On the first day of Christmas
Buy a real Christmas tree from a sustainable source. Plant it or recycle it afterwards. If you have a plastic tree, make sure you use it for at least 10 yrs
On the second day of Christmas
If you need new Christmas lights or electrical goods, don’t bin the old ones. Recycle/donate them eg. at Kings Worthy’s Air Ambulance collection point.
Choose LED lights for your tree – they use less energy & last longer. Switch off lights at night. If battery operated use re-chargeable ones.
On the third day of Christmas
Buy charity Christmas cards, preferably those using recycled card, send an e-card or make your own. Avoid glitter and foil which can’t be recycled.
On the fourth day of Christmas
Buy quality presents, food, a membership or experience day. Make your own or find a good quality second-hand item.
On the fifth day of Christmas
Dressing for the Christmas party? Buy second-hand/pre-loved items. Re-using is better for the planet. Be part of the circular economy and donate one of your old items.
On the sixth day of Christmas
Use your LOAF: buy Local-Organic-Animal friendly & Fairtrade Christmas food. Eat more plant-based meals & try out a new vegetarian recipe.
On the seventh day of Christmas
Buy eco-crackers or, in true Blue Peter fashion, make your own. All you need are toilet tubes, coloured paper & small gifts people might actually want!
On the eighth day of Christmas
Go for a walk, spending time in nature is great for mental wellbeing. You could decorate a tree for wildlife e.g. suet balls, use twigs to create a star, or find other natural things to decorate your home with.
On the ninth day of Christmas
Use 100% recycled or FSC-certified wrapping paper. Avoid plastic ribbons and tape, or foil backed and glittery wrapping paper which can’t be recycled. Why not use fabric wrapping or re-usable bags instead?
On the tenth day of Christmas
Where possible freeze leftovers rather than binning them. Use food containers, foil or wax cloth covers rather than cling film.
On the eleventh day of Christmas
Had time to read all those magazines you subscribe to over the festive period? Why not pass them on to a friend?
On the twelfth day of Christmas
Make a New Year’s Resolution to get in touch with the seasons and/or seek out local adventures. Or simply make your own eco-resolution (& keep it!).
“Because the earth is the Lord’s.”
St Mary’s Eco-Hub with thanks to ARocha UK