Photo: A starling perches in front of Christmas lights. Credit: Ben Andrew

It’s no secret that Christmas can be a stinker for the planet. Amidst the wrapping paper, the gifts that won’t see the light of day past the 27th and the general glitter bomb that descends, we all make little choices that aren’t so green.

The good news is, it’s easy and often much cheaper to go environmentally friendly! So, with no sacrifices needed, read on to make those small changes that make all the difference.

Photo: A boy holds a pine tree. Credit: Terry Bagley

Real or fake? The tree jury’s still out…

The plastic vs real Christmas tree debate rages on with no clear ‘green’ winner. Yes that plastic tree might sit in your loft for 15 years making it technically a recycled marvel, but the carbon footprint of an artificial tree is around 25-50% higher than a real tree. Of course, while felling real trees might seem brutal, keep in mind the carbon they absorb while in the ground isn’t insignificant.

The problem comes from unceremoniously dumping your lovely smelly real tree 5 days after your New Year resolutions give out. Luckily, there are 3 really easy actions you can take to be a responsible Christmas tree owner. Firstly check if your local council is offering a tree recycling service for a cut tree, or consider renting a tree from a Christmas tree farm that will re-use the tree year after year. Finally, potted trees can be planted in your garden or re-potted in a larger tub ready for next year.

If you’re really struggling to get rid of a cut tree, cutting it up and stacking the logs in a quite and sheltered part of the garden can provide a wonderful home for wildlife too.

Photo: A family stop for a drink on the reserve. Credit: Stephen Morgan

Give the gift of togetherness

This year more than ever, getting together has been hard. Giving a gift that focuses on shared experiences is often much cheaper, creates warmer memories and is more appreciated than a purchased gift. Getting out to a nature reserve can be as little as £6 a month for family membership and if you take a homemade cake and a picnic you’ve got the most wonderful day out. This option is great for letting little ones blow off some steam too!

Photo: Gifts sit wrapped in recycled wildlife themed wrapping paper. 

If they insist on a gift (there’s always one)…

Supporting a charity doesn’t mean you have to set up a rolling monthly donation, many charities (including the RSPB) have fantastic online and on reserve shops with unique, local and ethically sourced treats. Think homeware, food and drink, cosmetics and toys and books galore.

You can also buy gifts that really work hard, for example, homeless charities and global aid charities offer gifts where for a relatively small payment you can make a big difference to an individual or community.

Photo: Eco-friendly crackers sit on a laid table. 

Ditch the plastic and sparkles

It might look tiny and innocent, but glitter contains microplastics that make their way into our oceans and the problem is bigger than you first think – just consider how many sparkles live in our cosmetics.

Cutting down on glitter doesn’t need to mean cutting out on those little touches such as Christmas crackers and decorations though, just remember to source them more sustainably. Charities have great alternatives in their Christmas stores – think recyclable wrapping paper (sans glitter), eco-friendly Christmas crackers, and responsible table ware and decorations.

Photo: RSPB pin badge selection, including seasonal favourites

Christmas jumper dumper

When you look at a Christmas jumper per wear, it probably works out more expensive than that designer bag you coveted for months. There’s no getting around it, Christmas jumpers are bad for the planet. From single-wear use to the plastics, glitter and even lighting that adorns them, they’re an itchy woollen disaster. If you must don a jazzy jumper, consider going second hand or starting your own vintage – think British made from recycled or sustainably sourced materials and take good care of your threads. Even better, a plain jumper can be made unique by adding your own pin badges – there’s even a #ShareHowYouWear movement on social media! To check out our seasonal range of pin badges, visit one of our pin badge boxes in a store near you or find our range here.