How to be more eco-friendly at Christmas

Plugging in Christmas lights, stocking up on wrapping paper and sorting through a stack of online packages might be making you feel unsettled about your carbon footprint.

Perhaps you’re torn between some of the energy zapping, throw-away traditions of the festive period and the eco-efficient habits we’re all encouraged to take up.

When the last thing you want to do as a parent is send confusing messages – especially about an issue as serious as climate change, why not try out some of our tips on subtle but worthwhile ways to have a greener and more mindful Christmas for years to come.

Trees

• There are lots of options to think about when it comes to deciding on a Christmas tree. Do you go for a long-lasting artificial tree or a natural, recyclable, fresh one? Why not open up the conversation with your children and come to a family decision on the type of tree that will work best for you.

Decorations

• Re-use your existing decorations for as long as you possibly can, but if you fancy a change, why not get the family involved to repurpose baubles and tinsel to make something new? Try using them as part of a decorative wreath or, turn them into a garland for a doorway or staircase
• Grab your wellies and go for a family walk to revamp your tree the natural way, by foraging for pinecones and twigs. How about bundling together 4 or 5 short twigs with some twine and hanging them up for everyone to admire. Giving them a lick of paint for extra brightness is a great way of exercising some creative flair
• Tying together cinnamon sticks not only looks great but smells amazing, and will last for years. We have lots of natural craft ideas in this article
• For a burst of colour, grown ups can preheat the oven to 140C / 120C fan / Gas 1, and then carefully slice up some oranges or lemons before placing on a lined baking tray. Pop into the oven for 45 minutes to an hour. Once they've completely dried out, allow to cool and then get the kids involved to gently poke through some twine or spare ribbon before tying into a knot and hanging up – job done.

Outside decor

• LED fairy lights are considerably more energy efficient than standard incandescent bulbs, but remember, outdoor lights don’t have to run off mains energy or batteries – there are solar powered versions available too. Take a moment to talk through how they work with your children, explaining how many hours of daylight it will take to make your lights work that evening

• If your lights come with a timer then be sure to program them to switch off at the end of the day, or set yourself a reminder on your phone to hit the off switch before bedtime.

Gifts

• Unwanted gifts can be another wasteful part of Christmas, as well as being a bit of a let-down. If you can’t decide what to buy someone, why not ask them for a list of three things they might like – then, just pick one. It’s a win-win scenario, on one hand you’ll maintain an element of surprise and, on the other, you know the recipient will definitely like what you got them. This is a great suggestion to make to your children when they’re planning presents for you
• Think about subscribing to a charity as a gift. You can tailor this idea to personalised interests like wildlife or conservation.

Greeting cards

• Does the thought of sending out Christmas cards feel like a single-use step too far? Then how about sending e-cards or video messages to loved-ones and friends instead. The whole family could dress up, and turn the recording into your very own Christmas card shoot.

Wrapping paper

• Using brown paper for wrapping presents is cheaper, better for the environment and, it’s hugely on-trend. If you have young children, why not ask them if they’d like to jazz up the paper with drawings, paintings or sponge stamps.

Food shop

• We all know that food is a massive part of Christmas, but don't feel you have to buy large amounts of everything.
• If you don’t think a whole turkey is for you, then try a boneless turkey breast instead.
• It’s important to be realistic about portions to help avoid unnecessary waste.
• Ask your children in advance about what they fancy eating, and what they don't
• Think about the packaging your food comes in when you’re out shopping. Can you buy loose vegetables instead of pre-packed bags of them?

Leftovers

• Have a chat with your kids about how they might like to use up leftovers, and get them involved in transforming one dish into a totally new one. Our friends at BBC Food have some leftover recipe ideas. You can makeover sweet treats too, how about crushing up spare gingerbread men or shortbread biscuits for a cheesecake base, or mix them through some ice-cream to make a brand-new flavour
• Remember you can use your freezer to store leftovers until you’re next ready for them. Be sure to label up food containers with what’s inside and the date they were frozen.

Food banks

• If you’ve been gifted excess amounts of chocolate or any other type of sealed food for that matter, then consider making a contribution to your local food bank, for others to enjoy. Your children can help choose appropriate items from the lists of goods your local food bank might be requesting. They can join you in boxing items up and dropping them off.

If you're a family who enjoy time together in the kitchen then why not take a look at these Christmas recipes for kids for ways to use up spare ingredients and make Christmas extra fun and delicious?

Our friends at CBeebies also have their own tips on ways to have a green Christmas if you have small tots.

And there's advice on how to be more eco-friendly in everyday life for more easy changes we can make to help reduce our impact all year round.

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