Keep it festive and eco-conscious without breaking the bank. Our Senior Campaign Manager, Angela Spiteri, shares her top festive eco-swaps.
Christmas is one of my favourite times of the year! The sparkle, the festive parties, the excitement on my kids’ faces. It’s a time of magic and joy - but let’s face it, it’s also a time of epic overindulgence.
As a mum of two, I get how easy it is to go a little overboard, but with a few simple swaps, we can make greener choices without losing that festive sparkle. Plus, a greener Christmas isn’t just planet-friendly, it’s budget-friendly too.
So here are some of my favourite easy and wallet-friendly tips, perfect for busy bees and families who want to keep the magic, while adding a touch of green.
1. Party outfits: Make green the new black!
We all want to feel fabulous at the party, but you don’t need to buy new to make it happen! Pre-loved pieces are my go-to when I’m looking for something unique and stylish, but without a price tag or footprint the size of Santa’s sleigh. For me, it’s like a treasure hunt - you never know what gem you might find. Try local charity shops, vintage stores, or online marketplaces like Vinted and eBay. You could also try reinventing last year’s outfit by mixing it up with new (preloved) accessories.
For a glam occasion, borrowing or renting is another brilliant option - perfect for special looks without filling up your wardrobe with an outfit you may only wear once or twice.
2. Rethink your Christmas gifts: Less waste, more heart
Every year, around £42 million worth of unwanted presents end up in landfill (according to Friends of the Earth). It’s a staggering stat. I’ve seen first hand how quickly my kids, and even adults, lose interest in certain gifts; so now I focus on choosing ones that are more thoughtful and less wasteful.
One of my favourite options is preloved finds (and I’m just as excited to receive them and often send my family links to second-hand pieces I’ve got my eye on). Last year, I found an amazing vintage jacket for my mum, some fab toys from Marketplace for the kids, and a quirky 1980s Western shirt for my husband. Pre-loved gifts often come with character and history, making them so much more special. And for the kids, who outgrow toys and clothes before the next Christmas even rolls around, it’s a huge money-saver – so really, it’s a no-brainer for me.
When I do buy new, I try to support indie brands and makers. I also like to shop local and Christmas markets are a great one-stop shop for local finds. There’s something really special about giving a handmade gift, whether it’s handmade art or jewellery - it feels more personal and sustainable!
These days, I’ve also started gifting experiences instead of ‘things’ – like tickets to a theatre show, an art class, spa day, wine tasting, afternoon tea or even a subscription service. For my kids and husband, who already have plenty of stuff, experiences mean they get something fun to look forward to after Christmas, with a little less clutter at home.
3. Borrow instead of buy: Source what you need without the clutter
Christmas often calls for things we don’t use year-round, like extra kitchen gadgets, party speakers, or decor. Instead of buying more stuff that will sit in the cupboard for the rest of the year, why not borrow what you need? Ask a friend or try Benthyg Cymru affordable rental service for everything from kitchen gadgets like blenders and buffet servers, to fairy lights and speakers. It’s a great way to save space and money.
4. Fix it: And make it festive
Sometimes, our favourite festive items just need a little TLC to bring them back to life. And a brilliant, free and easy way to kick them back into action is to take them to a Repair Café, where skilled volunteers can fix anything from broken electricals to that favourite Christmas jumper with a loose stitch, often saving them from the bin. Check out Repair Cafe Wales for events running in your local area.
5. Preloved & DIY Decorations: Let’s Get Creative!
Decking your home doesn’t have to mean buying new sparkles. Charity shops are packed with festive finds at this time of year, whether you want to use them as they are or turn them into creative, one-of-a-kind pieces.
Years ago, I picked up a box of cheap baubles from a charity shop, and with a bit of DIY magic, some decoupage and a sprinkle of sparkle, turned them into unique ornaments that still look fabulous on my tree. Crafting takes a bit more time, but it’s super therapeutic - and it’s also a fun project to do with others.
6. Planet and budget-friendly feasting: Plan prep and plate with care
Whether you’re filling your trolley for Christmas day or for a New Year’s Eve epic party, it’s easy to go over the top, which can lead to wasted food and money.
My top tip is to plan your dishes ahead of time - make a list and stick to it. It sounds simple, but those aisles of tempting festive treats can easily lure you in and before you know it, you’re walking out of that supermarket with enough food to feed the entire North Pole! With a bit of planning, you can treat yourself, without going overboard.
And don’t forget to get creative with leftovers in your fridge. Bubble and squeak with Christmas cheeses or a turkey curry using up all our leftover meat and veg are two favs in my house, but there are loads of delicious ways to make the most of your festive food. Check out Love Food Hate Waste for some great meal inspo.
7. Master your recycling: Let’s get Wales to No.1!
Here’s an extra reason to celebrate this Christmas: Wales recently earned the title of the world’s second-best recycler. But we’re not stopping there – we’re going for gold. With Christmas being the season of extra waste, nailing our recycling is the easiest way we can do our bit. So, whether you’re at home, or enjoying a Christmas event, remember: every item recycled correctly brings Wales closer to that number one spot.
Not sure what goes where? Don’t worry - Wales Recycles has got you covered. Read our blog on festive recycling tips or visit our Recycling Locator to search for specific items. Remember, with all the bank holidays, your recycling waste collection days may be a little different over the festive period. Check on your council’s website for details of changes.
