Top Tips for a Green Christmas

It is a time of generous gifting, but whilst we all love to give and receive lovely presents, it is important to think about how we treat this lovely planet of ours. We have spent the year thinking about ways we can reduce our environmental impact as a business, so here are 8 ways to make this Christmas green.

1. Make sure your real tree comes from a sustainable source

Make your Christmas tree the staple piece in your family home and even better, have peace of mind that it is sustainably sourced. To help, look out for the Grown in Britain logo and if you are struggling to find one use Grow in Britain's website.

Did you know that you can even rent one? For more information, click here.                    

2. Shop locally this Christmas

Support your local businesses and economy by shopping for all your Christmas needs locally, from buying presents from local crafts people to the low food mile brussel sprouts decorating your Christmas dinner.

Doing this will not only have immediate positive effects on your local businesses, but it is more environmentally friendly due to the lower emissions your purchases would have travelled. Plus you get to have a nice friendly chat with somebody rather than a screen! It's a win win!

3. Recycle! Reuse! Be creative!

Did you know, if we all recycled just half of the 8,000 tonnes of wrapping paper produced we’d save 25,000 trees? So why not opt for an extra gift and wrap the present in a gorgeous teatowel or fabric which will not be thrown away.

For those reluctant to move away from the usual pretty wrapping paper, try to choose a recyclable type. Try the scrunch test - if it doesn't scrunch it isn't recyclable.

4. Plant a Tree

Quite often we end up with presents which are quickly forgotten or thrown away. Things that we don't need, things that we later try and sell, often fail so they end up at the back of the cupboard or on the rubbish pile. This year, why not choose something that can't be wasted? You could plant a tree for your family through our Plant a Tree scheme. 

Why Plant a tree:

• Cleans our air by releasing oxygen and storing carbon via CO2 absorption
• Provide beautiful landscapes, both rural and urban
• Improves community life
• Improve the environmental balance with a greater range of flora and fauna
• Provide a sustainable source of fuel

At Certainly Wood we are passionate about creating new woodland within the UK and we have been involved in tree planting for many years. When you place an order with us, you have the opportunity to plant a tree and when you do, we won't just plant the tree, we will keep you informed on what's happening all the way through their life. We want you to be part of the journey.

5. Plantable Christmas Cards

Return to the earth what was taken from it. Plantable Christmas cards are a great idea, bringing joy not only through the warm thoughts in the card, but also through the flowers that will grow in the summer time after the card has been planted into the ground. Follow that with bees and butterflies, and the card itself becomes a preset.

A fantastic way to send some love and do our bit for our planet!

6. Make your own Crackers

This year why not be crafty and attempt to make your own Christmas crackers. This is an eco-friendly and sustainable way to reuse and recycle bits and bobs from around the house whilst simultaneously adding a personal touch to the festivities. Write a name onto each cracker for an extra personal touch.

To get you started, here's an idea for your first cracker joke: 

“What do you do when you chop firewood quicker than you can stack it? A backlog!”

For a step to step guide on how to create your own crackers, take a look here. 

7. Make your own wreath

A great way to kick start your festivities is to gather your family and have a go at creating your very own Christmas wreath. Get wrapped up in some warm clothes and go foraging for some lovely additions for your wreath like hazel and berries. You could even pre-dry orange slices and add a vibrant colour to it. 

This family activity is a great way to connect with your family - you could even add some Christmas music to enhance the atmosphere. 

For some instructions on how to make a Christmas wreath, click here.

8. Remember the true meaning of Christmas

This is the time to reflect on year gone, enjoy time with family and be grateful for what is to come. Switch the TV off, forget about the news, grab a jigsaw or a board game and gather by the fire. Just like we imagine Christmas used to be.