Six simple ways to have a greener holiday season

While sustainability is important all year round, Christmastime often creates excessive waste which is why we wanted to share some simple ways to help you have a greener festive season this year.

Support small, independent + local businesses‍

Shopping locally and supporting independent retailers not only has a positive impact on the environment but on the local economy too. Buying from these smaller businesses can allow us to make less impulsive purchases with larger retailers and generally consume less.

Showing your appreciation for independent, family businesses in your community also helps reduce your carbon footprint as items travel less to get to your door.

Re-use festive gift wrap/bags + bows

‍This Christmas make sure you use recyclable gift wrap when wrapping those presents for family and friends. If you receive any gifts it is also important to recycle the wrapping or save it and reuse it when crafting during the year or maybe it can be re-used to re-wrap a gift once again before ending up in the bin. You can also save bows and gift bags for next year and re-use them once again. This will save them from polluting the environment and ending up in landfill. It will also save money.

Buy a real wreath

Instead of buying an artificial/plastic wreath for your door this Christmas, why not source a real one locally. Not only is it better for the environment, it can be composted, recycled or repurposed once the festivities have ended. Real wreaths are also handmade, smell fresh and help support local industry, all perfectly good reasons to choose one.

Reduce food waste

We are all guilty of over consumption during the festive season, whether it's gifting or food items. When buying food this year try as best you can to shop seasonally and save those leftovers for the next day. Similarly to shopping locally for gifts, buying produce from local farmers can help boost the local economy and reduce food miles. Be aware of the amount you plan to buy and ensure that it is necessary and no food ends up in the bin.

Rethink you festive clothing

We all love to dress up and sparkle during the holidays, but do you know how much damage seasonal clothing and shopping habits are impacting the environment? Why not rethink your wardrobe and avoid buying new items this Christmas. Take a look at what you have already, you might be surprised how little you will have worn your festive clothes.  Avoiding garments that have sequins, beading and jumpers made from polyester and PVC is a great place to start, these are non-biodegradable and are extremely harmful to the earth if disposed of incorrectly.

Spend time instead of money

It might sound a little cheesy, but the festive season really is all about quality time spent with your loved ones and not so much about the gifts you receive. Try to remember the true meaning of the holidays this year and don't allow it to consume you.

If you are serious about living a more sustainable lifestyle, check out our Ultimate Guide to Sustainable Living. Keep up to date with what's happening at Bon+Berg by joining our mailing list.