Christmas trees

• Artificial trees can be reused each year. If you don't need yours anymore, donate it to a charity shop (if it's in good condition).
• Take real and artificial trees to your local recycling centre
• Check if your local council collects real trees.
• Some charities offer a tree collection service.
• Remember to remove all decorations first!

Decorations

• Sell, donate or pass on your old decorations.
• Try buying second hand decorations, or making them yourself out of paper or fabric scraps. 

Giving gifts

• Suggest to your family or friends that you organise a 'Secret Santa' between you, then ask for a gift list, so you can get something they will really love and buy fewer gifts..
• Choose a subscription for magazines or books, a membership for something they'll love or an experience such as an afternoon tea, escape room, theatre tickets, spa pampering or a day out.
• Buy items to help others live more sustainably – what about a reusable bottle or coffee cup, a shampoo bar, refillable soap, metal straws, or wax wraps? Remember your reusables.
• Make re-gifting acceptable - no one will know, it reduces waste and saves you money.
• Make your own gifts to avoid packaging. Think something edible or a crafty project.
• Try a local charity shop, second hand market or one of our reuse centres for a pre-loved bargain.
• Looking at toys for children? Consider wooden toys as they are more durable than plastic.
• Batteries - if you’re buying a battery-powered gift , buy a set of reusable batteries to go with it. Remember batteries don't go in household bins. Dispose of them at your nearest recycling centre or dedicated battery banks in shops.
• Include a gift receipt so a gift can be exchanged without causing offence.
• Not sure what to buy? Use the shopping mantra "want, need, wear, read" to avoid gifts that no one is going to use.

Food

Over Christmas, around 5 million Christmas puddings, 74 million mince pies, and 2 million turkeys are usually wasted in the UK.

• Check out our #WorthSaving campaign to see how you can follow 4 steps to save food and save money, not just at Christmas, but all year round!
• Turn your unloved sprouts or leftover turkey into something tasty – see recipes using Christmas leftovers.
• Recycle food waste at home if you have a separate food collection service, or add it to your home compost pile.

Wrapping and cards

• Wrapping paper or cards with glitter, foil or embellishments can't be recycled – choose not to buy them and put any you receive in your rubbish bin.
• Plain wrapping paper and cards can be recycled at your recycling centre, after bows, ribbons and string are removed.
• Using gift bags, fabric or reusable gift wrap is an easy way to reduce paper waste, as they can be re-used many times.
• Use magazines or old calendars to make your own cards.

Hosting a party?

• Invest in china or reusable plates, cups and cutlery for parties - they’ll last longer. Or encourage your guests to bring their own crockery if you don't have enough.
• You can hire everything you'll need from the Party Kit Network.
• Instead of buying individual cans of beer, see if you can hire a keg or growler of beer from your local brewery. Often the container can be returned for reuse.
• Think carefully about how much food you’re buying so you don’t have lots left over. Use up food in your freezer in the lead-up to Christmas so you can freeze leftovers for later. Make sure you have enough storage containers for leftovers, and send food home with guests if you won't eat it
• Make your own Christmas cake, mince pies and other treats to reduce packaging.
• Try making your own reusable crackers this year. Then you can tailor your prizes and jokes to suit your guests.

Festive outfits

• With a little care and repair your favourite Christmas outfit make an appearance every year.
• Swap outfits with friends/family, or buy second hand. If you do need to buy new, go for quality clothes made of sustainable fabrics.
• Check our other fashion tips on our Fight Fast Fashion page.

#GreenChristmas

Check our top tips to recycle right