Christmas is a beautiful occasion and time of the year for everyone, even in an atypical year. However, nonetheless, some statistics around this occasion are simply mind-blowing astonishing.

Here are just a few examples:

• According to Wildlife and Countryside Link, around 114,000 tonnes of plastic packaging will be thrown away and not recycled;
• In the case of food, well, over four million Christmas dinners are thrown away every year;
• Finder explains how every single person receives at least one unwanted gift each Christmas, the problem here resides in what they do with that present, has some will simply be thrown away – they won’t even be regifted, sold, or given to charity;
• Batteries, the power source of many beautiful lights and even presents, but an environmental nightmare, as people throw them away, sending toxic or corrosive materials into landfills;
• Another huge issue is the wrapping paper because so much of it can’t be recycled because it has glitter on it or is foil-based – especially when it’s used for such a short period of time. Every year the equivalent of 50,000 trees is used to produce wrapping paper every Christmas.

Christmas waste is a real and growing issue.

Don’t stress, it’s possible to create a greener and cleaner Christmas, without it losing its magic!

• Option for products that are certified to be eco-friendly and toxic-free;
• Shop in local stores or create your own present, be creative;
• Choose an experience – like concert tickets, a hot air balloon trip, or even a spa day;
• Avoid the use of plastics where possible (or choose plastic that can be recycled);
• Choose products made from natural resources (wood or organic textiles, for example);
• Quality over quantity;
• Avoid toys that require batteries;
• Wrap gifts in materials such as cloths, recycled wrapping paper, or children’s artwork (giving it a unique and original feeling).

We, collectively, can make a huge difference in the world we live in – let’s make it a joyous time for mother nature as well.

How eco-friendly is your Christmas going to be this year?