Green Christmas: Top tips for a sustainable festive season

It’s estimated that Christmas generates around three million tonnes of additional waste each year in the UK alone. So, what can you do to help?

Don’t worry, making your Christmas greener, doesn’t mean you have to hold back on the festive fun! Instead, it’s all about making small changes that are good for you and good for the planet. Here are seven ways you can enjoy an eco-friendlier Christmas.

1. Choose an eco-friendly Christmas tree

For those who celebrate Christmas, decorating a Christmas tree is a joyful part of the festive season and a tradition that we have Queen Victoria to thank for. But there are a few things that you should consider when choosing your tree.

Artificial trees are typically made from plastic and often manufactured overseas. A two-metre fake Christmas tree has an estimated carbon footprint of around 40 kilogrammes. In comparison, a real tree that’s properly disposed of has a carbon footprint of roughly 3.5 kilogrammes. For the environmental impact of an artificial tree to balance out, it would need to be used for more than 10 years.

If you opt for an artificial Christmas tree, store it somewhere it won’t get damp. This will stop it from getting damaged and increase how long it lasts. Try to avoid ones with built-in lights, as they’re much harder to recycle when the times comes to replace it. You could also check charity shops before buying a new artificial tree – second hand items are cheaper and reduce the amount of waste going to landfill.

In 2023, the British Christmas Tree Growers Association estimated that around five million real Christmas trees were purchased in the UK. A two-metre tree – the most popular size – takes around 10 to 12 years to grow. In this time, it provides a valuable habitat for wildlife.

If you choose a real tree, make sure it comes from a sustainable grower. Alternatively you could buy a potted tree with roots that you can reuse each year or you could rent one.

Once your festive celebrations are over, make sure to dispose of your tree properly. You could arrange a collection, ask local farms in your area if they’d like it or chop it up for firewood. To help restore the habitat that was chopped down, you could plant a tree at a community event.

When it comes to decorating your Christmas tree, choose natural or reusable decorations such as pinecones, dried fruit or homemade paper ornaments. If you do buy Christmas decorations, choose materials such as wood, metal or ceramic instead of plastic. We have some great options for dinosaur fans in our shop.

Around 500 tonnes of Christmas lights are thrown away in the UK every year. Use LED lights instead of traditional incandescent bulbs, as LEDs use less energy and last longer. Make sure to switch them off when not needed or put them on a timer to reduce electricity use.

2. Choose eco-friendly gifts

Each year, the UK uses an estimated 365,000 kilometres of wrapping paper – enough to go around Earth nine times. This level of waste has a big impact on the planet, but small, simple changes in the way you gift can make a difference.

Choose sustainable wrapping options, such as recycled kraft paper, old paper bags or fabric. Reduce waste by saving ribbons, bags and boxes for next year and use last year’s Christmas cards to make gift tags. Avoid materials such as glitter, foil and plastic-coated wrapping, as these are more difficult to recycle.

When selecting presents, consider greener gift choices. For pre-made gifts, check the materials that are used and choose, for example, candles made from sustainable materials such as soy. Give consumables with a long shelf life.

For a personal touch, create homemade gifts, such as beeswax food wraps or a unique cross-stitch. You could also gift memberships, classes or experiences.

Received a present you’re unlikely to use? Why not host a gift-swap after Christmas with friends or set aside unwanted presents to re-gift next year. Donate anything you won’t use and recycle what you can to keep items out of landfill.

3. Reduce food waste

While we might not all be able to agree whether Brussels sprouts are good or bad, we can at least all agree that food waste is bad for the planet. At Christmas there sure is a lot of it! The good news is there are plenty of ways to avoid it.

Start by planning your Christmas meals and portion sizes realistically and make a shopping list. This way, not only will you waste less but you’ll also save money. Sometimes leftovers can’t be avoided, but don’t throw them away. Get creative and turn what’s left of your festive feast into new dishes, such as soups, sandwiches or bubble and squeak – a traditional British dish made using leftover mashed potatoes and vegetables.

Try to buy vegetables from local growers, and if you eat meat, choose cuts from local farms. Ask around to see if anyone you know has purchased theirs from the same place – you could travel together to collect it to help reduce emissions.

When it comes to vegetables, choose seasonal produce – ones that are growing and ready to be harvested at this time of year. In the UK, for example, cabbage and leeks are at their best during the festive season. If possible, compost food scraps or save vegetable trimmings to make your own stock.

4. Travel with the planet in mind

Many people catch up with friends and family over Christmas and the New Year, but the way we travel can have a big impact on the planet.

Whenever it’s practical, opt for trains instead of flights to help lower your carbon footprint. Train travel has a significantly lower environmental impact – it can also be a more relaxed way to journey during the busy holiday period.

Try to walk, wheel or cycle when you can – this could even become a healthy and planet-friendly New Year’s resolution. Not only will this help the planet, slowing down also gives you a chance to notice the world and nature around you. Keep an eye out for winter wildlife and see what you can spot living in your area.

When you need to travel by car, plan ahead and combine lots of errands into one trip. This will save fuel, saving you money and lowering emissions. You could even ask neighbours or friends if they’d like to car share.

5. Borrow or rent instead of buying

Christmas gatherings are a wonderful way to celebrate the festive season, but they don’t have to come with excess waste. If you need extra chairs, dishes or festive decor, consider borrowing from neighbours or renting instead of buying items that’ll sit untouched for most of the year. It’s cost effective, reduces clutter and helps to cut down on waste.

For a Christmas gathering, you could host a zero-waste event and make something together as a shared activity. You could include a secret Santa – this will save everyone money and mean less products are purchased.

6. Be mindful about heating

A white Christmas sounds magical, but snow brings an extra chill with it. Staying warm during the festive season doesn’t have to mean using extra energy – small adjustments can keep your home cosy while reducing your environmental impact.

Festive gatherings naturally warm the house as people, cooking and movement generate extra heat. Take advantage of this by lowering the thermostat by a degree or two during parties. Most guests won’t notice the change, and it can significantly cut your energy use.

Focus on keeping warmth in without turning up the heating. Close curtains in the evening to reduce heat loss, block draughty areas and keep internal doors closed to maintain a comfortable temperature. Encourage cosy comfort by using warm layers, blankets and throws instead of cranking up the radiators.

7. Donate instead of buying

The festive season is a wonderful time to share kindness and even small acts of generosity can have a big impact.

Support local shelters, food banks or environmental charities by donating items, contributing funds or volunteering your time. These organisations often experience increased demand over the Christmas season and deeply appreciate any help you can offer.

Some people choose to replace a portion of their gift spending with charitable giving. This can be a meaningful tradition that shifts the focus from material presents to making a positive difference. For example, every gift to the Natural History Museum, no matter how small, helps us in our critical work to protect the natural world.

By making greener choices this Christmas, however small, we can enjoy a festive season that’s kinder to the planet.

Looking for more ways to make your life environmentally friendly? Use our handy tool to find actions that are good for you and good for the planet too.