10 ways to have a cheaper and greener Christmas

Overspending is a big concern for households as Christmas approaches.

This has been a huge year of change and, as part of that, people have been thinking about their impact on the planet.

So, if you’re looking to spend more mindfully this festive season, whether it’s for budgeting or environmental reasons – or a combination of both – here are some tips from Shaunagh Duncan, sustainability lead at green energy company Bulb…

1.  Cut the waste

It’s common to overspend when buying ingredients for Christmas lunch, resulting in large amounts of waste.

If you follow a recipe, it might state how many people the dish serves and you can shop accordingly, so you’re less likely to overspend and create unnecessary waste – particularly if you’re cooking for a smaller group than usual.

For any food waste you do generate, try to make use of the food compost and green waste bins. You can even use some waste to grow your own plants – try planting an avocado stone or growing tomatoes from the seeds of supermarket veg.

2. Avoid plastic wrapping

Go for loose fruit and vegetables, which are often cheaper than packaged ones. Many high street and independent supermarkets also offer ‘wonky’ fruit and veg, which are cheaper than regular items, but just as delicious and nutritious.

3. Try buying local

This can be more cost effective and helps to support local businesses, while reducing transport emissions.

If your Christmas is going to be very different this year, you could also try eating something different.

By swapping red meat for more vegetarian recipes on Christmas Day, you could reduce your carbon footprint and also save money. Or if you can’t give up the turkey and pigs in blankets, try cutting down on red meat in the run-up to the big day instead.

4. Cover your pots with lids when cooking

And only boil the amount of water you actually need – these little hacks go a long way, and can help reduce your energy bills.

5. Rent a Christmas tree

Rather than buying a tree that could end up out with the bins in January, you could consider renting a Christmas tree. That way, you can enjoy it over the festive season, then the tree gets picked up after the holidays and returned to a farm.

If you have a garden, another option is to plant your Christmas tree in between seasons and use it again each Christmas – which will save you buying a tree every year.

6. Consider eco gift wrapping and e-cards

Reusing gift wrap from last Christmas can cut costs and waste. You can also get creative with your wrapping, using old magazines and spare fabric.

Try sending e-cards this year, too, or make your own using paper and materials lying around the house.

If you do opt for shop-bought wrapping paper or cards, then try to avoid ones with glitter made from plastic.

7. Use energy-saving Christmas lights

Energy-saving LED lights are available from many online stores or garden centres. You could also switch to solar-powered outdoor lights, which can be operated on a timer. If the average household replaced all of their bulbs with LEDs, they could potentially save £40 a year on bills.

8. Shop mindfully

Whether it’s online or in person, try to be mindful of how, when and where you shop. There’s often a pressure to buy gifts for people unnecessarily. Although this comes with good intentions, it can lead to overspending and more waste sent to landfill. You could also try to limit the number of different online deliveries to your home, to help reduce vehicle emissions and excess packaging. It could also save you from paying multiple delivery charges, which can all add up, too.

9. Give presents that last

Examples of thoughtful and long-lasting presents could include a houseplant or a memory photo album. Buying ‘gift experience’ vouchers to be used some time in the future could also help support local businesses at a time when they need it most.

10. Consider switching energy provider

At this time of year, households’ energy consumption is particularly high. So, you could switch to a cheaper tariff or provider. You could also consider a renewable energy supplier as a way of going green.

You may also be interested in…

• How to wrap a bottle of wine for Christmas – expert wrapping video
• 11 hacks to help you make the most of your leftovers and cut food waste
• 16 Christmas wrapping hacks for a stress-free yuletide
• Marcus Wareing: ‘We don’t have money to waste – so don’t waste food’
• Food writer Melissa Hemsley on reducing food waste and sustainable eating