5 tips for a green(er) festive season!

Shop small, independent and local
This is something to always try to be mindful of, if you can, but never more true than 2020 – a year when small businesses are facing truly unprecedented challenges. Shopping locally also means cutting out pollution and waste associated with delivery (and also means no delivery charges and piles of boxes for you!)

Consider experiences over things
Similarly to the above, if you are stuck with ideas for presents, many restaurants and entertainment establishment have introduced new Pay It Forward voucher schemes for future events and activities. This is a great way to support small businesses whilst also avoiding unnecessary ‘stuff’ with gifts you’re not even sure the recipient will appreciate.

Have a go at home-made!
Did you truly perfect the ultimate banana bread during lockdown, or have you picked up a new hobby that’s actually turned into somewhat skilled crafting? Consider having a go at putting new skills and talents to good use and making presents for friends and loved ones instead.

Go for green themed wrapping!
This doesn’t have to mean spending hours decorating your own brown paper, though this is a fun project as is repurposing fabric and newspaper as an alternative. Even simple swaps like checking the wrapping paper you’re buying can be recycled/opting to buy cards packaged in cardboard boxes over plastic film all add up! Yes, they are pretty – but avoid the extra cost and waste by leaving off excess ribbons. If you saved last years Christmas cards, you could use them as this years gift labels.

Try some plant-based swaps
It’s okay if you’re not prepared to forgo the pigs in blanket this year (it’s been a tough one!) but consider reducing your meat and dairy intake where you can. Supermarkets are really picking up on increasing popularity of veganism and there are massive ranges to be found this year!