a reusable advent calendar that you can fill with candies and gifts each year. You’ll reduce waste from purchasing a cardboard calendar plus you can customize it to your own tastes. If you still want to maintain the element of surprise, ask your friends or family to shop for your calendar goodies. You can offer to do the same for them in return.
9. Think About Your Outfit
Fast fashion has several negative impacts on the environment including the emission of greenhouse gases, the use of massive amounts of water and energy, and the pollution of the ocean. Avoid the temptation to purchase cheap holiday outfits from fast fashion brands, and instead shop with more eco-friendly designers from Sézane, Reformation and Cuyana. Be smart about your purchases and choose pieces that you’ll wear after Christmas day.
The holiday season is a time for joy, togetherness, and giving. However, it's also a time when consumerism tends to peak, leading to excess waste and a significant environmental impact. You can still enjoy a festive and memorable Christmas while reducing your carbon footprint and embracing eco-friendliness with these tips.
How do you celebrate the holidays sustainably? Let me know in the comments below.
