Help make your Christmas more sustainable, and cheaper too!
Great gifts
When Christmas shopping, think ‘less, but better’. Picking quality gifts that will last, and be loved.
This reduces the chances of gifts going to waste and will make sure that it lasts for years to come.
This could also be better for your wallet by purchasing one quality gift, rather than lots of cheaper, disposable or poor-quality items.
Also think about how much packaging your chosen gifts come in, and what it is made from – can it be reused or recycled?
Shopping for quality preloved items is a great way to find a bargain and keep items in circulation for longer.
Or you could give vouchers or experiences as gifts – like tickets for an event or doing an activity together – so they can spend quality time doing something they love.
Wrap it up
Look out for wrapping paper and gift bags that don’t have glitter or foil in them, as these can’t be recycled.
Gift bags and boxes can be used time and time again, so remember to keep those for future years. As long as there’s no glitter on foil on them, paper and cardboard bags can also be recycled once you’re done with them.
You can also buy fabric wrapping paper and fabric gift bags that can be used year after year.
Deck the halls
Choose LED Christmas lights, and remember to turn them off overnight and when you’re out of the house, to use less energy.
Look for Christmas decorations that you will use time and time again, and avoid any single-use plastic ones.
Cards
When buying Christmas cards, opt for ones that don’t have glitter or foil on them, as these can’t be recycled.
When you do come to recycle your Christmas cards, if any do have glitter or foil on the front, tear the back off and recycle that, then put the front in your general waste.
E-cards also let family and friends know you’re thinking of them without the need for a physical card (saving you some money, including on postage!).
The festive feast
Many of us indulge over Christmas, but be realistic about how much food you need to buy, and use up any leftovers as much as possible.
Before you go food shopping, take a ‘shelfie’ picture of your cupboards and fridge so you can keep track of everything you already have. Choosing to buy loose fruit and vegetables where possible can also help you buy only what you need, and reduces the amount of packaging.
When storing any leftovers, opt for reusable plastic containers or aluminium foil – which can be recycled – rather than cling film, which can’t be.
If you’re visiting friends or family, why not take some containers with you so you can help share the leftovers and take them home.
When it comes to setting the table, go for a fabric tablecloth too, instead of a single-use paper and plastic one. And make sure if you’re buying Christmas crackers that they don’t have glitter on them and they can be recycled.
Our waste and recycling bins tends to look a little different over Christmas – check what festive waste you can and can’t recycle in Lincolnshire on our website.