How to have a guilt free, conscious Christmas

Christmas can be a time of over consumption, mass shopping and lots of waste, but it doesn't have to be like that. We can all be more mindful of our environmental footprint by making some small changes at home and still having a jolly good time. Let's try and rid ourselves of the piles of unwanted presents on Boxing Day, wrapping paper strewn across the floor, plastic crackers and wasted food. Let's make new traditions this year, live life more simply and lower our impact on the planet this Christmas. 

Here are a few tips to get your green Christmas started;

• Avoid buying presents with plastic packaging. We've all been there - the guilt of throwing away tons of packaging after the big day. Look for companies that use recycled, non plastic packaging or gift boxes that can be re-purposed or refilled. 
• Wrap your gifts in re-used wrapping paper, or choose recycled paper that doesn't contain foil or glitter that can't be recycled. For something really special, use squares of fabric which can be re-used again and again. Find scraps of twine , reused ribbons and low waste embellishments like dried leaves or dehydrated orange slices which keep forever. 
• Instead of buying single use crackers which go straight to land fill, think about trying eco friendly crackers, fabric wrapped reusable ones like luxury reusable Forever Crackers, designed to last a lifetime. Or get creative and make your own! 
• Reduce your food waste this Christmas by planning ahead, write a list and resist the urge to impulse buy. Try not to get drawn into Christmas offers and don't shop on an empty stomach. Most food that isn't eaten can be frozen and eaten later, or ask neighbours if they would make use of any leftovers. Food waste apps such as Olio connect you to people in your area in need of food. 
• Make sure you recycle your Christmas cards. One billion Christmas cards are binned every year which costs £2.8 million in waste management. Minimise how many cards you send and avoid glitter which can't be recycled. 

Finally, remind yourself what is truly important at Christmas time. Spending time with loved ones, reflecting on the year passed and looking forward to the year ahead and being grateful for all we have. 

Love, 

Caroline & Anita