Our Top 5 Tips For A More Sustainable Christmas

The festive season is a time to celebrate and rejoice. It is a time we get together with family and friends, laugh and enjoy each other’s company over good food, and revel in the joy of gift giving. However we often forget the impact our good times are having on the health of the planet.

We’ve come up with our top quick and easy solution to a more sustainable approach to what is traditionally one of the most wasteful times of the year.

1. Re-use gift wrapping

One of the biggest sources of waste each festive season is wrapping paper! When we purchase gifts from the store they often come in some kind of wrapping, whether it be tissue paper, a cardboard box or a paper carry-bag. We recommend getting creative and re-using this as your gift wrapping for your loved-ones. Re-wrap in tissue paper, tie a pre-loved ribbon around the box your gift already came in, or add a home-made gift-bow to your carry-bag handles. The joy of watching your loved-ones ‘unwrap’ their gifts is still experienced and you are also reducing the amount of wrapping and packaging that ends up in the landfill this festive season.

2. Buy Fair-trade, Eco-friendly & Cruelty Free.

What most of us don't realise is that we vote with our dollar. With every purchase we make we say YES to not only the product but also to the brand's philosophy, production & manufacturing methods, labour, ingredients, marketing, EVERYTHING!

So this festive season, let's all say YES to the businesses who prioritise the health of other human beings, the animals and the planet. Need some help? Check out the Nourished sustainable gifts collection.

3. Be conscious of food waste.

Almost all of us have been guilty in the past of over-stocking the fridge and pantry for the festive season, and unfortunately much of this ends up as waste. Before shopping for your Christmas feast this year write a menu and take a shopping list with you so you only purchase the items you actually need.

4. Try the ‘Four Gift Rule’

Consider the four gift rule: Buying less and prioritising better quality gifts that are produced with sustainability in mind is key to enjoying a more conscious festive season. We loved hearing about the ‘Four Gift Rule’. The premise being each member of your family receives only four gift maximum. The first is something they want. The second is something they ‘need’. The third is something to wear and the fourth is something to read. This rule encourages more thoughtful shopping and gift giving and is a great to way get children accustomed to receiving less useless ‘stuff’ at Christmas.

5. Donate to charity

Donate to charity in your loved-ones name instead of giving a physical gift. We LOVE this idea. Gift your loved-one and someone less fortunate this year and make it a truly giving season. Some of our favourite charities include:

So what will you be doing to ensure this is your most sustainable Christmas yet?