It is never too early to start Christmas shopping (in my opinion), but there is every reason for you to make your Christmas as sustainable as possible.
Wrapping paper
Wrapping paper is used in the masses per year, especially at Christmas. Many of us recycle our wrapping paper when disposing it, BUT can it actually be recycled? Here is a handy tip I have recently learned: the "Scrunch Test" - crinkle or scrunch your wrapping paper into a ball then release, if it stays in a tight ball it CAN be recycled, if it doesn't it can't be recycled. That non-recyclable wrapping will head off to landfill along with the other 2.3 million pounds of plastic wrapping paper that is estimated to go there. Source: Popular Science.
Glitter is the worst thing you can have on your wrapping paper. Glitter is made from really tiny pieces of plastic which CAN'T be recycled and is not biodegradable. On top of this, if it gets into water sources it can harm and kill marine life living in our oceans when they take in these pieces of plastic.
Ink is used in wrapping paper to make the design that we are attracted to when we go to buy the paper. However, the ink is said to "diminish the yield" meaning that when the paper is trying to be processed it turns into sludge and it requires additional chemicals.
Source: Huff Post
Source: Mirror
Some alternatives I have found for you:
@woodies.wrap
@cadeauxpaperworks
Tape
The amount of sellotape we use during the Christmas seasons is enormous, and we all know a serial wrapper who likes to tape shut every single part so that it is difficult to open the gift. Sellotape is made from plastic and is not recyclable or biodegradable. And, to make things worse, if sellotape is still attached to wrapping paper when it reaches a recycling plant, it then makes the paper no longer recyclable as the paper cannot be made into pulp. Source: iNews
It is encouraged that if there is sellotape still attached to a piece of wrapping, that the person disposing of it should remove the tape so that the paper can then be recycled.
Some alternatives I have found for you:
@ecoboy.uk - they make tape that is made from kraft paper which is fully recyclable along with paper and cardboard. They are made right here in the UK using renewable energy to power the manufacturing systems and water-soluble ink is used in the design.
Source: @ecoboy.uk - image taken by @sustainablelucy
Gifts
Some buying tips
Many of us love spoiling our loved ones during the festive season, and it is super important for us to think about what we are buying. It's time for us all to think consciously. Let's think about clothing: Will the person you are buying the item for get a good amount of wear out of it? Will they wear it 30 times? Will they 100% like it and wear it? If the answer to all of these questions is yes then go ahead and buy that item.
Even though the item may be a gift, you can still look into the materials and transparency of an item - there are lots of sustainable alternatives such as organic cotton instead of cotton. Treat your loved ones to a garment which is going to last them a while and is going to be good quality.
Shop small
Shopping small is always one of the best alternatives. There are many small businesses on Depop and Etsy which make beautiful items, and sometimes custom items. If you are struggling for inspiration, below are some small businesses I recommend you try:
Jewellery:
@papil_londenuit - gorgeous jewellery which arrives in beautiful sustainable packaging - the opening is such a beautiful experience that you won't even need to wrap it.
@etherealhandmadejewellery - a wide range of earrings that you will find something for everyone! Use code LUCY10 for 10% off.
@tinytrinketstudio - makes beautiful clay earrings which are lightweight and so so gorgeous.
@scrunchies_and_hoops_ldn - sells beautiful scrunchies and earring hoops which work as a lovely combo.
@bellamore - gorgeous range of earrings which are super different and unique and would look beautiful in a stocking.
Lifestyle
@looseleafpressco - really lovely prints, stickers and Christmas cards based around nature which will look beautiful in any.
@hannahcromwell - some gorgeous prints, stickers and cards which would look amazing in any home!
@wildrosecrafts - lots of wax melts in various scents, reusable cotton pads and carpet fragrances. Use code LUCY10 for a 10% discount.
@emswellbeing - a variety of well being items including wax melts (I recommend the orange and cinnamon melts). Use code EMSLUCY20 for 20% off.
@saltoftheearthdeodrant - get yourself some natural deodorant; they also have larger refill bottles you can use to refill your small bottles at an overall cheaper cost.
@the.goodfit - sources and sells second hand activewear at a great price!
@embroider_mee - their products are so amazing, and I can't wait to try! Recently released the empower me collection which was absolutely gorgeous and is about to start creating custom embroidered vintage sweatshirts!!
Hair accessories
@queenscrunchie - sells a variety of AMAZING scrunchies ranging from teddy bear to organza scrunchies as well as headbands and scrunchie bags! So beautiful, and would make the best stocking filler.
@tillyandmoon - sustainable scrunchie brand selling a beautiful collection of scrunchies and has recently released a more affordable upcycled range - make sure to check her page for some more info.
@tarikalily - selling some really cute accessories from scrunchies to silk head scarves which are great for the festive season.
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