Have yourself a merry green Christmas... 
As the festive season approaches, the joy of Christmas often comes hand-in-hand with excess and waste. However, it's entirely possible to enjoy a merry Christmas while being mindful of our impact on the planet. In this Blog, we'll explore creative and eco-friendly ways for us all to have a green and sustainable Christmas.
Food preparation
Mindful meal planning: Plan your Christmas meals carefully to avoid overbuying. Estimate portion sizes and create shopping lists to minimise food waste.
Local and seasonal ingredients: Choose local and seasonal produce. Not only does this support local farmers, but it also reduces the carbon footprint associated with transporting food long distances.
Plant-based options: Consider incorporating more plant-based dishes into your Christmas menu. Plant-based meals generally have a lower environmental impact compared to animal-based ones.
Reduce single-use plastic: Be conscious of packaging when shopping. Choose products with minimal or recyclable packaging, and why not take your own reusable bags.
Creative leftovers: Embrace creativity with leftovers. Turn them into new dishes or freeze them for later use. This not only reduces waste, but also saves you time in future meal preparation.
Christmas trees (see our Blog on Real vs. fake):
Rent a Christmas tree: Consider renting a Christmas tree. After the festive season, the tree can be returned, and it will continue to grow for future use.
DIY decorations: Create your own decorations using natural materials or items you already have at home. This adds a personal touch and reduces the demand for store-bought decorations.
Wrapping paper
Eco-friendly wrapping: Choose eco-friendly wrapping paper or get creative with alternative wrapping materials such as newspaper, fabric, or even old maps. This reduces the environmental impact of single-use wrapping paper.
Reusable gift bags: Invest in reusable gift bags. These not only look festive, but can be used year after year, eliminating the need for disposable wrapping.
Natural decorations: Add a touch of nature to your gifts by using twine, dried flowers or sprigs of evergreen as decorations. These elements can be composted after use.
Decorations
Energy-efficient lighting: Use energy-efficient LED lights for your decorations. They consume less energy and last longer, reducing the need for frequent replacements.
DIY decorative crafts: Engage in holiday crafts to create your own decorations. This could involve upcycling materials or using natural elements like pinecones, which can be returned to nature after use.
Minimalistic approach: Embrace a minimalist approach to decorations. A few carefully chosen items can be just as festive as an abundance of decor, and it reduces the environmental impact.
Christmas gifts
Gift 'experiences' rather than items: This might be tickets to a show, a spa day or a cooking class. Experiences create lasting memories without contributing to material consumption.
Handmade gifts: Consider making your gifts. Handmade presents often carry more sentimental value and can be crafted from materials you already have at home.
Sustainable brands: Choose gifts from sustainable and ethical brands. Look for products made from recycled materials or those that promote Fairtrade practices.
Zero-waste gifts: Choose zero-waste gifts such as reusable water bottles, beeswax wraps or compostable phone cases. These items promote sustainable living and reduce the need for single-use products.
Re-gifting: Consider giving items that are in good condition but no longer needed. This not only reduces waste but also ensures that the item finds a new home, where it is appreciated.
Charitable donations: Instead of traditional gifts, consider making a donation to a charity in someone's name. This contributes to a meaningful cause and aligns with the spirit of giving.
Have a very merry and green Christmas - from all of us at PRL! 
Carl Dodd, Property Revolutions Ltd.
