A Sustainable Christmas with Earth & Wheat: Decorating, Feasting, and More!
Christmas is all about family, warmth, and joy—but with a little planning, it can also be about sustainability! At Earth & Wheat, we’re all about cutting down food waste, especially when it comes to baked goods. But why stop there? Let’s take on the season sustainably, with a few easy, eco-friendly tips that can make this holiday a little kinder to the planet.
1. Deck the Halls (Without Decking the Planet!)
There’s nothing like the smell of fresh pine and the sparkle of Christmas decorations. But did you know that many holiday decor items—especially plastic and tinsel—end up sitting in landfills for decades? Luckily, there are plenty of festive, sustainable options that can help you spruce up your home without a heavy environmental toll.
• DIY Décor: Grab your scissors, glue, and maybe a hot chocolate and a crumpet, and dive into some DIY! Pinecones, branches, and dried oranges make beautiful, natural decorations that smell amazing and compost easily afterward.
• Second hand Magic: Charity shops are treasure troves of vintage ornaments and decorations that are as unique as they are eco-friendly. You might just find something with a bit more character than your average bauble.
• Edible Decorations: Yes, you heard that right! Decorate with gingerbread, cranberry garlands, or even dried apple slices. Hang these around the house, and you’ll be left with an aroma that just screams Christmas. (Plus, they can make a tasty treat later!)
2. The Perfect, Waste-Free Christmas Feast
Food waste during the holidays is a big deal. In the UK alone, over 270,000 tonnes of food are wasted at Christmas each year*! Let’s make this year different by focusing on feasts that leave everyone satisfied but the bins light.
• Plan Your Portions: Christmas dinners are infamous for piling the plate high, but if we plan out portions based on the number of guests, we can avoid mountains of leftovers.
• Creative Leftovers: If you do end up with extra, leftovers don’t have to be boring! Turn turkey and veggies into a hearty soup or make leftover sandwiches with a twist. And that surplus stuffing? It’s the perfect filling for a next-day rescued wrap.
• Support Imperfect Produce: Not all vegetables look like they stepped out of a magazine shoot, but they taste just as good! Shopping “wonky” veg cuts down on food waste, and brands like ours at Earth & Wheat can help supply your festive bread with imperfect loaves that are still absolutely delicious. Shop our boxes here.
3. Sustainable Gift Wrapping (That Still Looks Amazing!)
Let’s be honest, the amount of wrapping paper that gets thrown away each Christmas is staggering. But you don’t need shiny plastic wrap to make a gift look beautiful. Here are some fun, eco-friendly ways to present your gifts.
• Reusable Fabric Wraps: Inspired by the Japanese art of furoshiki, wrapping gifts in reusable fabric can be both beautiful and practical. Scarves, tea towels, or festive fabrics can make any gift look extra special—and they’re a gift in themselves!
• Brown Paper & Natural Accents: Simple brown paper can be transformed into something magical with a bit of twine, some sprigs of rosemary, or even a wonky carrot for extra cheer!
• Repurposed Materials: If you’ve got old maps, newspaper, or scrap fabrics lying around, these can make unique, charming wrapping materials that tell their own story.
4. Give the Gift of Experiences (Or Food!)
Sustainability and thoughtfulness can go hand in hand, especially with experience-based gifts. Rather than giving something that might get lost in a cupboard, why not give memories?
• Food Experiences: For your foodie friends, gift a subscription to Earth & Wheat so they can enjoy fresh, rescued bread all year long while helping to fight food waste! Shop our gift vouchers here.
• Events & Classes: From pottery to cooking to hiking, there are so many fun, hands-on experiences that are low impact on the planet but high in creating lasting memories.
5. Keep It Cozy (Without the Carbon Footprint)
When it’s cold outside, staying warm can often mean turning up the thermostat. But a little creativity can help keep you cozy while saving energy.
• Layer Up: Cuddle up with chunky sweaters, blankets, and wooly socks before you crank up the heat. It’s cozy, festive, and easy on your energy bill.
• Candles & Lights: Instead of bright overhead lights, light a few candles and string up some LEDs for a soft, warm glow that’s perfect for Christmas. Look for beeswax or soy candles, which are an eco-friendlier choice than standard paraffin.
A Christmas to Remember (for All the Right Reasons)
With just a few small changes, we can make Christmas magical and meaningful while still being gentle on the planet. At Earth & Wheat, we’re dedicated to reducing food waste right from the source. Join us this season in choosing options that help us tread a little lighter—and enjoy a holiday that’s full of warmth, wonder, and a spirit that goes beyond the wrapping paper.
Here’s to a merry, meaningful, and sustainable Christmas! 🎄
*How to reduce food waste at Christmas. Businesswaste.co.uk. https://www.businesswaste.co.uk/christmas-waste/how-to-reduce-food-waste-at-christmas/#:~:text=Christmas%20food,-waste%20facts&text=The%20increased%20spending%20on%20certain,bins%20full%20of%20waste%20food.
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