Santa will be here soon, are you ready for the festive season? Whether you have delivered your presents already, or leaving it to Christmas eve, here are the tips and tricks to make the Christmas period a sustainable one!

Secret Santa  

Large family and/or friendship group you need to get presents for? Secret Santa can be a great way of holding a sustainable Christmas, rather than buying loads of presents you will only need to buy one! This can help save on waste and delivery emissions, all while each person has more time to put towards a thoughtful gift. Even better, save all the hassle of picking out who you are buying for, with the free website that does it for you here:

https://secretsanta.com/secret-santa-gift-exchange-rules/   

Get Crafty  

Learn a new craft or home in on skills of your past, to create a personalised, meaningful gift for people this Christmas. Whether you are an artist or not, think creative and make your gifts this Christmas. It does not even have to be artistic, try baking and cooking for gifts or surprise people with at the dinner table on Christmas day.  Here are some easy to make vegan truffles for you to impress people with this Christmas:

https://bakedbyclo.com/vegan-oreo-truffles/  

Shop Locally  

This Christmas, avoid buying gifts from Temu, DH Gate and Amazon. This reduces pollution and packaging, not to mention helping entrepreneurs and local people in your community. Buying products in person locally, allows you to see things that you may not have thought about at the search bar, in such a unique place like Bristol you are sure to find a more personable gift. 

Experiences Over Objects  

Not every gift needs to be wrapped in wrapping paper this Christmas… Instead get people an experience or day out to make memories with one another. Thoughtful gifts will be cherished by our loved ones the most, so don’t feel pressured into spending lots for the sake of it. Maybe try a planned bike ride with your family, or a hike through the woods with a picnic instead.

Free of Plastic  

This Christmas avoid minimal use plastics, such as tree decorations and glittery wrapping paper. It all eventually ends up in landfill so try to avoid these where possible - use the ones you want, donate the ones you do not, and opt for sustainable choices for the ones you do need. You can even make your own, think popcorn garland, paper hearts, orange slices and fabric bunting. Check out this inspiration below: 

https://www.shekeepsalovelyhome.com/acorn-christmas-ornaments/ 

How to Make a Popcorn Garland - DIY Old-Fashioned Christmas Garland 

Christmas Tree Alternative  

A Christmas tree can bring happiness to your home this year but over 8 million trees end up in landfill each New Year. Either opt for a sustainably sourced faux tree, potted trees, rent a tree or make one out of household items - no I do not mean paint the dog green. Instead decorate a house plant or glass bottle tower.

Here is some inspiration: https://greenmoxie.com/31-diy-christmas-trees-made-from-recycled-materials/  

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from the Green Team!

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