The sustainability department at London Met shares tips on how to reduce waste this holiday season
Date: 5 December 2024
We all love to relax, recharge and enjoy ourselves over the festive period – but each year we are becoming more aware of the environmental impact of unwanted gifts, excess packaging and wasted food.
Small changes can make all the difference in reducing our environmental footprint, so we've gathered some eco-friendly ideas for greener festivities. Whatever you are celebrating over the winter break, enjoy and give yourself time to focus on the things that matter to you!
Choose a gift that lasts
It can be difficult to choose gifts with meaning and value whilst sticking to a budget. Remember that it really is the thought that counts, and try to avoid kick-knacks that are likely to end up at the back of a cupboard before New Year. Consider opting for a group gift to allow you to invest in something of more value. Or challenge your Secret Santa team to stick to pre-loved or homemade gifts this year.
Shop locally or go pre-loved
Small and independent shops need all the support they can get in the current, challenging market for high street retailers. London has a huge range of shops to suit all budgets.
The second-hand market is booming and buying second-hand saves on resources needed to make new products, which saves on carbon emissions. Take advantage and find all the things you need in local charity and vintage shops or go online. It’s often lower in cost as well as better for the environment! Check out Blue 17 right next to our Holloway Road campus.
Try crafting
Whether you bake, sew or paint, get creative this winter! Homemade presents, decorations and edible festive treats can all bring a little extra joy to the season. Whether it’s in making them with friends, taking some time out for yourself and your crafting, or giggling over the imperfections that make them uniquely yours.
Check how green your tree is
If you celebrate Christmas but are conscious of tree ethics, Forestry England have some great tips on making sure your Christmas tree is as sustainable as can be. If you choose a real tree, make sure it is British-grown and recycle your tree after you’ve used it. Visit your local authority website or Recycle Now to find out how to recycle your tree.
If you’re opting for an artificial tree, it’s estimated to take 10 years to make it environmentally worthwhile, so make sure you love it. Check out the latest trends in the shops for artificial trees made of more sustainable materials as an alternative to plastic.
Switch to LED lights
Twinkling lights are a must-have for so many of us in the dark winter months. Not on the LED bandwagon yet? They use 80% less energy, bringing joy to both the planet and your wallet.
Go meat-free, and cut food (and packaging) waste
A scary amount of food waste is created during the festive season. Take steps to reduce your food waste by planning your food carefully, freezing leftovers and buying only what will be eaten. Reducing the amount of meat we eat is another way we can really help the planet. Not convinced you can give up your turkey? Check out Benjamin Zephaniah’s poem ‘Talking Turkey’ for some inspiration.
Re-wear your Christmas jumper…
You can even swap yours with a friend or check out those local charity shops – bet you can find an even better one than last year!
Enjoy time together
Often, the most important part of the festive season is the people we spend it with. Consider how you can support people in your local community and enjoy rest and quality time with loved ones this December.
And what about London Met?
Want to know more about what London Met are doing to improve our own environmental impact? Check out our alignment with the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals and what we are doing to support them through our Carbon and Environmental Management Plan.
We hope these tips help you have a sustainable holiday season. For more information on sustainability practices at London Met, please visit our sustainability page.
