With Christmas just around the corner, this time of year can have our houses brimming with decorations, gifts and garlands galore. It might be the most joyous time of the year for many of us, but it can also be the most wasteful too! Fear not, we’ve found plenty of easy ways (which you may already do!) so you can reduce waste this Christmas and have yourself a waste-less little Christmas!

8 easy ways to reduce waste this Christmas

1. Make your own Christmas wreath

Head out for a spot of festive foraging and collect twigs, pine cones or any other foliage to make your own Christmas wreath. Why not try using wild-life friendly berries and pop this in your garden so the birds can snack on your Christmas wreath too! Once the festivities are over, you can also remove any wire you’ve used and pop it in your garden waste to be recycled.

2. Use recyclable wrapping paper

First up on our list of easy ways to reduce waste this Christmas is using recyclable or reusable wrapping paper! When you’re looking for pretty paper to wrap your gifts in, look out for little recycling logo which means this can be popped into your paper recycling bin after Christmas Day.

3. Try reusable gift wrap

Another great way to reduce your waste this Christmas is by ditching the wrapping paper completely and using pieces of fabric you may have laying around the house! Originating in Japan, the art of Furoshiki is creatively wrapping gifts in fabric, which can be used again year after year. A great way to recycle handkerchiefs, old bedding, or offcuts!

Want more tips and tricks on sustainable wrapping ideas? Don’t miss last year’s blog where we tried out 5 stylish gift wrapping ideas for a conscious Christmas.

4. Re-think your Christmas tree

If you’re looking to reduce your waste this Christmas, buying an artificial tree is a great place to start. Whilst buying a fake tree is fantastic for its’ many years of use, going out to get your real Christmas tree can also be something of a family ritual. So, why not buy one in a pot so you can add it to your garden after Christmas or keep it in a big pot and bring it In year after year…until it’s too big not to!

5. Make your own Christmas crackers

As much as we love glitter, unfortunately it’s one of the hardest things to recycle so wave goodbye to glittery Christmas crackers if you’re hoping to reduce your waste this Christmas. Get into the festive spirit and stick those Christmas tunes on for an afternoon of making your very own Christmas crackers using bits and pieces you have around the house. A great way to wow your family and friends!

6. Freeze down leftovers

At Christmas, there can often be an abundance of food and snacks so freeze down what you can to reduce waste this Christmas and make those yummy Christmas delights last even longer. If things can’t be frozen down to be enjoyed at a later date, why not share the love and drop some round to family, friends and neighbours?

7. Reuse Christmas decorations

Instead of choosing on-trend Christmas decorations, choose classic baubles and ornaments that will stand the test of time and can adorn your tree and home year after year. With storage boxes to keep them safe and sound when the festivities are over, reusing your Christmas decorations instead of buying new ones each year is a great way to reduce waste this Christmas.

8. Plan accordingly

Having a solid plan at Christmas is vital, not only for your sanity! Knowing exactly who you need to gift to, who to send a card to, who’ll be attending Christmas dinner and their dietary requirements is a great way to have a more conscious Christmas and reduce your waste. Our Christmas Planner, which can be used for 2 Christmases to come, is a fantastic way to plan out exactly what you need…

P.S. Discover our range of personalised Christmas decorations that can be used year after year!