5 Top Tips for an Eco Christmas

Christmas is the season of giving back and here at Thought we believe that it’s so important to remember to give back to our planet too. With a little effort and imagination, we can reduce the environmental impact of the festive season. Here are my top tips for an eco Christmas that won’t harm the planet - or your Christmas cheer.  

Tips for an Eco Christmas

1. Rent a Christmas Tree

If, like me, you haven’t put up your tree yet and you’re looking for the most eco-friendly option, I’d recommend renting your Christmas tree. It’s the perfect option for those without a garden, or if you don’t want the hassle of potting and re-potting a tree. There are several companies that offer the service. They’ll deliver a potted tree to your door, collect it at the end of the festive period, and put it back outside and care for it so it can be rented again next year. Once trees grow to be too big to rent, they are then planted out in forests – making it a great eco-friendly Christmas tree option! Check out Wendy of Moral Fibre’s post for lots of advice on eco-friendly Christmas tree ideas or take a look at these two inspirational companies if you’re interested in renting your tree: Muddy Boots – rent trees from £19.95 in the South Yorkshire area. Forever Green Christmas – rent trees from £40, serving the Essex area only.  

2. Check our your local Freecycle

Head to Freecyle to look for unwanted furniture and crockery for your Christmas dinner parties. Whether it’s a vase or candlesticks for your table centrepiece, emergency chairs for your extended family, or extra china or champagne flutes – there’s loads on offer.  

3. Decorate with nature

Collect evergreens, flowers and fruits to make nature-inspired Christmas decorations for your fireplace, table or tree. Simply attach pine cones, twigs, acorns, and branches to string and hang for an easy homemade garland. If you have a bit more time on your hands, you may like The Sweet Occasion’s tutorial for a Gold Leaf Pine Cone Garland or try A Beautiful Mess’ tutorial for Dried Orange Hanging Ornaments.  

4. Energy-saving Christmas lights

A small change like switching your Christmas lights to low energy LEDs, or solar powered options can make a big difference to your carbon footprint – and to your winter energy bill! Other steps you can take include putting your lights on a timer, turning off other lights when your fairy lights are in use to maximise the effect, or even try just using fewer lights. And if you’re not using them already – make it a new year's resolution to switch to energy-efficient light bulbs.  

5. Have a crafty Christmas

And finally… why not make your own eco Christmas gifts? I love this idea that upcycles wallpaper into homemade Christmas crackers. From baked Christmas treats to DIY beauty, if you fancy trying your hand at some homemade gifts, take a look at our top 4 ideas.   If you have any more thoughtful ideas for an eco Christmas then we’d love to hear them. Comment below, or send us a message on Facebook or Twitter.