Halo Coffee’s Sustainable Christmas

The festive season is fast approaching, bringing with it joy, festive treats and gatherings. Yet, it can also be one of the most wasteful times of the year. From packaging and decorations to cards and leftover food, small choices can add up to a big environmental impact. The good news is that small changes really do make a difference.

According to recent research, around 114,000 tonnes of plastic packaging are thrown away in the UK during the holiday season. That is roughly the weight of 650,000 reindeer. Every year, over one billion Christmas cards are discarded, and it would take the space of 77 football fields to replant the number of trees needed to replace them. A typical household generates more than three bin bags of extra waste at Christmas alone.

So how can we enjoy the season while keeping things a little more planet-friendly? Here are some simple ideas to make your Christmas celebrations more sustainable.

1. Choose your tree wisely The Carbon Trust estimates that a 2 m artificial Christmas tree has more than twice the carbon footprint of a real tree that ends up in landfill, and over ten times higher than one that is composted or burnt. If you are buying real, look for trees certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) to ensure they are sustainably grown. Some farms now even offer tree rental schemes, allowing you to return your tree to be replanted for the following year.
2. Rethink your wrapping Each year, around 227,000 miles of wrapping paper are thrown away in the UK, enough to circle the planet nine times. Swap glittery, laminated paper for recyclable brown paper or reusable fabric wraps. A scarf, a piece of cloth, or a storage jar can double as both wrapping and part of the gift.
3. Reimagine your Christmas cards It is estimated that UK households send over one and a half billion cards every Christmas. Cards with foil, glitter, or plastic embellishments often cannot be recycled. Choose recyclable or plantable cards, or go digital to save paper and reduce waste.
4. Beware of sneaky sources of waste Even the most joyful traditions can come with hidden packaging. Advent calendars, for example, are a fun way to build festive excitement, but many contain layers of mixed materials that cannot be recycled. Reusable wooden calendars can be refilled each year with treats, coffee capsules, or small notes, keeping the spirit without the excess waste. Other culprits include novelty gift sets, decorative food packaging, and stocking fillers wrapped in multiple layers. Taking a moment to check the materials before you buy can help keep your Christmas clutter-free.
5. Crack down on wasteful crackers Traditional crackers are often made with non-recyclable plastics and single-use trinkets that end up in the bin before the meal is finished. Look for plastic free or recyclable crackers, or make your own using paper templates filled with  meaningful gifts such as handwritten notes, homemade sweets or seed packets.
6. Give your tree a second life When the celebrations end, do not let your tree go to landfill. Most councils collect real trees to be shredded for mulch or composted. You can even use chippings around plants or garden paths to return nutrients to the soil.
7. Love your leftovers The UK throws away an estimated £17.2 million worth of Brussels sprouts each year. Plan your portions carefully, use leftovers creatively, and compost any unavoidable scraps. Supporting local markets is another simple way to reduce your footprint while keeping food fresh and full of flavour.
8. Choose planet-friendly décor Decorations do not need to be plastic to look festive. Try biodegradable or natural materials such as dried oranges, pinecones, cinnamon sticks, or paper garlands. They create a warm, timeless atmosphere and can be reused or composted when the season ends.

This year, let’s keep the spirit of the season alive while giving a little back to the planet. Thoughtful choices, local shopping, and a focus on quality over quantity can all help reduce waste without losing any of the Christmas magic.