Guide to a responsible Christmas

For many of us, this festive season is a time to reconnect with family and loved ones. We sincerely hope that the health crisis will not prevent you from spending time with them.

Christmas is often a time of overconsumption, and waste can quickly pile up. But with a little thought, it's actually a lot of fun to make Christmas the perfect time to do things differently. We've gathered some tips for a sustainable Christmas here. Contents:

• The Christmas tree
• The decorations
• The tradition of gift-giving
• Gift wrapping
• Food waste

THE CHRISTMAS TREE

• If you have a garden, you could consider buying a live Christmas tree in its pot, meaning its roots are intact, and you can therefore replant it outdoors. If this option seems feasible, you will find information on how to do so here .
• Did you know that you can also rent a Christmas tree? This option is becoming increasingly popular! In France, one of the options is a Christmas tree , but a quick online search should allow you to choose from several options, regardless of where you live.
• If you buy a tree without roots, don't feel guilty. Some experts still consider its carbon footprint positive because it produced oxygen during its growth. In this case, prioritize locally grown trees and be sure to dispose of it properly. Many municipalities will organize a suitable collection in the days following Christmas.

THE DECORATIONS​

• Have you considered buying secondhand decorations? It's easy to forget, but thrift stores and flea markets can offer a wealth of options. Check with your local shop before buying anything new.
• Homemade decorations are also a really fun way to decorate your home. It can be a thoughtful way to prepare for Christmas or a fun activity to do with friends and family. Here are a few of our favorites:
  • Popcorn garland (tutorial here )
  • Garland of dried orange slices (tutorial here )
  • Origami paper angels (tutorial here )
  • Salt dough decoration (tutorial here )
  • Drawing on the windows with a white marker (tutorial here )

THE TRADITION OF GIFTS

If you want to be more responsible with your Christmas gifts this year, here are some ideas:

The gift of experience. Take a trip together, attend an art exhibition, go to a concert or an escape room, enjoy a day at a trampoline park... Create memories with your loved ones! If you know they would like to take up a new hobby, offer them some introductory lessons, etc.

New gifts , but made to last . When buying a new item as a gift, invest in quality products. Choose natural materials rather than plastic: wooden toys, sustainably made board games, stainless steel or cast iron cookware, organic linens, etc.

Zero-waste gifts. Convert your friends and family to a sustainable lifestyle. Offer them sustainable alternatives to disposable plastic products, such as a safety razor, a coffee mug, or a reusable water bottle.

Give edible gifts. Fill reusable glass jars with homemade treats like candied nuts, biscotti, chocolate truffles, and granola. What better way to win someone's heart than with a delicious gift? For extra fun, decorate the jars.

Buy second-hand items . Find a unique gift in a thrift store. It's not (yet) common, so make sure you choose the right person to give this gift to and explain your zero-waste approach. If you've chosen it, it's because you sincerely believe it will bring them joy! What matters in a gift is the thought and love the person put into it, not the price.

DIY gifts. A responsible alternative to buying gifts could be to make them yourself. While handmade gifts take time, you can be sure the recipient will appreciate your intention and effort.

GIFT WRAPPING​

• Recyclable wrapping paper. Most wrapping paper, especially if it's shiny or glittery, contains plastic. This makes it non-recyclable. Ribbons and bows on traditional gifts are also made of plastic. Instead, use kraft paper, old newspaper, raffia or cotton ribbons, and other natural materials to ensure your wrapping doesn't contribute to plastic pollution.
• Have you heard of Furoshiki? If not, you should check it out! It's a Japanese technique of wrapping a gift in a square of fabric. The recipient can then either return the gift to you or use it for future gifts.
• Cotton bags: If you don't have a square of fabric available, or if you lack the patience/skills to master the knotting technique, you can also use cotton bags similar to those you use for bulk food shopping! Use the drawstring closure to make a pretty knot.
• When you receive a wrapped gift, avoid tearing the paper as we often did. Simply unwrap it carefully by peeling off the tape, removing the tape and tags, and reuse it for future gifts.

FOOD WASTE

• Plan ahead. Check what you have in your pantry, make a list of what you need, and buy in bulk so you only purchase the necessary quantities.
• Buffet-style dinners or cocktail parties, unlike plated dinners, help reduce waste because everyone can serve themselves only what they want in the portion they desire. Leftovers from the serving dishes can be kept for later (whereas leftovers from the plates generally end up in the trash).
• Cook and portion. It's difficult to plan meals for large groups if you're not used to it. But a great tip is to prepare a large quantity, divide it immediately into small portions, and serve them to the table as needed. Any uneaten portions can be frozen and eaten later. It's always nice to have a good dinner ready in minutes after a long day at work.
• The meaning of food labels: the phrase "best before" is only an indication of taste and appearance, but the food will remain safe to eat beyond that date. The phrase "use by" is an indication you should pay closer attention to, as products may no longer be edible after that date (although most foods are still edible after the date indicated, but we won't go into those details).
• Get creative with leftovers. If you need inspiration, check out the Love Food Hate Waste website, which offers a wealth of clever ideas to help you make the most of the food you have on hand.

We hope these little tips will help if you're looking to be a bit more responsible this year. But Christmas is a time for indulgence, fun, and togetherness. There will sometimes be waste despite your best efforts . Don't feel too guilty. Do your best, spread some love, and make sure you enjoy this time of year to the fullest.