A staggering one billion cards and six million trees are set to be thrown out this Christmas time. Play your (imporant) part in minimising waste. Here are our top tips for a Greener Christmas, partly based on advice by natural perfume company, Rich Hippie.
Step one: Buy less
Contrary to popular belief the season of goodwill is not about finding and buying the most expensive gift you can find to show you care. It's about taking the time to find the perfect gift for the recipient - and often less is more. If you're good with your hands, why not make a present or two? Or donate to a charity through Just Giving. Also, The Big Give Christmas Challenge 2011 will match donations to your chosen charity. Take part here.
Step two: Buy responsibly
From organic skincare products to fairtrade rugs, a huge number of companies specialise in responsible shopping. Some of our favourites are: Natural Collection, Liz Earle (for wonderful skincare products), People Tree, (for ethically-sourced yoga and standard clothing) Fou Furnishings, (for wonderful organic bed, bath and table linen) and Traidcraft.
Step three: Opt for a real Christmas tree - or skip the tree this year!
While a plastic tree means you can re-use it year after a year, the reality is that many families chose to replace it after a few years as it grows scrappy - and once it's discarded it will sit in landfill forever as the plastic will not break down. Plus artificial trees usually contain petroleum products - one of the earth's natural resources which is being decimated by modern processes. If you buy a small potted tree you may be able to use it for several years - repotting it each year to ensure it has adequate space as it grows. Even if your real tree only survives one year you can then have it mulched or taken away to be recycled.
Step four: Travel green
You may have a diary bulging with festive celebrations - but stop before you go jumping in your car to hit the shops or hail a taxi to whisk you off to a party. If the weather means it's not possible to get there on foot think about using public transport - in London you could hop on a ‘Boris Bike' and take in the capital's light-filled sights as you weave through the crowds to your destination.
Step five: Go organic
From organic turkeys to biodynamic wine, you can ensure that your Christmas lunch is as ethical as possible. And this doesn't have to push the price up either - instead of overloading plates with mass-produced food, select food and drink that has been lovingly produced with care and buy less of it. We're sure when guests taste it they'll have no complaints. Source organic Turkeys from M&S (click here) or Farmison.com - a new online food store delivering top British produce sourced directly from farmers.
Step six: minimise waste
Think carefully before you start swathing your gifts in layers of sparkly gift wrap adorned with bows and ribbons - go back to basics. A simple gift wrapped in brown paper with a pretty gift tag not only looks chic but is also easier to recycle. If you are sending Christmas cards, look for the FSC sign to ensure you are buying paper sourced responsibly. Even better, buy recycled cards. And don't forget to recycle all your own gift wrap, present packaging and festive cards soon after the big day.
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