As we reflect upon 2024, let’s look forward to a Greener, Sustainable Festive season. Believe it or not, Brits want to adopt a more eco-friendly lifestyle with 64% of British consumers willing to pay up to 10% more for sustainable packaged foods and drinks. As we reflect on 2024 against the backdrop of COP29, it’s clear that the call for urgent climate action has never been louder. With rising global temperatures, over 100,000 people have joined Extinction Rebellion’s protests, and figures like Greta Thunberg continue to inspire hope for a sustainable future.
This festive season should be no exception. Let’s celebrate without compromising the environment.
From thoughtful gifts to eco-friendly traditions, there are countless ways to sustainably enjoy your favourite holiday essentials.
Here’s my eco-friendly holiday to-do list to help you get started
1. Wrapping the presents
Sustainable Packaging
Fabric
The Oxfam website introduces a wonderful technique for wrapping gifts in fabric. Furoshiki, a traditional Japanese method, involves knotting fabric—whether it’s fabric scraps or scarves—to wrap presents. It’s a brilliant way to celebrate zero-waste Festivities!
Paper
Another great option is using brown paper with natural string, adorned with rosemary, cinnamon sticks, gingerbread cookies, or dried citrus. It’s a simple way to reduce plastic waste while showcasing your creativity.
2. Make Your Decorations
The wrapping paper, ribbons, and countless Christmas cards we use each year come at a cost to the environment. According to Friends of the Earth, the paper waste during the holiday season amounts to 5-12 million litres of biofuel—enough to power a bus to the moon 20 times! Instead, consider decorating with natural materials like pine cones, holly, and dried fruit. Unfortunately, Christmas cards contribute to this waste too, with 1.5 billion discarded by UK households annually, as per Imperial College researchers. Remember to recycle and reuse. Why not make it a fun family or friends activity? Try crafting your decorations and cards from natural materials. Saturday afternoon activity is sorted!
3. Gift Shopping
This holiday season, choose Christmas gifts that don’t harm the planet. A great rule of thumb is to support local artisans and small businesses. Check out local Christmas markets in your area—they’re full of unique options! I’ve drawn inspiration from City to Sea, a Bristol-based NGO that shares tips on reducing plastic waste through reusable alternatives. These eco-friendly gifts are practical and fun, making them perfect for the season! Look up for zero waste shop in your area. Reusable straws, coffee cups, water bottles and beeswax wraps are all great additions to somebody’s collection.
Sustainable Gift-Giving
3. Books
Nothing makes a winter evening cosier than curling up with hot cocoa, a warm blanket, and a good book. It’s the ultimate HYGGE experience. When the temperatures drop, a thoughtful book is the perfect gift for anyone. For your Ecofeminist friends, Friends of the Earth’s “Why Women Will Save the World” is an inspiring choice. Or, for those seeking a more minimalist lifestyle, L’Art de la Simplicité: How to Live More with Less by Dominique Loreau is an international bestseller that will change the way you view beauty.
As we embrace the festive season, let’s remember that small, sustainable choices can have a big impact.
Whether it’s through eco-friendly gifts, mindful wrapping, or reducing waste, each step we take brings us closer to a greener holiday. Let this be the year we celebrate with intention, creativity, and care for the planet.
Wishing you all a joyful, sustainable holiday season filled with love, laughter, and lasting memories.
