A Kinder Christmas

Jules Miller
50 minutes ago
3 min read

Christmas is a magical time, but it often comes with unnecessary waste - from plastic decorations and over-bought gifts to leftover food.

The good news is that it’s easier than you might think to celebrate thoughtfully, support your local community, and reduce your environmental impact.

With so many independent shops, makers, and food producers in our towns and villages, a sustainable and festive season is well within reach.

Here’s our guide:

1. Shop Smart and Local

Our local high street is packed with independent shops that make gift shopping enjoyable, unique, and sustainable.

Supporting local businesses reduces packaging, cuts carbon emissions, and keeps money in the community.

Plan ahead: Make a list of gifts for each person to avoid impulse buys and unnecessary waste.
Gift experiences or homemade treats: Tickets to events, spa vouchers, charitable donations, or homemade goodies like cookies, bird boxes, or schnapps are thoughtful, low-waste options.
Explore your local shops: Homeware and lifestyle stores: Great for candles, cosy throws, mugs, and stylish home accessories.
Traditional gift shops: Ideal for classic presents, edible treats, and seasonal surprises.
Craft and maker collectives: Look for handmade jewellery, ceramics, scarves, artwork, and natural home fragrances.
Farm shops, delis, and food halls: Perfect for gourmet goodies, hampers, artisan snacks, and fresh, seasonal produce.
Clothing and outdoor retailers: Practical gifts such as winter wear, accessories, and outdoor gear.
Stationery and quirky homeware boutiques: For fun, creative, or unusual gifts with personality.
Your local bookshop: Books, cards, or even audiobooks purchased through platforms that support independent booksellers like Libro.fm.
Pet shops: Treats, toys, and gifts for the animal lovers in your life.
And many more! Every town has its own hidden gems - exploring your high street is half the fun.
Embrace second-hand: Local charity shops are perfect for pre-loved toys, books, and puzzles.
Minimise gifts wisely: Consider Secret Santa or “kids-only” arrangements to keep celebrations manageable and meaningful.

2. Sustainable Wrapping

Christmas wrapping can create a surprising amount of waste. Wrap gifts beautifully and responsibly by:

Using recycled or repurposed paper, fabric ribbons, or cotton/wool twine
Trying Furoshiki, the Japanese fabric wrapping method - wrapping and gift in one
Choosing gifts that don’t need wrapping: experiences, tickets, or donations
Reusing paper and ribbons each year

3. Christmas Trees

Choosing a tree sustainably makes a big difference, and Wotton‑under‑Edge has several local options:

Local cut trees: Support charities and local producers.
Compostable disposal: After Christmas, real trees can go in your garden waste bin or be collected by charities like Rory’s Well or Longfield Hospice.
Rentable living trees: Potted trees can be returned and reused year after year and are increasingly available through local nurseries.
Artificial trees: If you already have one, reuse it for many years. For new trees, choose high-quality options that will last a decade or more.
Homemade trees: For a zero-waste option, create a tree using branches, string, and a few traditional or homemade decorations. This is perfect for small spaces or for a creative, eco-friendly statement.
Decorate sustainably: Reuse decorations, buy second-hand, or pick plastic-free options from local craft makers.

4. Eco-Friendly Christmas Dinner

Festive feasts are a highlight, but planning helps reduce waste and stress:

Meal plan: Avoid over-purchasing and save leftovers creatively.
Shop locally: Seasonal, fresh produce from our many local food retailers or local markets reduces packaging and supports local farmers.
Consider plant-based dishes: Even one meat-free option lowers your meal’s carbon footprint.
Prep ahead: Freezing homemade dishes extends shelf-life and cuts down on packaged foods.

5. Mindful Advent

Make the countdown to Christmas more sustainable:

DIY advent calendars: Use jars, envelopes, or fabric pouches instead of plastic ones.
Experiences over stuff: Include family activities, homemade treats, or charitable acts.
Natural decorations: Evergreen sprigs, berries, or pinecones add festive charm without waste.

6. Extra Tips for a Greener Festive Season

Don’t over-buy: fewer, thoughtful gifts reduce stress, waste, and cost
Plan meals and shopping: saves money, reduces waste, and lowers stress
Reuse, repurpose, and recycle: decorations, wrapping, and leftovers all count
Check Gloucestershire Recycles for sustainable festive guidance

https://www.gloucestershirerecycles.com/reduce/seasonal-waste/christmas/

A sustainable Christmas doesn’t mean giving up the magic, it means celebrating it differently. In Wotton, every small, thoughtful choice, shopping locally, reusing, crafting, and supporting our community, adds up to a joyful season that’s kind to the planet and rich in meaning.