The festive holidays are a time for celebration and coming together with loved ones, but with all the parties, gifts, decorations and feasting, it’s also a time when waste levels can soar.
In fact, waste during the Christmas season increases by a staggering 30% in the UK compared to the rest of the year. This surge in waste can have a significant environmental impact, but with a little planning and eco-conscious decision-making, we can enjoy Christmas while also being a little kinder to our planet.
Gift wrap and packaging waste
Wrapping paper, gift bags and boxes almost always end up in the bin after the gifts are opened; however, not all wrapping paper can be recycled – those with metallic foil, glitter, or plastic components typically can’t go in your home recycling bin.
Eco-friendly gift wrap alternatives
- Reusable fabric wraps
Consider using fabric wraps (like Furoshiki) that can be reused year after year. - Recyclable paper
Opting for plain, recyclable brown kraft paper needn’t be a dull choice. Accent with natural twine or biodegradable decorations. - Gift bags
Choose sturdy, reusable gift bags. They can be part of the gift itself or used multiple times for further gifting. - Upcycled materials
Get creative and use old maps, newspaper or even children’s artwork as wrapping paper.
How to recycle gift wrap
Before tossing your eagerly ripped wrapping paper into the recycling bin, perform the ‘scrunch test’. Crumple the paper into a ball – if it stays crumpled, it’s likely you can recycle it. If it springs back, it might have plastic or metallic elements and should be disposed of in your general waste bin.
Christmas cards – save trees and cut your waste
Eight billion Christmas cards are sent in the UK every year – the average household sends 50, many of which will end up in landfill or being sent for incineration. While cards are a warm and reliable way to spread holiday cheer and reconnect with friends, they can be quite wasteful.
Sustainable card options
- Digital cards
E-cards and digital greetings are paper-free, but it’s worth considering the carbon footprint of this choice. - Eco-friendly cards
Choose cards made from recycled paper or seed paper that can be planted to grow into flowers or herbs. - Reuse last year’s cards
Cut out the front of old cards to make new cards or gift tags for this year’s presents.
Mindful gift giving
One of the biggest sources of Christmas waste is unwanted gifts that end up gathering dust or being thrown away soon after the big day. 62% of adults in the UK receive at least one gift they don’t want, every year.
Tips for thoughtful, eco-conscious gifts
- Experiences over things
Instead of physical gifts, consider giving experiences like concert tickets, a cooking class or a weekend getaway. - Homemade items
Handmade gifts such as baked goods, knitwear or photo albums add a personal touch and are often more appreciated. - Zero-waste gifts
Choose gifts that help reduce waste, such as anything from our ReFactory ranges, manufactured entirely from waste textiles and plastics. - Second-hand gifts
Don’t shy away from gifting pre-loved items. Vintage clothing, vinyl LPs, books, antiques and the like can make unique gifts.
Rethink your Christmas tree
The debate over real versus artificial Christmas trees has environmental implications. While artificial trees can be reused, they’re often made of non-recyclable plastic and have a significant carbon footprint due to production and shipping – the average two-metre artificial tree has a carbon footprint of around 40kg, more than ten times that of incinerating a real tree. An artificial tree will likely end up in the ground at the end of its life.
Green Christmas tree options
- Real trees (responsibly sourced)
A real Christmas tree can be more eco-friendly, especially if it’s sourced locally and disposed of properly (composted or mulched). - Potted trees
A potted tree can be used year after year. After Christmas, you can plant it in your garden or keep it for next season. - Rent a tree
Some companies offer tree rental services – after Christmas, the tree is returned and replanted.
Disposing of your Christmas tree
If you decide to choose a real tree, check with your local council for post-Christmas recycling options. Many offer special pickup services where trees are collected for responsible recycling.
Cut down on food waste
From festive feasts to holiday parties, food waste is a major issue during Christmas. An estimated 30-40% of all food is wasted during this time, with seven million tons of food ending up in the bin across the holidays.
Ways to reduce food waste
- Plan ahead
Create a shopping list and try to stick to it. Avoid buying more fresh food than you can realistically eat. - Get creative with leftovers
Turn leftovers into new meals. Turkey and other meats can become soups, risotto, curries etc., and leftover vegetables could be used in a stir-fry or pasta bake. - Share the excess
If you do have extra food, consider donating it to a local food bank or sharing it with neighbours. - Compost
If food goes uneaten, compost it instead of throwing it away; this way, it can return nutrients to your garden.
Eco-friendly decorations
Decorations bring the Christmas spirit to life, but many are made of plastic and aren’t recyclable. Our ReFactory Sustainable Christmas range includes upcycled hessian decorations and table settings, as well as tree and table ornaments made from 100% recycled waste plastics.
Other sustainable decoration ideas
- Natural decorations
Use pine cones, dried oranges and cinnamon sticks for a natural, biodegradable touch. - LED lighting
LED Christmas lights use up to 80% less energy than traditional lights. - DIY crafts
Make your own decorations using recycled materials such as old fabric scraps, paper or wood.
Recycle right: sorting your Christmas waste
Knowing what can and cannot be recycled is crucial during the holiday season. Common items that often end up in recycling bins but shouldn’t include:
- Bubble wrap and plastic bags
These can be taken to drop-off points in some supermarkets and council household recycling centres; or, get yourself a ReFactory box and we’ll recycle them into something new! - Batteries and electronics
Drop these off at designated e-waste (WEEE) facilities – don’t put them in your general waste bin. - Polystyrene packaging
Unfortunately, this is not recyclable and should go into general waste. While some manufacturers are moving away from it as a packing material, it remains widespread. Check the box if you’re looking to make a more sustainable purchase.
Quick recycling guide
- Yes
Plain paper wrapping, cardboard boxes, glass bottles, aluminium and steel cans/tins. - No
Metallic/foil wrapping paper, plastic ribbons and glitter-covered items.
Celebrate consciously this Christmas
This Christmas, let’s celebrate the season of giving with a focus on giving back to the Earth. By making some small changes and being mindful of our consumption, we can reduce the environmental impact of the festive period and start the New Year on route to a greener and cleaner planet.
Happy eco-friendly holidays!
