Christmas time is for giving, but unfortunately, it’s also one of the most wasteful times of year. This Christmas, spread kindness and joy to your loved ones and the planet by choosing to shop mindfully.
Here’s how you can give the environment the greatest gift of all:
- Deck the halls with eco-friendly decorations – whether you need to dig your way to the bottom of the very last dusty cardboard box or pop down to your local second-hand shop, resist the splurge on one-use ornaments and give a new life to used decorations.
- Put a wrap on glitter, foil, plastic and batteries – a novelty jingle or a dash of glitter can add an extra festive flare to your gift giving but can also make items unrecyclable. Opt for sustainable wrapping options including recycled paper, reusable fabric and repurposed materials like newspaper or brown paper bags.
- Gift pre-loved presents – Thoughtful gifts don’t have to brand new to be perfect. Ceramics, books, artwork and vintage jewellery are just some items that make for fun and meaningful gifts.
Thankfully, Surrey is home to a variety of shops brimming with pre-loved items – perfect for gifting! Whether you’re after a thoughtful present, a unique card or some eco-friendly wrapping paper, explore your local charity, zero-waste or Revive shops. Don’t forget, there are countless online reuse shops too – visit our More hints and tips page for more information.
These changes are small but mighty for the environment, and if you do your bit, you just might secure your well-deserved spot on the nice list! For more helpful tips and tricks on staying sustainable over the festive period, follow SEP on Facebook and Instagram.