How to Have an Ethical Christmas

It's the first of December!!! My absolute favourite time of year. I was born in December (28th) so I'm 100% a winter baby who loves the cold and most definitely loves Christmas and the build up to it! I love it all - choosing gifts and wrapping them, mince pies, chocolate, tinsel, mulled wine, and Christmas markets!

However, we need to start being more mindful about what we're spending money on, especially at Christmas as we end up splurging A LOT. Being mindful of our decisions when spending can help the environment. Christmas is the most wonderful time of year, but it creates a large amount of unnecessary waste. Did you know last year it was suggested that the waste created for Christmas 2017 was enough to fill 450,000 double-decker buses? 

I thought I'd give you a few more ideas on making more environmental friendly choices this Christmas!

1. Use brown paper instead of traditional wrapping paper. I think brown paper looks cute and elegant for gifts and it definitely fulfils my aesthetic... You can jazz it up with ribbon, you can make gift tags out of gingerbread biscuits (a bit delicate but very fun) or you can decorate the paper with pieces of foliage from your garden, or candy canes!

2. Buy gifts from independent stores/businesses. We spend so much money on gifts that are produced on a large scale in factories. Shopping independent is a personal experience, the product can mean so much more because the owner has dedicated their time and care to producing great quality products. Why not buy something more special and unique for your family and friends? Etsy is a great place for gifts, so are Christmas Markets (although they can be pricey). There are always stores to buy from that aren't massive retailers, and supporting small businesses is wonderful! 

3. Only buy what you need. Every single year my family buy way too much food and although the food is great you don't really need it. I love eating during the festive period, it's utterly indulgent and we eat so much. Christmas is basically an excuse to always be eating and whilst I love it, we spend too much on it. You can combat this by making your own food - cooking and baking, these can make for great gifts too. Who doesn't love a handmade mince pie? or shortbread and gingerbread?

4. Recycle. Dear god PLEASE recycle. You know when your parents sit there whilst you open your presents with bin bags ready for the rubbish? Check the product first, can it be recycled? Can you
reuse it? 30% more waste is created during the festive period in the UK including 6 million Christmas trees.

5. Consider meat-free options. I'm not saying don't eat turkey, that's a Christmas tradition if you eat meat but maybe consider some of your sides or if you attend/host buffets. There are plenty of alternatives, nut roasts are beautiful! Going meat-free for some meals is a step forward if you can't commit fully to vegetarianism.

6. Eat your leftovers. Don't throw it away! I know how sick and full we feel after Christmas dinner and all the snacks and chocolate but you can freeze any leftover turkey and use it in curries or stews, or you can keep it in the fridge for a boxing day sandwich. Have a second festive dinner the next day, that's what my family do!

What are your top Christmas tips?