Leeds Beckett University - City Campus,
Woodhouse Lane,
LS1 3HE
Sustainable Christmas Giving
I'm here to tell you that a more sustainable Christmas is possible with a few small changes. Hopefully, these suggestions can support you to play a part in making this Christmas a little kinder to the planet and reduce some waste at the same time.
Whether you try all these ideas or just pick one, you can contribute to a more sustainable Christmas. Plus, giving a unique or eco-friendly gift might even spark a meaningful conversation with a loved one you weren't expecting!
Progressive Wrapping
Did you know that 227,000 miles of wrapping paper end up in landfill each year? My mum has a creative solution she's named progressive wrapping. She keeps a box of old fabric scraps to wrap gifts. After opening all the presents, the fabric simply goes back in the box for next year — perfect for gifts exchanged within your household!
For presents outside of the household or if fabric scraps aren’t an option, consider using newspaper, plain brown paper, or recyclable wrapping paper instead. Just remember to remove any tape before its recycled.
DIY Gifts and IOUs
Homemade gifts and IOUs are not only sustainable but are also often appreciated by loved ones and show how much you care about them. Whether you bake cookies, try your hand at candle-making, or craft something unique, DIY gifts can be fun to make as well as to gift.
Give Experiences
Sometimes, the best presents aren’t the ones wrapped under the tree, but instead, day trips and experiences to spend time with your loved ones. Plus, if you take your mum to the spa or your best friend to the theatre, you also get to go — it’s a win-win.
Shop Local
Buying gifts from local businesses supports both sustainability and local artists and creators. My recommendations would be Beam Works in Headingley and Leeds Corn Exchange for some great gift options.
Secondhand Gems
It’s likely you already have Vinted, Depop or eBay downloaded onto your phone, but have you ever thought about using them as a sustainable gift option? Alternatively, maybe there's a gift you received a while ago but never used, and could consider regifting it — just make sure it's not to the person who gave it to you in the first place! This approach can give items a second life and cut down on any waste.
This Christmas, even small changes can have a big impact. Whether it’s creative wrapping, a homemade gift, or choosing experiences over things, your conscious choices will help make the season a little brighter for your loved ones and the planet! 🎁 🌍
Res Life Team
The Residence Life Team create a supportive & engaging living environment for students, ensuring their wellbeing and fostering a sense of community within the campus residences.
ResCycle
Welcome to ResCycle! 🌿 Our mission is to engage students in halls of residence to live sustainably, reduce waste, and inspire others with green living ideas. This is more than just an initiative—it's a community effort where every small action contributes to a bigger impact. Join us in building a legacy of sustainability, following in the footsteps of past residents and paving the way for future ones. Together, we can make a difference, one small step at a time. Let's make our halls greener and our planet healthier! 🌎🌱
