{"id":898,"date":"2020-12-01T16:16:12","date_gmt":"2020-12-01T16:16:12","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/blogs.sussex.ac.uk\/business-school\/?p=898"},"modified":"2020-12-01T16:31:41","modified_gmt":"2020-12-01T16:31:41","slug":"sleigh-this-season-21-ideas-for-a-low-waste-festive-season","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.sussex.ac.uk\/business-school\/2020\/12\/01\/sleigh-this-season-21-ideas-for-a-low-waste-festive-season\/","title":{"rendered":"Sleigh this season: 21 low-waste festive ideas"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/blogs.sussex.ac.uk\/business-school\/files\/2020\/12\/pexels-brigitte-tohm-253208-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-904\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blogs.sussex.ac.uk\/business-school\/files\/2020\/12\/pexels-brigitte-tohm-253208-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/blogs.sussex.ac.uk\/business-school\/files\/2020\/12\/pexels-brigitte-tohm-253208-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blogs.sussex.ac.uk\/business-school\/files\/2020\/12\/pexels-brigitte-tohm-253208-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/blogs.sussex.ac.uk\/business-school\/files\/2020\/12\/pexels-brigitte-tohm-253208-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/blogs.sussex.ac.uk\/business-school\/files\/2020\/12\/pexels-brigitte-tohm-253208-100x67.jpg 100w, https:\/\/blogs.sussex.ac.uk\/business-school\/files\/2020\/12\/pexels-brigitte-tohm-253208-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/blogs.sussex.ac.uk\/business-school\/files\/2020\/12\/pexels-brigitte-tohm-253208-200x133.jpg 200w, https:\/\/blogs.sussex.ac.uk\/business-school\/files\/2020\/12\/pexels-brigitte-tohm-253208-450x300.jpg 450w, https:\/\/blogs.sussex.ac.uk\/business-school\/files\/2020\/12\/pexels-brigitte-tohm-253208-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/blogs.sussex.ac.uk\/business-school\/files\/2020\/12\/pexels-brigitte-tohm-253208-900x600.jpg 900w, https:\/\/blogs.sussex.ac.uk\/business-school\/files\/2020\/12\/pexels-brigitte-tohm-253208.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><em>By Amy Sweet, Business School Green Impact Team<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Whether you\u2019re celebrating Christmas, Hanukkah or other festive celebrations this year, get some sustainability inspiration with these 21 waste-less ideas:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<!--more-->\n\n\n\n<p><strong>1. Re-wear last year\u2019s Christmas jumper, Santa hat and accessories.<\/strong> In need of fresh festive threads? Buy second hand, swap or upcycle for a \u2018new for you\u2019 look. Take part in <a href=\"https:\/\/www.savethechildren.org.uk\/christmas-jumper-day\">Save the Children\u2019s Christmas Jumper Day<\/a> and share your seasonal style on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\t<div class=\"wp-block-jetpack-gif\">\n\t\t<figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-jetpack-gif-wrapper\" style=\"padding-top:76%\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<iframe src=\"https:\/\/giphy.com\/embed\/YEaQWIJRg6dTa\" title=\"https:\/\/media.giphy.com\/media\/YEaQWIJRg6dTa\/giphy.gif\"><\/iframe>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t<\/div>\n\t\n\n\n<p><strong>2. Like to dress up over the festive season?<\/strong> Rent or swap an outfit, or support a sustainable brand and invest in a timeless piece.<br><br><strong>3. Real vs. fake Christmas tree?<\/strong> There\u2019s so much information on both sides of the debate, so here are some tips for both options. If you\u2019re in the real tree camp, try to source from a responsibly managed forest. Remember to recycle your tree at a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.brighton-hove.gov.uk\/rubbish-recycling-and-streets\/recycling\/recycle-your-christmas-tree-0\">Council recycling point<\/a> afterwards. Zoos often accept Christmas trees as a great source of enrichment for animals \u2013 check with them before dropping it off! Buy or rent a living tree that stays alive for years to come \u2013 look for the FSC or Soil Association logo. Plastic trees are cheaper and might be your only option, or what you\u2019ve already got. If so, use it every year. Don\u2019t throw away your plastic tree just because it\u2019s plastic. After all, the most sustainable option is what you already own. If you don\u2019t have a tree, opt for a holiday cactus!<\/p>\n\n\n\t<div class=\"wp-block-jetpack-gif\">\n\t\t<figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-jetpack-gif-wrapper\" style=\"padding-top:83%\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<iframe src=\"https:\/\/giphy.com\/embed\/Y4PUPG0d2In8bimcIm\" title=\"https:\/\/media.giphy.com\/media\/Y4PUPG0d2In8bimcIm\/giphy.gif\"><\/iframe>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t<\/div>\n\t\n\n\n<p><strong>4. Make your own wreaths, garlands and decorations<\/strong> using Christmas tree trimmings, pinecones, dried orange slices and cinnamon sticks &#8211; or support a local maker. Choose vintage, second-hand or sustainably sourced wood, glass or recycled decorations that will last a lifetime. Make some edible decorations and use or make a reusable advent calendar. Or try a reversible advent calendar: buy an item per day and donate to your local food bank. Check what they need first!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>5. If you need to replace a broken set of lights<\/strong>, switch to LED lights and reduce your energy consumption.<\/p>\n\n\n\t<div class=\"wp-block-jetpack-gif\">\n\t\t<figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-jetpack-gif-wrapper\" style=\"padding-top:56%\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<iframe src=\"https:\/\/giphy.com\/embed\/10PJREzOvZh0Q\" title=\"https:\/\/media.giphy.com\/media\/10PJREzOvZh0Q\/giphy.gif\"><\/iframe>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t<\/div>\n\t\n\n\n<p><strong>6. Buying gifts can be stressful<\/strong> and COVID-19 restrictions might make it even more so. Try Secret Santa this year instead and get one person a nicer-than-normal present and something they actually want. It will make any postage costs less expensive too!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>7. Gift consumables: food, drink or sustainable toiletries and candles in recyclable packaging<\/strong> \u2013 either bought or homemade. A great way to show the people in your life who have everything that you care. If making gifts is just too much right now, then buy your gifts from independent shops, charities and local makers instead. They need your support.<\/p>\n\n\n\t<div class=\"wp-block-jetpack-gif\">\n\t\t<figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-jetpack-gif-wrapper\" style=\"padding-top:50%\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<iframe src=\"https:\/\/giphy.com\/embed\/HsAsOUJEYgyFa\" title=\"https:\/\/media.giphy.com\/media\/HsAsOUJEYgyFa\/giphy.gif\"><\/iframe>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t<\/div>\n\t\n\n\n<p><strong>8. Gift experiences:<\/strong> do something different or adventurous later, make a slap-up meal, or create an \u2018IOU a day out\u2019. Memories last a lifetime.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>9. Gift vouchers:<\/strong> buy shop or restaurant vouchers so recipients can get exactly what they want. Vouchers could be appreciated by those who have had a tough time this year. Many vouchers are now card instead of plastic \u2013 even better!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>10. Gift a pre-loved, second-hand or handmade gift: <\/strong>browse charity shops, vintage shops or pass on a gift you didn\u2019t use. Try your hand at making candles or curating photobooks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>11. Charities have struggled this year, so show your support if you can.<\/strong> You could give your donation as a thoughtful gift too. Switchboard is Brighton\u2019s oldest LGBT organisation, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.switchboard.org.uk\/keep-switchboard-switched-on\/\">take part in their raffle<\/a> to raise funds for vital support services.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/blogs.sussex.ac.uk\/business-school\/files\/2020\/11\/Keep-Switchboard-Switched-On-TwitterGraphic-1024x576.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-899\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blogs.sussex.ac.uk\/business-school\/files\/2020\/11\/Keep-Switchboard-Switched-On-TwitterGraphic-1024x576.png 1024w, https:\/\/blogs.sussex.ac.uk\/business-school\/files\/2020\/11\/Keep-Switchboard-Switched-On-TwitterGraphic-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/blogs.sussex.ac.uk\/business-school\/files\/2020\/11\/Keep-Switchboard-Switched-On-TwitterGraphic-768x432.png 768w, https:\/\/blogs.sussex.ac.uk\/business-school\/files\/2020\/11\/Keep-Switchboard-Switched-On-TwitterGraphic-1536x864.png 1536w, https:\/\/blogs.sussex.ac.uk\/business-school\/files\/2020\/11\/Keep-Switchboard-Switched-On-TwitterGraphic-100x56.png 100w, https:\/\/blogs.sussex.ac.uk\/business-school\/files\/2020\/11\/Keep-Switchboard-Switched-On-TwitterGraphic-150x84.png 150w, https:\/\/blogs.sussex.ac.uk\/business-school\/files\/2020\/11\/Keep-Switchboard-Switched-On-TwitterGraphic-200x113.png 200w, https:\/\/blogs.sussex.ac.uk\/business-school\/files\/2020\/11\/Keep-Switchboard-Switched-On-TwitterGraphic-450x253.png 450w, https:\/\/blogs.sussex.ac.uk\/business-school\/files\/2020\/11\/Keep-Switchboard-Switched-On-TwitterGraphic-600x338.png 600w, https:\/\/blogs.sussex.ac.uk\/business-school\/files\/2020\/11\/Keep-Switchboard-Switched-On-TwitterGraphic-900x506.png 900w, https:\/\/blogs.sussex.ac.uk\/business-school\/files\/2020\/11\/Keep-Switchboard-Switched-On-TwitterGraphic.png 1600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>12. Don\u2019t want to spend a fortune at the post office this year?<\/strong> You could pop a raffle entry in a Christmas card, order a letterbox gift or a hamper online and get it delivered straight to them. You\u2019ll save a trip out to the shop and the post office, and save on postage costs too!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>13. Wrap presents in last year\u2019s paper and gift bags<\/strong> or use cotton bags, brown paper, newspaper, magazines and comic strips. Learn Furoshiki, the Japanese art of wrapping using cloth such as vintage scarfs. Use a sprig of holly, mistletoe or eucalyptus instead of a bow, and secure with string and use recyclable paper tape.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1024\" height=\"737\" src=\"http:\/\/blogs.sussex.ac.uk\/business-school\/files\/2020\/11\/pexels-eva-elijas-5977253-scaled-e1606758139444-1024x737.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-900\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blogs.sussex.ac.uk\/business-school\/files\/2020\/11\/pexels-eva-elijas-5977253-scaled-e1606758139444-1024x737.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/blogs.sussex.ac.uk\/business-school\/files\/2020\/11\/pexels-eva-elijas-5977253-scaled-e1606758139444-300x216.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blogs.sussex.ac.uk\/business-school\/files\/2020\/11\/pexels-eva-elijas-5977253-scaled-e1606758139444-768x552.jpg 768w, https:\/\/blogs.sussex.ac.uk\/business-school\/files\/2020\/11\/pexels-eva-elijas-5977253-scaled-e1606758139444-1536x1105.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/blogs.sussex.ac.uk\/business-school\/files\/2020\/11\/pexels-eva-elijas-5977253-scaled-e1606758139444-100x72.jpg 100w, https:\/\/blogs.sussex.ac.uk\/business-school\/files\/2020\/11\/pexels-eva-elijas-5977253-scaled-e1606758139444-150x108.jpg 150w, https:\/\/blogs.sussex.ac.uk\/business-school\/files\/2020\/11\/pexels-eva-elijas-5977253-scaled-e1606758139444-200x144.jpg 200w, https:\/\/blogs.sussex.ac.uk\/business-school\/files\/2020\/11\/pexels-eva-elijas-5977253-scaled-e1606758139444-450x324.jpg 450w, https:\/\/blogs.sussex.ac.uk\/business-school\/files\/2020\/11\/pexels-eva-elijas-5977253-scaled-e1606758139444-600x432.jpg 600w, https:\/\/blogs.sussex.ac.uk\/business-school\/files\/2020\/11\/pexels-eva-elijas-5977253-scaled-e1606758139444-900x647.jpg 900w, https:\/\/blogs.sussex.ac.uk\/business-school\/files\/2020\/11\/pexels-eva-elijas-5977253-scaled-e1606758139444.jpg 1707w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>14. Need to get a gift for an eco-lover?<\/strong> Before you buy that shiny reusable bottle, check what they already have. Reusable products use more energy to produce so have to be used many times to offset it. For the eco-lover who doesn\u2019t need a thing, gift wildflower seeds for pollinators or dedicate a tree.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>15. Rather than paraffin candles<\/strong> for your Hanukkah candles or your table centrepiece, use soy wax or beeswax. You could even try your hand at making your own.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>16. The big tech ads in the lead up to Christmas have already started <\/strong>(ahem, iPhone 12). Instead of being pushed to upgrade your phone, try a refurbished one instead. If you get a new or refurbished phone, sell, gift, donate or recycle the old one.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>17. Write a wishlist so you only receive what you really want or need.<\/strong> You won\u2019t need to make a trip to the charity shop in the New Year or guiltily cling on to something for years to come.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>18. Exchange a card with a call, email, e-card or send a festive photo of yourself (or your pet!)<\/strong> on social media. However, maybe this is the year to send a Christmas card \u2013 especially after the year we\u2019ve had. Support an artist on Etsy, buy plantable cards, choose cards from your favourite charity, or at the very least, cards that are made from recycled paper or sourced from responsible forests. Avoid glitter and plastic bits that can\u2019t be recycled. Repeat tips above for thank you cards!<\/p>\n\n\n\t<div class=\"wp-block-jetpack-gif\">\n\t\t<figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-jetpack-gif-wrapper\" style=\"padding-top:68%\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<iframe src=\"https:\/\/giphy.com\/embed\/3o7TKN7Ia5pEEepdxS\" title=\"https:\/\/media.giphy.com\/media\/3o7TKN7Ia5pEEepdxS\/giphy.gif\"><\/iframe>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t<\/div>\n\t\n\n\n<p><strong>19. Try vegan, vegetarian or low-meat food this season<\/strong> whether you want to save money, try plant-based options or start <a href=\"https:\/\/veganuary.com\/\">Veganuary<\/a> early. Nut roast needn\u2019t be dry, check out The Guardian\u2019s <a href=\"https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/food\/2020\/nov\/16\/vegetarians-rejoice-10-nut-roast-recipes-that-wont-let-you-down\">top 10 nut roast recipes that won\u2019t let you down<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>20. Reduce waste and save money by buying vegetables loose<\/strong> or in minimal or recyclable packaging. If possible, buy locally grown food. If you shop at the supermarket, check the labels for where your food is from. Plan what you are going to eat over the holidays in advance to avoid unnecessary food waste, and store leftovers well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>21. Responsibly declutter unwanted items.<\/strong> Don\u2019t overburden charity shops with things they can\u2019t sell. Sell or give away items on Gumtree or Facebook Marketplace before donating, and check out Brighton &amp; Hove City Council\u2019s <a href=\"https:\/\/www.brighton-hove.gov.uk\/rubbish-recycling-and-streets\/recycling\/recycling-z\">A-Z guide for recycling<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>We can all agree this year has been hard. If sustainability is not a priority right now, pick one thing from this list to try. Remember, be kind to yourself and don\u2019t beat yourself up over a little extra packaging or a leftover Brussel sprout. Most importantly, enjoy!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>By Amy Sweet, Business School Green Impact Team Whether you\u2019re celebrating Christmas, Hanukkah or other festive celebrations this year, get some sustainability inspiration with these 21 waste-less ideas:<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":254,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"spay_email":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_is_tweetstorm":false},"categories":[168882],"tags":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"","jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/parRhU-eu","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.sussex.ac.uk\/business-school\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/898"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.sussex.ac.uk\/business-school\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.sussex.ac.uk\/business-school\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.sussex.ac.uk\/business-school\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/254"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.sussex.ac.uk\/business-school\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=898"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.sussex.ac.uk\/business-school\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/898\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":906,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.sussex.ac.uk\/business-school\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/898\/revisions\/906"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.sussex.ac.uk\/business-school\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=898"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.sussex.ac.uk\/business-school\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=898"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.sussex.ac.uk\/business-school\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=898"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}