How To Have a Sustainable Christmas

As some of you may know, I'm a huge advocate for shopping sustainably. I honestly believe it's one of the most important things we can do as individuals, to just take care and research where what we buy comes from. If you want to find out more, I can't recommend watching The True Cost enough. It's eye-opening, moving, though-provoking, inspiring - but above all, it made me angry. Angry that not enough people know how harmful shopping from Primark or Topshop is, for example. With a little effort and imagination, Christmas doesn't have to harm the environment, or workers.

Decorations
Look for durable decorations you can use year after year, and stay far away from bad quality plastic Christmas trees. You'll just end up throwing it away after a few years, where it'll just sit in a landfill, and of course, as it's plastic, they never degrade. You can also make decorations yourself! There are endless tutorials and ideas, so just have a look.

Look for locally made gifts
Many gifts in today's marketplace come from halfway around the world, and the impact of transportation contributes significantly to greenhouse emissions and global warming. Local craft fairs and artisan shops are a good source for gifts that come without the added costs of transportation. And gifts made locally often have a story which goes with the gift, since the artisan and the origin of the gift are known.

Gift an experience, or make a gift
And don't say you can't because you're 'not creative'! All you need to do is type in 'diy christmas gifts' on Pinterest or YouTube. Personalised and handmade gifts carry so much more meaning to them, and it's more likely people will remember your present more than if you got them a top. It's the same with experiences. Taking someone to the theatre, for example, is such a special thing and it means you can make memories and actually have fun. So, you're literally giving someone happiness for Christmas.

Use LED lighting wherever possible

Using LED lights uses up to 90% less energy than traditional Christmas lights. And most of the time they're nicer too, let's be honest.

Think carefully about your food

Probably a less popular one. Traditionally, my family sit down to a Christmas dinner, the main part of it being a cut of beef my dad pours his heart and soul into cooking to perfection. Sorry dad, as you know, I won't be eating that this year. To get that beef on the table, it requires roughly 28 times more land to produce thank pork or chicken, 11 times more water and results in five times more climate-warming emissions. It's even more sustainable when compared to a vegetarian meal, and way more when compared to a vegan one! Obviously I'm not here to tell you all 'Go Vegan!!', but just to be conscious about how much meat and dairy you consume at Christmas.

see the rest of blogmas here

now playing: the new she & him Christmas album (v excited)