Dreaming of a green Christmas? Seven easy steps to make your festivities sustainable - including wrapping gifts in fabric and buying a WOODEN tree

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From the piles of discarded wrapping paper to exchanging gifts that come in plastic packaging, Christmas can certainly be a wasteful time of year 

Each UK household produces 30 per cent more rubbish during the festive period, but it is possible to have a more sustainable Christmas - with easy tweaks that won't add extra stress to the already hectic preparations. 

London based writer, and former TV presenter Kate Arnell who runs the Eco Boost YouTube channel has revealed her top tips to coincide with the launch of The Etsy Good Store Collection.

From hanging cinnamon sticks on the tree instead of plastic baubles to using cloth gift wrap, here's how to make you're Christmas a green one. 

Instead of plastic baubles, go rummaging through the kitchen drawer for food stuffs such as cinnamon sticks and secure them with twine. They will add a lovely festive scent too 

1. CHOOSE A POTTED TREE

We invested in a potted tree a few years ago which came from a local company selling sustainably grown trees. It lives on our balcony the rest of the year and I simply bring it inside when Christmas comes around again. 

You could also rent a Christmas tree and have it collected in January - just google for local options. 

If you really want an artificial tree, find a second-hand one instead of buying new - it’s more affordable and doesn’t demand more virgin plastic. 

If you have a cut tree make sure you recycle via your council collection service or simply use it as firewood.

If you want to have real Christmas tree, try a potted fir that can live outdoors the rest of the year and be brought in again next December 

OR TRY AN ALTERNATIVE TREE

There are some really inventive ideas for alternative Christmas trees on Pinterest and Instagram  - from decorating a large hanging branch, foraged Christmas twigs or simply decorating a houseplant you already own.

Or you could get a reusable wooden tree made from reclaimed wood, and use year after year.

A reusable tree made from reclaimed wood will add something different to your Christmas decor, and will last you for years

2. SWAP BAUBLES FOR FOOD ITEMS

I have swapped baubles and tinsel for dried orange slices, pine cones, cinnamon sticks tied with repurposed ribbon or twine and some stars made from salt dough. 

Getting crafty: Some stars made from salt dough hanging from branches makes a sweet and sustainable door wreath 

3. OPT FOR HANDMADE OR CHARITY SHOP DECORATIONS 

I also found some adorable handmade decorations made from natural materials. Charity shops are another great place to find beautiful Christmas decorations and if you don’t want to store them, simply re-donate at the end of the season. 

My brother and his wife have a reusable wooden advent calendar which is a such a great idea. They simply fill it with treats each year.

If purchasing new fairy lights, choose LED lights as they use a fraction of the energy compared to regular fairy lights and they don’t overheat. 

Handmade decorations from natural materials are a better choice than plastic baubles, or you could buy from the charity shop and re-donate them at the end of the season

4. PARCEL GIFTS WITH REUSABLE WRAP

Try reusable cotton gift wrap or simply upcycle a piece of material you already own. 

If you want to be extra generous and potentially help someone on their way to being more zero waste, then a reusable cloth bag used as gift wrap is a great idea - two pressies in one.

Try reusable cotton gift wrap for a sustainable alternative to paper that can be re-used and even be counted as part of the present 

5. UPCYCLE OLDER NEWSPAPERS 

Newspapers or magazines can be reused, just make sure you choose the headline carefully. My Mum once wrapped my gift in newspaper with the headline: “Christmas With The Family? I’d Rather Have £250”... thanks Mum!

You can also swap plastic sticky tape for twine or recyclable brown paper tape, and I also use foliage I’ve picked to add a decorative touch.

I don’t send cards, but if you can’t resist, then choose ones made from 100 per cent recycled content or FSC certified and that they can be easily recycled -no glitter, foil or sticky foam bits - sold without plastic wrapped around them. 

There's nothing wrong with using old paper as wrapping, just make sure you choose the particular page wisely 

Plain brown paper is a better alternative to glittery wrapping that can't be recycled and you can add a sprig of foliage for a festive touch 

6. BUY LOOSE PRODUCE 

Where possible, choose loose produce instead of packaged and take reusable cloth bags and containers with you - this means you can buy only what you need as well as reduce the amount of waste ending up in the bin. 

Most supermarkets are happy for customers to bring their own containers to the butchers, deli and cheese counters or try supporting your local farmers’ markets or specialist independent stores.

 I say something like: “can you put it straight in here please?” and hand them my tin. The reaction is always lovely but if you feel awkward, use your sense of humour. You may even get a discount!

Top tips for reusable gifts  

Choose gifts consciously and focus on quality over quantity. Why not try some low-waste gift ideas such as:

Experiences: Rather than buying more stuff, treat your loved ones to a cookery course, dance classes, meal out at a swanky restaurant or a massage.

Refills: There are now lots of places (and more popping up all over the UK) selling loose produce, dry goods, oils, wines and bath salts in refills. 

Simply take along some small cloth bags or glass jars and fill up with treats - chocolate covered nuts are a personal favourite - the cashier will simply deduct the weight of the container and you only pay for what’s inside.

DIY: A jar of homemade cookies, homemade bath salts or a lip balm make cute stocking fillers. 

Reusables: A reusable coffee cup, reusable water bottle, zero waste starter kit, reusable beeswax wrap (to replace cling film) or a set of reusable organic cotton napkins. Sometimes just one reusable item helps someone kick start their journey to low waste habits.

Digital gifts: audio books, online subscriptions to games or magazines, TV streaming services, e-book voucher, music downloads etc.

Second-hand: Books, clothes, toys or electronic equipment such as a digital camera

Buy from sustainable brands: If buying new, try supporting a company that has sustainable practises, minimal or zero packaging and that the gift item is truly wanted, otherwise it will simply become clutter. 

Seek out products built to last: Look for products that are designed to be repaired instead of replaced. uk.buymeonce.com has a carefully curated collection of beautiful and durable products that come with lifetime guarantees and/or repairs.  

Take a reusable glass jar along to one of the refill retailers popping up over the UK and fill up with a treat such as chocolate covered nuts as a gift (left). Buying someone a resuable product such as a coffee mug could help them kickstart low waste habits 

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If time is limited or you don’t want to bake your own mince pies, take a container or cloth bag into a bakery and asked them to put their mince pies straight in. Super simple!

When entertaining, use reusable cutlery, plates and drinks containers and replace disposable napkins with reusable cloth alternatives. Reusable or recyclable Christmas crackers are also available. And always compost food scraps if possible!

To help you shop Mindfully this Christmas Etsy has launched The Etsy Good Store Collection online, curated around Sustainability, Wellness and Craftsmanship: etsy.com/uk/featured/goodstore 

When shopping for Christmas produce, try to bring along your own containers to the supermarket or shop at refill stores to minimise packaging