The Journal
6 steps to a more sustainable Christmas
By Nature's Journey
3 min read
Christmas is a time to celebrate, but it often brings excess—extra packaging, unwanted gifts, and a lot of waste. If you're looking to enjoy the festivities without contributing to the environmental footprint, making a few mindful changes can go a long way. Here are six simple steps to help you have a more sustainable Christmas this year.
Wrap It right
Wrapping paper is one of the biggest culprits for waste. Most shiny, glittery wraps can't be recycled, which means they end up in landfills. Try using reusable fabric wraps, brown kraft paper, or old newspapers. You can even tie it up with string for a charming, rustic look. If you’re feeling crafty, decorate plain wrapping paper with stamps or dried flowers for a personal, eco-friendly touch.
Rethink gifting
When it comes to gifts, the focus is often on quantity rather than quality. But does anyone really need another sweater or fad gadget?Give the gift of experiences instead of stuff—think concert tickets, cooking classes, or a relaxing day at the spa. If you want to go physical, choose eco-friendly, long-lasting items, or support local artisans who use sustainable materials, or why not consider DIY gifts. Homemade cookies, chutneys, or knitted items carry more meaning and are far more personal than a shop-bought gift.
Decorate with a conscience
Christmas decorations don’t have to come from a shop. In fact, natural decorations can be just as festive and often much more charming. Use natural elements like pinecones, greenery, and dried fruit to decorate your home. Not only do they look beautiful, but they’re compostable at the end of the season. If you need ornaments, choose long-lasting or handmade ones that you’ll cherish for years. When it comes to the all-important tree, consider buying a potted one you can replant after Christmas or renting a tree from a local service that reuses them year after year.
Reduce food waste
With big Christmas feasts, food waste is a real issue. We often buy more than we need, cook more than we can eat, and then end up throwing away the leftovers. Plan meals carefully, and only buy what you know will be eaten. If you have leftovers, get creative—turn them into soups, stews, or festive sandwiches for the following days. And remember to compost your food scraps. If you’re hosting, encourage guests to bring containers so they can take leftovers home, preventing waste and giving them a delicious meal for the next day.
Send greener greetings
Christmas cards are a long-standing tradition, but with billions sent worldwide each year, many of them end up in the bin. Try sending e-cards or creating a personalised video message for your loved ones. If you prefer something physical, choose cards made from recycled materials and avoid glitter-covered or metallic cards as they can’t be recycled easily – why not get crafty and make your own using paper you already have.
Shop mindfully
We all love a good Christmas shopping spree but think about where your money is going. Online shopping often involves a lot of packaging, and fast fashion or mass-produced goods contribute to pollution and waste. Shop locally whenever possible. Not only are you supporting small businesses in your community, but you’re also cutting down on the emissions caused by long distances. Look for eco-conscious brands that use sustainable practices and packaging, and if you’re buying online, consolidate your orders to reduce shipping and packaging waste.
Creating a more sustainable Christmas is easier than it sounds. By making mindful choices—whether it’s wrapping gifts with reusable materials or giving experiences instead of things—you can enjoy a Christmas that’s kinder to the planet.
Nature's Journey
At Nature's Journey, we're passionate about helping you to live happier, healthier lives. We regularly publish articles that we think you might find useful. Check out our journal archive for more articles like this. Got a suggestion for a future article? - let us know in the comments!
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