Six ways to have your most environmentally friendly Christmas ever!

Who says you cannot have a great time this Christmas AND do your bit for Planet Earth?

There has been some positive vaccine news starting to come out in the UK and across the world but the news around our planet's health isn't as rosy. Last Wednesday, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres urged nations to make radical changes before it's too late.

It's obvious now that climate change needs tackling with as much energy and vigour as finding a vaccine for Covid-19 was. The good news is we can all play a positive part, even at Christmas.

Here are six wonderful ways to keep it green this festive period.

Get Real
You would have to use your artificial Christmas tree for more than 20 years for it to be greener than one real tree. If you’re yet to put up a tree, you could even hire a real tree. Believe it or not, there are companies that deliver a tree, you look after it over the festive period and then it gets replanted to grow throughout the year, a great, green alternative.

It's a Wrap
Use recycled paper or fabric to wrap up those pressies and don’t forget the tape. You could buy plant-based tape with 0% plastic.

Plastic Not So Fantastic
Choose gifts that are certified plastic-free. Look out for trusted labels like Fairtrade, Rainforest Alliance and check out The Plastic Free Shop online. Wooden toys are a Butler family favourite and stand the test of time. They are great at sparking imaginative play and are better for the planet. If they are FSC certified they will usually have a logo on the packaging.

Crackers are a tradition in most households; loved by young and old alike, but they can contain plastic which will ultimately end up in landfill. Why not try at making your own with edible treats inside? You can find lots of 'make your own' kits in craft shops and even supermarkets.

Glittered Up Decorations
We all know how glitter gets everywhere! You think you have cleaned it all away, yet you still find it weeks later. Use plant-based glitter, which is much kinder to the environment.

Lasting Memories
Instead of a jumper that never gets worn, why not give a loved one an experience-based gift. Just Google 'experience gifts' and you will be spoilt for choice. Some ideas can include wine tasting evenings, afternoon tea, stadium tours the possibilities are endless.

Waste Not Want Not
We all know Christmas is a time when we relax and eat a little more than we should, but it pays to be mindful of the amount of food waste that happens over the holiday period. Plan ahead to reduce the waste and all its negative environmental impacts. Recycle those peelings by wrapping in newspaper and popping in your green bin. Look up recipes specifically aimed at Christmas leftovers for Boxing Day brunch.

Doing any of the above will not reduce your happiness this Christmas. Look at it this way, by going greener you are giving a priceless gift to future generations.

At Butler Residential we are about much more than just property. We love to do all we can for our clients, our community and our climate. Go green this Christmas.

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