Reducing your waste during the holiday season

 Reducing your waste during the holiday season


The holidays are a fun time but when we really think of it can also be quite a wasteful time. When we add up all the materials used over this period it can actually lead to a lot of rubbish we are putting into the world. So here are some things I do to reduce my waste during the holidays. 

 

Buy less gifts-

We can start to reduce our waste with reducing the things we bring into our home and other peoples homes. This year we stuck to the four gift rule for our son and implemented secret Santa with the family, which means only having to buy one secret Santa gift each. This will cut down the waste from packages the gifts come in and also from (let’s be honest) unwanted gifts to be thrown into the landfill. 


Be really thoughtful in your gift selection- 

During Christmas it can be hard to not go overboard grabbing gifts for your children, which can result in a lot of cheaper plastic toys your children might play with once and in turn end up broken and in the bin. If we really take the time to carefully select nicer quality, ethical toys our child are really interested in we might find they will really enjoy them more and get more longevity out of them. I love getting toys made from natural materials and wooden toys. 


Don’t wrap your gifts- 

Instead of using gift wrap to wrap your gifts,(which will of course go straight into the bin ) use large gift boxes. I have a few gift boxes to place everything in that way you can open the presents Christmas morning without the mess plus reuse the boxes every year. 


Stop giving cards- 

Another thing I stopped doing years ago was stopped giving gift cards. (To be honest these end up in the bin too right? 🙈) instead I will just write a name on the gift box I give or get your children to hand make a card which is much nicer in my opinion. 


Give experiences- 

Another good one is rather to give a material thing, give an experience. Something your loved one will really enjoy doing, whether it be a theatre, dinner or massage voucher. Sometimes me time is more special 🙏🏻 


Gift reusable materials- 

Another great gift idea is to give reusable products that can be used everyday. Such as reusable water bottles, reusable coffee cups (keep cup is a good one), reusable shopping bags and so on. This can help your loved ones to reduce there waste daily. 🤍 


Normalise re-gifting- 

If you receive a gift you don’t see yourself using or enjoying I don’t see any issue in regifting it to someone who you think will enjoy it :) I feel that it’s not the money or price that matters. Also pre loved gifts and thrifting can be an option. 


Recycle, recycle, recycled- 

Of course a great way to reduce waste in the landfills is to recycle correctly. Check labels on your plastics and boxes to see which can be recycled, also recycle your glass bottles. 


Stop using disposable plates and cutlery- 

This is a big waste especially during large Christmas dinners. Just think how much we are throwing away. Instead stick to regular dish ware and cutlery, the clean up might be harder but the environment will thank you. 


So those are just a few things that I do to reduce my waste during the Christmas season.  Of course there is a lot more we can do to reduce our footprint during not only the holidays but in daily life. Let’s make our environment better together. 🙏🏻

Happy holidays everyone!


  • Mummy R x



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