Have yourself a merry little Christmas! Discover the joys of making gifts and decorations – your heart will be light and so will your carbon footprint
Christmas is a time of excess. Excesses of food, drinks, money spent on gifts, even the energy we spend lighting up our houses and trees. And, although we hate to be a buzz-kill, but it can be so bad for the planet (not to mention the bank balance). Wasted food, unwanted presents, the merry-go-round of tinsel and plastic packaging destined for landfill.
According to Biffa, more than 100 million rubbish bags are sent to landfill over the festive period in Great Britain. The good news is, it doesn’t have to be this way! Read on for some tips on how to lower the environmental impact of your festive celebrations, and save yourself a few pennies in the process.
FOODIE GIFTS
As we are all becoming more eco-conscious, we can look to natural and homemade presents rather than plastic-laden supermarket fare.
If you have a passion for cooking, share the foodie love by gifting family and friends your homemade chutneys, pickles, truffles and bakes. Eco-friendly cardboard boxes and recyclable paper packaging can easily be found online to use for festive wrapping. Cordials and flavoured alcoholic drinks are also wonderful homemade gifts. You could even make one of each and turn it into a hamper to give to your loved ones.
Another thoughtful idea is to share recipes with your nearest and dearest. In a world that’s so digital, a handwritten recipe of a memorable dish you’ve shared with someone feels extra special. You could involve others, too, and make a scrapbook as a gift for a friend or family member that is sure to be treasured for years to come.
HOMEMADE DECORATIONS
DIY décor has come a long way from those paper chains of childhood, and a handmade style is now on trend. Thank you, Kirsty Allsop! We love the look of dehydrated citrus fruit slices, which can be made into garlands or Christmas tree decorations. And, nothing beats natural foliage around the house for a cosy, Scandi feel to your decs. Holly and mistletoe are obvious choices, which can be foraged for free.
Nothing quite says Christmas like a gorgeous wreath hanging on the front door to welcome your guests. You can get some beautiful designs made from natural materials from farmer’s markets and florists, but they can be pricey.
Another option is to make a wreath yourself. Start by creating a base – plants like willow are excellent for this, but you can
