How to Reduce Waste This Christmas

Even with preparations in full swing, there’s always time to make a few swaps that lighten the load on the planet. Small changes to how you celebrate can help cut down on waste and bring an extra layer of meaning to the festivities. Whether it’s getting the most out of your tree, cooking thoughtfully, or finding new ways to enjoy time with loved ones, here are some practical ideas to make your holiday celebrations feel a little greener and a lot more special.

1. Make Your Tree Last Beyond Christmas

If you already have a tree, you can still make sustainable choices to minimise its environmental impact:

• Care for Your Tree: Keep your real tree hydrated to prevent it from drying out, which makes composting easier post-Christmas. After Christmas, check if your local council offers tree recycling or shredding services. The wood chippings can be reused in gardens or parks.
• Upcycle Decorations: If you’ve used plastic or old decorations, consider refreshing them with a DIY touch. Add natural elements like pinecones, cinnamon sticks, or sprigs of holly to bring in that festive, rustic feel.
• Store Carefully: For artificial trees or decorations, pack them away safely to ensure they last for many years to come, reducing the need to buy new ones.

2. Christmas Cooking

Cooking is at the heart of Christmas, and small changes can make your feast kinder to the planet:

• Portion Smart: Plan meals based on the number of guests to avoid excessive leftovers. Websites like StopFoodWaste.ie offer handy guides for meal planning and portion sizes.
• Shop Local: Support local Irish producers by buying seasonal vegetables, Irish cheeses, and meats from your nearby market or butcher. Seasonal Irish staples like parsnips, potatoes, and brussel sprouts reduce food miles and taste delicious!
• Creative Leftovers: Transform leftovers into tasty new meals. Turkey can become a hearty curry or soup, and roasted veggies can be delicious in a frittata. Don’t forget to send guests home with reusable containers filled with leftovers!

3. Sustainable Gift Wrapping and Reuse Tips

By now, you’ve likely gathered most of your gifts, but how they’re wrapped can still make a big difference:

• Reuse What You Have: Use leftover fabric, scarves, or even newspaper to wrap gifts. Add a touch of nature with a sprig of rosemary or a dried orange slice.
• Recycle Carefully: Be mindful of what goes in the recycling bin. Wrapping paper with glitter or plastic coatings isn’t recyclable—stick to plain or kraft paper options.
• Gift Experiences: If you’re gifting last-minute, consider digital options like vouchers for experiences, online subscriptions, or tickets to local attractions. These are zero-waste and support local businesses.

4. Festive Fun Without the Fuss

Spending time with loved ones is the essence of Christmas, and there are countless ways to create memories sustainably:

• Outdoor Adventures: Take a post-dinner walk along Ireland’s stunning coastline or parks. 
• Homemade Crafts: Gather the family for a DIY craft session. Make ornaments from recycled materials or create your own holiday cards from last year’s leftovers.
• Simple Games: Skip plastic-heavy board games and opt for more sustainable options like charades, storytelling, or a quiz to get everyone involved. You can also explore sustainable game options from Jiminy Eco Toys, where they offer a range of wooden, recyclable, and plastic-free games that are perfect for the whole family.

5. Tidy Up with the Planet in Mind

After the festivities, a little planning can go a long way in reducing waste:

• Compost Natural Materials: Pine needles, food scraps, and natural decorations can go straight into your compost bin.
• Recycle Right: Familiarise yourself with local recycling guidelines through MyWaste.ie, ensuring everything from bottles to paper ends up in the right bin.
• Donate Unused Items: If you received gifts or decorations you don’t need, consider donating them to local charities or swap them with friends for next year.

A Christmas to Remember

By reducing waste, reusing what you already have, and recycling wisely, you can create a Christmas celebration that’s memorable and meaningful. This season, let’s focus on traditions that bring us closer together while also giving a little something back to the planet.

Happy Christmas—and here’s to a greener New Year! 🎄