At Barrow Greener Living, we have been putting our heads together to bring you some ideas to celebrate Christmas more sustainably, you might even create new Christmas traditions or save money!

Firstly, rethinking how we gift. One eco-friendly option is to think second-hand. Seen a present idea in the shop? Check sites such as Vinted first to see if it is listed on there; jigsaws and toiletry sets are often available as brand new and may save you money as well. You might also see something in a charity shop or organise an unwanted present swap with friends.

Secondly, support Barrow! Many of our businesses including pubs, cafes and hairdressers sell their own gift cards and there are many places to buy gifts that are locally-sourced. Gift cards mean that fewer physical items are made and the recipient has something to look forward to in the new year.

Did you know that skills or time could be pledged as a gift? Maybe you enjoy cooking and could cook the recipient their favourite meal or you could offer to babysit one evening? If you love baking, consider repurposing food-safe containers that would typically end up in the recycling bin, like butter tubs. Fill them with your homemade treats and share the joy.

Consider giving items that support local wildlife, such as bird feeders, bug hotels, seeds, and plants. These gifts help nurture our ecosystem and are presents that keep giving long after the Christmas lights have been packed away.

According to the Environment Agency, around 30% more waste is generated at Christmas. Opting for plastic-free presents can reduce this as well as thinking creatively about cards and wrapping. If sending cards, choose cards that are glitter – and decoration-free, therefore making them recyclable. Did you know that you can now get cards made from seed paper, so the recipient can plant them afterwards? You could also save Christmas cards to make tags for the following year's presents.

Last year's Christmas Tree festival encouraged us at Barrow Greener Living to reflect on how we wrapped our presents under the tree. We decided to wrap gifts in last year's saved wrapping paper and fabric. With fabric, we discovered that just about anything worked, from unworn scarves and sewing scraps to a vintage pillowcase. You could also use old maps, shoe boxes or glass jars. It challenged us to think about the decorations on the tree and together we made angels, stars and paper chains from damaged books that could no longer be used.

If hosting, think about avoiding disposable plates and cutlery and asking guests to take a turn on the washing up! You could also consider making your own crackers from toilet roll tubes or reusable party hats from felt. Ask your guests to bring a container with them and that will take care of the leftovers!

Have a Merry Christmas,

From everyone at Barrow Greener Living Group.