Our Top Eco Friendly Christmas Swaps

Have yourself an eco-friendly Christmas with these 12 zero waste swaps

We've put together a list of 12 eco-friendly swaps for Christmas. These are all simple things you can do to have a festive experience whilst still caring for the environment. We've complied ideas for advent, for gift giving and even for Christmas dinner. Keep reading to find out our recommendations. 

1. Swap from artificial Christmas tree to rented real tree

Why not rent a tree for Christmas from a local Christmas tree farm, or if you don't have one local to you, buy a live tree and keep it growing outside until Christmas next year. We've done this with ours and it's even grown a few inches!

2. Swap from plastic decorations to homemade

Make your own plastic-free Christmas decorations! Our favourites are made from dried lemon and orange slices. They're super easy to make, check out this guide for top tips when making yours.

3. Swap from plastic tinsel to paper chains

Make your own tinsel out of paper chains. This is a great activity for winter nights and can be recycled or reused for the festive period next year. It's not only paper chains though, there are lots of other ideas for homemade decorations and for hosting a sustainable party without breaking the bank.

4. Swap from Sellotape to paper tape

When wrapping gifts, use paper tape or twine instead of Sellotape. Paper tape is recyclable so you can pop the whole wrap straight into your paper recycling no problem. 

5. Swap from wrapping paper to fabric wraps

Did you know, most wrapping paper is not recyclable as it contains glitter or a plastic coating. Instead swap for brown paper or even better a fabric or recycled sari wrap that not only looks great under the tree but can be reused again and again. 

6. Swap from plastic toys to inspiring books

This year, swap the plastic toy for an inspiring children's book about wild animals fighting against the climate crisis and plastic pollution. A sure way to get them interested in protecting our environment. If they are not the reading-type, instead you could gift them a set of natural, non-toxic crayons.

7. Swap from plastic-wrapped sweets to chocolates in foil

For Christmas stockings, instead of plastic wrapped sweets, buy chocolates or sweet wrapped in foil. This is such a simple swap that will make a big difference but still be just as tasty on Christmas morning.

8. Swap from novelty gifts to reusable gifts

Instead of throw-away novelty gifts, buy reusable gifts like water bottles, coffee cups or tote bags that will be used throughout the whole of the year. 

9. Swap from plastic wrapped vegetables to a local farm box

Buy your Christmas dinner vegetable loose from your local supermarket, green grocers or if you have one nearby, try a local farm's vegetable box. You can get these veg boxes delivered to your door with all the bits you need for Christmas day, and you'll be supporting your local economy at the same time.

10. Swap from plastic Tupperware to reusable food wraps

Store Christmas dinner leftovers in metal lunch boxes, or cover them with reusable food wraps, silicone lids or in silicone pouches. There are so many eco-friendly food storage swaps to choose from.

11. Swap from single-use to reusable Christmas crackers

Christmas crackers often are covered in glitter so they can't be recycled. Switch to a reusable Christmas cracker that you can fill with your own jokes and treats each year after year. 

12. Swap from material gifts to gifting experiences

Saving my favourite eco-friendly swap for last - why not gift an experience rather than a material item. This is my ultimate favourite as the gift lasts long after the festive period as you will make lots of memories together. 

If you are still stuck for ideas, take at look at our selections of eco-friendly Christmas swaps you might need this festive period, from stocking fillers to gift ideas, and gift wrapping essentials.   

We'd love to hear your ideas, what have you got planned for your eco-friendly Christmas?