Christmas generates more waste than any other time of year — roughly 30% more rubbish ends up in the bin during the festive period. But a meaningful, generous Christmas doesn't have to mean filling a skip. Here's how to do it properly, with a few ProperGreen favourites that make the swap easy.
Wrap differently
Most shop-bought wrapping paper can't be recycled — the glitter, foil and plastic coating go straight to landfill. Switch to kraft paper, reusable fabric wraps, or brown paper tied with twine. The scrunch test still holds: if it springs back, it can't be recycled.
Give gifts that last
The best zero-waste gift is something the recipient will actually use, for years. A Jungle Culture coconut bowl, a Paguro Upcycle bag stitched from old bicycle tyres, or a set of BeeRetro beeswax wraps to replace cling film in the kitchen — these are things people keep, not bin.
For food lovers, Rita Farhi make palm-oil-free chocolates and hampers in Britain. For the tea drinker, KUKER wild herb infusions from the Bulgarian mountains, or Asmi Ayurveda blends — both plastic-free and beautifully packaged.
Rethink the kitchen
Christmas puts the kitchen through its paces. It's also a good time to replace the plastic tools that don't survive the year. Ecojiko brushes with replaceable heads mean you're not binning the whole thing come January — just swapping the bristles.
Keep decorations longer
The most sustainable decoration is the one you already own. Pack decorations carefully and they'll last a decade. If you're replacing anything, choose materials that were already something else — reclaimed wood, recycled metal, natural dried botanicals.
What about leftovers?
Turkey freezes well. Vegetables become bubble and squeak. If you have genuinely too much food, a local food bank or neighbour will always welcome it. Planning quantities carefully before you shop is the single biggest thing you can do to cut Christmas food waste.
Small changes, real difference
You don't have to overhaul everything at once. Swap one roll of plastic wrap for beeswax. Give one gift that was made by hand from reclaimed material. Choose one product that won't end up in a bin in January. That's what we're here for.
Browse our full range at propergreen.com — or email us at info@propergreen.com if you'd like a hand choosing something.
