Enjoy an ethical, organic Christmas

Are you one of the thousands of people looking to have an ethical, organic Christmas this year? Things have changed a lot since eco issues came to the fore, with an increasing number of us wishing to enjoy the festive spirit but without harming the environment. Read through our tips and you’ll be enjoying your best Christmas ever, while keeping the impact of your celebrations to a minimum.

Here are 10 tips for celebrating an ethical, organic Christmas:

1. Of course, the Christmas dinner must come first. Whether you are planning on having a traditional turkey or a delish vegetarian dish, try to make your food shopping organic and seasonal, making the most of wonderful local produce. You’ll find sprouts, parsnips, pumpkins, carrots and broccoli at farm shops and box schemes – but remember! Choose organic wherever possible. They do taste better and you will not be ingesting pesticides!
   
   
2. And to go with the Christmas dinner – some organic wine. Organic wine is becoming more and more popular so there is plenty to choose from. There are some award-winning British vineyards using organic farming methods so you might even be able to get a superb bottle or two from just around the corner. What’s more, organic wine is sulphate free, which means you reduce the risk of a headache the next morning!
   
   
3. However, we are skipping ahead too far. Before Christmas Day itself, you’ll be sending out Christmas cards to friends and family. This year, why not send e-cards to those hooked up to the internet? They are free and don’t create any waste. For the rest of your Christmas card list, send Fair Trade, charity or recycled greetings cards or, if you are feeling creative, make your own.
   
   
4. Much of the waste that goes to landfill after Christmas is wrapping paper which has glitter, shiny shapes and plastic on it. This year, wrap your presents in recycled wrapping paper and your recipients will be able to discard it in their recycling bin. Fastening your Christmas gifts up with undyed string and ribbon also helps, as sellotape isn’t recyclable.
   
   
5. The Christmas tree is an important part of the festivities and many people just couldn’t imagine a Christmas without it. Real is preferable to plastic (though there are arguments for and against both), especially if you can get your Christmas tree from a sustainable, local source or from an FSC certified company.
   
   
6. As well as your Christmas tree, you’ll likely be looking to decorate your house in other ways. Instead of choosing plastic decorations and fairy lights, try using natural alternatives like pine cones, cinnamon sticks, mistletoe and berries. Paper chains are also recyclable and great fun for children to make.
   
   
7. Back to Christmas Day and the setting of the table. Christmas crackers are also a favourite with children and we’re happy to say that it is now possible to get eco-seed Christmas crackers which can be planted after use. Alternatively, you could try making your own.
   
   
8. Candles are a popular addition to the Christmas table but do take care which ones you use. Paraffin candles can emit toxic chemicals such as benzene and toluene into the air so soybean or beeswax candles are definitely a better choice. Try to avoid those scented with artificial fragrance, however.
   
   
9. If you like to have a bowl of nuts to snack on at Christmas, make sure they are organic. Pesticide residues are commonplace on non-organic nuts – not the most desirable addition to your celebrations!
   
   
10. And finally, to the Christmas presents. Green People has got some absolutely gorgeous organic Christmas gift sets which come from ethical, eco-friendly sources. They are fully recyclable and stylishly presented; the ideal gift for mum, dad, brother, sister or best friend, and the perfect accompaniment to your ethical Christmas.
    
    See our organic gifts now.