For some, Christmas is a wonderful day to spend quality time with loved ones. For others, it’s just another day of the year. Whatever your plans, I think we can all agree that mother nature weeps a little bit every time a Christmas tree is cut down, or another sparkly Santa hat is thrown in the bin. By now, all of us are aware of the climate crisis, and by following some of these easy steps, we might be able to work towards having a lovely Christmas and sustaining the planet at the same time.
Instead of buying something new, why don’t you have a look in charity shops, or on second-hand apps like Depop, eBay, and Vinted?
Let me set the scene: you’ve bought a lovely bottle of gingerbread-infused gin for your mum (the one she always points to on the shelf in Aldi), and now you want to wrap it up. Firstly, good luck wrapping the neck of that neatly. Secondly, why not use some lovely fabric and ribbon instead? That way, the recipient can re-use it again and again, and it also, in my opinion, looks much nicer.
If you’re planning on having a wreath on your door this year, why not make one rather than buying one that’s plastic? You could go foraging in Jesmond Dene for some holly and pinecones, and make it into a fun activity with your friends or flatmates. I also enjoy drying orange slices in the oven and incorporating those into the design.
Presents are undoubtedly a big part of Christmas celebrations for some. Instead of buying something new, why don’t you have a look in charity shops, or on second-hand apps like Depop, eBay, and Vinted? Alternatively, why not treat your loved ones to experiences rather than physical gifts? I personally would find a lovely meal out with my friend more memorable than a pair of socks they bought me that just sits in the bottom of a drawer.
Some other ideas include:
I think the thing to take away from this article is that you don’t need to buy lots of things to have a great Christmas. There’s an unhealthy consumerist mindset that surrounds this holiday, and by making these few small changes, we can really make a difference to the environment (and our bank accounts!)