Sustainable Living

Preparing for Christmas:

Food & Drink:

1. 01. Start compiling lists if you haven’t already done so either on scrap paper or an electronic device; if you are hosting Christmas now is the time to find out expected numbers of people, allergies, intolerance’s or dietary requirements and ask for advice if need be.
2. 02. Where possible make your own, search your pantry before purchasing anything, an internet search will provide information on what you could make with the items you already have (YouTube is a great resource).
3. 03. When shopping where possible, purchase from local independent businesses though some supermarkets like Sainsburys and Tesco do allow customers to BYO containers, jars and bags at their deli counters.
4. 04. When purchasing ingredients look for minimal or no packaging items in paper, cardboard, glass or tin before plastic, BYO containers, jars and bags; check reduced to clear sections.
5. 05. Try to choose local, organic and also try to support Fairtrade.
6. 06. Keep meat and seafood purchases minimal if you are trying to cut down, so many dishes can be made Vegetarian or Vegan and if you know someone who is, why not ask them for their recommendatios otherwise YouTube can be a great too!

Decorations:

7. 01. First check what you already have then keep it simple which means minimal to no cost or time involved by using materials that have minimal impact on the environment which includes borrowing or purchasing second hand or DIY maybe ask someone you know to make something.

Gifts (including sweets):

8. 01. Check what you already have.
9. 02. Use brown or tissue paper and gift bags instead of wrapping paper as this can be quite difficult to recycle and Councils across the UK have different regulations on this.
10. 03. Keep the use of wrapping paper and sticky tape to a minimum, no need to use both wrapping paper and a gift bag - choose one option.
11. 04. Charity shops offer a great selection of donated or own brand Christmas cards, as well as a good variety of gifts (a one stop shop for “Secret Santa”).
12. 05. Think about giving “Experiences or Day Outings” as presents or gift cards instead of individually wrapped items.
13. 06. Purchase from an independent sweet shop like Sweet Memories in Pontypridd Market where you can BYO containers, jars or bags.
14. 07. When buying in a packet, look for non individually wrapped items or better yet try and get sweets in paper wrapping.

Travelling / Accommodation:

15. 01. Book coach and train tickets early so you can avoid flying.
16. 02. If you are unable to use public transport then look at the option car pool/share.
17. 03. Meet at a “halfway” location so everyone is traveling an equal distance.
18. 04. If needing accommodation, look at house swaps / sitting before mainstream Hotels if you can.
19. 05. If hotels are your only option then try to choose one that is more environmentally friendly, when booking ask about their policies, such as no single use toiletries and or tea, coffee and sugar amenities as they usually involve plastic of some sort.

The above information is only advice and the changes you make no matter how small do make an impact! Change what you can in the situation your in as each of us have different lifestyles! These can also apply to your work, show your boss & colleagues how they can easily change their lifestyle!