Christmas does not have to cost the world
7 December 2018
With the average Christmas costing British households over £800, it is no surprise that many are worried they will start the New Year in debt.
Here are a few simple ideas that could save money and help the planet.
- Presents can be given without going to a shop or ordering online
- Make homemade crafts/ food gifts
- The sentimental value people attach to handmade gifts means they are more likely to use and keep them
- Make a gift of your time/expertise rather than purchasing products
- Give vouchers for days out, offers of childcare, support with home maintenance…
- Support local charity and Fairtrade shops
- They should be cost effective
- Your purchase will then support people in need
- You can consider second hand/upcycling; not everything has to be new
- Shop locally
- Try to visit local Christmas markets or independent shops near you
- Gifts that support a sustainable lifestyle
- These could include a reusable water bottle, reusable coffee cup, tote shopping bag….
- For people with gardens, a wildlife gift e.g. birdboxes, bug boxes….
- When entertaining…
- Forget disposables and ask guests to support you by lending you crockery etc..
- Gift wrapping
- Avoid foil/metallic/ plastic wrapping paper and plastic tape where possible
- Experiment with brown paper/newspaper and string (this can be personalised with collage/ drawings)
- Use an old shoe box if you dislike wrapping
- Wrap with an attractive tea towel/ tote bag which is then an extra present in itself.
- Recycle your waste effectively
- If you leave the tape on your wrapping paper, it cannot be recycled so ensure all tape is removed before binning
- Use your brown bin for vegetable and fruit peelings or make/use a garden compost heap
- Recycle all the rest of your waste where possible, checking local guidelines on recycling
