Here’s how to have a Christmas that’s kinder for you and for the planet
The festive season and sustainability may seem at odds but there are small steps all of us can take to help the environment this Christmas.
We live in times where, with a few collective tweaks, we can all make a big difference. Below, we’ve selected ten simple ways you can make the festivities more gentle on the planet.
‘Consumption – and let’s face it overconsumption – doesn’t need to be the driver for Christmas,’ says Naomi Bulliard, Head of Strategy at the Centre for Sustainable Fashion. ‘Why not opt for something to nurture the soul with activities and items that help us rekindle our connection with nature, be that walking, gardening or wild swimming. If buying new then buy durable products that will be used and kept, loved and passed on.’
Here are seven ideas to help you on your way…
Think before you wrap
Wrapping Christmas gifts is a tradition you may not want to forfeit, after all there’s nothing lovelier than tearing open a special gift on Christmas morning. The good news is that all John Lewis gift wrap is now 100% recyclable because of specially developed inks and the removal of glitter. And with cost of living at the forefront at all of our minds, we've put together some bargain tips so that you can actually wrap your presents up for free. Yes – for free.
Fill your own advent calendar
The charm of the advent calendar never wanes – in fact, this simple Christmas tradition is more popular than ever for both kids and adults. Why not try a fill-your-own style you can use again and again? There’s so much fun to be had choosing the little gifts to go inside whether homemade trinkets or sustainably sourced chocolate. ‘I always put activities/things to do inside such as a frosty walk, baking, film night or torch night walk,’ says Carla de Reyes Mezbur, stylist and mum of two.
A step in the right direction
Want to score points with your stylish vegan pal? These incredible trainers from Good News (which is the shoe brand to know right now) boost conscious credentials, with a recycled rubber outsole and recycled mesh padding around the heel and tongue.
Cracking crackers you can recycle
Pulling crackers over Christmas dinner is one of the festive season’s most enduring and joyful traditions. This year, choose crackers that can be fully recycled (paper hats included) such as these glitter-free styles. Contents, including a mini yo-yo, tweezers, nail clipper, playing cards and keyring, are all plastic free.
Get a more sustainable Christmas tree
Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas without a tree. While more people are choosing potted trees or reusable artificial ones, others can’t resist the allure (and scent) of a real tree. The good news is if you choose a real tree from John Lewis, for each tree that’s felled, two more are planted. All our packaging is recyclable, and stands can be reused. Delivery to your home takes the shortest route possible. Last delivery date is 21 December.
Invest in feel-good Christmas pjs
Festive pyjamas have become a tradition for the whole family. These beautifully-made checked pyjamas will last for years making them perfect hand-me-downs, and by buying cotton products from John Lewis & Partners, you’re supporting more sustainable cotton farming through the Better Cotton Initiative. Perfect for winter snuggles on the sofa.
Invest in a stylish water bottle
Practical presents are often the best. A new reusable water bottle scores sustainability points too as it helps cut down on unnecessary disposable plastic bottles. It will also look good on your desk, in your college bag or gym kit. A good contender for the office secret Santa this year…
