5 Festive tips to reduce your carbon footprint this Christmas

1. Authentic fir

Real or artificial? Which will bring the most to your Christmas?

Studies  show that a ‘2 metre high artificial tree has a carbon footprint  more than ten times that of a real tree that’s burned after Christmas. Compare this with a real, locally sourced tree and the difference is stark.

Taking a trip to choose your own unique, real Christmas tree is also the perfect way to kickstart the festivities, all the while creating a joyful experience for the family. What’s not to love!

And what to do after?

Often local authorities will do the work for you and arrange local drop-off points or even collections of real trees in early January. Check their websites for dates and information. 

 An alternative is to purchase a potted Christmas tree, planting it in your your garden once the festivities are over, ensuring you have a Christmas tree for many more years to come.

Give to our planet this year, and bring the true scent of fir and pine into your home this Christmas.

2.  Alternative festive traditions

Bring the outside in, using natural materials and rustic textures, anything from foliage from your garden to simply stacking logs and kindling next to your fireplace. Creating an atmosphere to lift your spirits, through sight, smell and touch. 

We love incorporating minimalist design characteristics to create a relaxed and calming environment. Focusing on a limited colour palette and quality, well designed decorative peices, will help you avoid a cluttered space whilst being considerate towards your purse and the planet. 

Showcase your holiday spirit with a Christmas garland wrapped around your banister rail. 

Intertwined with fairylights to add a little sparkle to your home. Continue this throughout your house by draping another garland around your fireplace, bookshelves, or even your headboards. 

3. Try your own take on decor

Creating your very own christmas decorations is another creative and joyful experience. Using  basic materials such as paper or even popcorn to make paperchains and garlands, paper stars and hanging tree ornaments is an easy and simple way to add festive touches.

If like most of us, time is not on your side, source local artisinal, handcrafted, wooden and recyled glass decor to add to your collection of timeless decorations for the future. 

4. Invest in timeless table settings

Treat yourself this christmas and invest in new sets of glassware and chinaware that can be reused for many years to come. Alternatively,  to limit costs, why not try having a mooch around the charity shops to find a set that can be repurposed.

Crackers are a must, and this year there are so many planet friendly options to choose from too, just make sure to recycle them here possible. Alternatively if you have plenty of time, diy crackers are easy to make and can be tailored to individual guests for a personal touch.

To finish off your table, take a leaf out of the Nordic’s book and decorate with foliage from your garden, enhancing the scent of the season throughout your home. 

5. It’s a wrap!

We can all appreciate a festive tree surrounded by beautifully wrapped gifts. However, for our planet, the aftermath of discarded wrapping paper, not so much. 

Repurposing is the name of the game now, so grab your newspapers, magazines and even comics for the kids’ presents.  There is also an abundance of recycled wrapping papers on the high street and internet.  Then swap your sellotape for paper tapes, twines and natural embellishments.

Need to keep the children occupied? Get a family production line going to produce potato or hand printed personalised brown paper wrapping.

Or wrap your gift in another present.  A vintage scarf, a pashmina, a tea towel even!

We hope you find these tips useful and we wish you all a very merry Christmas, From Alice, Becca and Ellie.

xxx