A reminder for the next festive season, PSG have given some thought to how we can be more sustainable.  We know not everyone can achieve all these, but there would be huge benefits if some of us can do some things.  Just maybe? 

•  Perhaps buying less? Maybe avoiding the gifts that are quickly forgotten and opt for less gifts, or buying second hand – making use of charity shops, eBay, marketplace etc.   

• Or can you make a gift?  perhaps there are items in your cupboard that can be reused for a gift for someone for example, making some chutney or jam?    

• Give the gift of time – perhaps you can walk a dog, babysit, doing some ironing for someone less able? 

• If you do need to buy gifts, think about shopping locally (and taking your own recycled bag  of course!) saving fuel and gives the independent businesses the support they need.  Perhaps try and buy a useful and sustainable gift – e.g. a reusable cup, or bottle, beeswax wraps for example. 

•  Approximately 1 billion Christmas cards are thrown away every year. It would take the equivalent of 33 million trees to make that amount of card.  Try and buy cards printed on FSC-certified, recycled card and are recyclable. Better still go for the personal touch and make your own from recycled card. Remember just like wrapping paper, cards decorated with glitter or foil, can’t be recycled. 

• Eco friendly decorations and wrapping – can you make your own from things you have available, or have a good forage?  Brown paper wrapping is an effective way to ensure paper can be recycled – avoid the glitter!    For the crafters out there -  can you make your own crackers? This saves plastic and an opportunity to fill the cracker with an item someone will love and use and quite fun to make. 

•  Consider reducing the amount of food – this saves money, reduces food waste, and saves a lot of packaging. Perhaps you make your own goodies that often taste better?  Remember to leave some freezer space spare for any leftovers. 

•  An artificial Christmas tree needs to be used for approximately 10 years for its’ environmental impact to be lower than a real tree. Trees, woods, and forests are vital for tackling the climate emergency. Buying your real Christmas tree from a certified supplier will ensure the tree you purchase is from a legal and sustainable UK source. 

• 500 tonnes of Christmas lights are discarded every year in the UK. Switch to using LED lights on your Christmas tree – you’ll be using less energy but make sure you switch them off at night!