Annie Sharples, our Communications and Events Coordinator, explores ways to cut the environmental impact of our Christmas spending and support the ethical economy.
As Christmas approaches, billions of pounds are spent, with a rush over the ‘Black Friday’ weekend, followed by Cyber Monday, where consumers are enticed by advertisements and irresistible sales and bargains. Last year, UK households spent an average of £713 more in December alone.
But what’s the impact of our spending? What do we know about the companies we buy from?
Profits surge at this time of year for large multinationals like Amazon, a company heavily criticised for issues around tax avoidance, workers’ rights and environmental impact. Millions of pounds worth of unwanted Christmas presents are sent to landfill every year.
Christmas shopping and gift-giving does not have to be this way.
What can you do differently this Christmas?
Here are some ways to reduce waste, increase thoughtfulness and creativity, and even save money this Christmas:
- Support small, local and ethical businesses
Christmas is a great time to support smaller and independent businesses, who have a lower climate impact, and are more likely to value your custom. Check out local markets, cooperatives, craft collectives, and the smaller shops on your high street. Choosing to shop local is a really positive thing you can do for both the climate and your community. - Choose to buy second-hand
55% of adults would be happy to receive second-hand gifts for Christmas, compared to just 14% who would not. Buying second-hand keeps both the cost and the climate impact down. It’s also an easy way of supporting charities doing important work, and our high streets and town centres are full of charity shops! Try online second-hand shopping options such as Oxfam online, World of Books or Vinted. - Get creative and make some gifts
Why not set aside some time to relax and enjoy getting crafty? Handmade gifts are thoughtful, frugal and fun and they don’t contribute to Christmas consumerism or waste.
You could bake, or make ornaments or wreaths from materials you gather. - Gift an experience
If you’re out of time or struggling to think of something to give to a loved one – why not gift them an experience? This could be:- a meal out
- tickets to a show or a day out
- a craft workshop or pottery painting
- a course to learn something new
An experience is something that people are more likely to remember fondly and less likely to buy themselves.
- Give a charity gift
Many charities give you the option of donating to their work on behalf of your loved ones as a gift to them. You could choose to gift a food parcel for a family in poverty in the UK, gift some chickens to a family in Malawi, gift a Christmas present to a child in hospital, etc. This is a lovely way to support individuals, communities and projects in need as a gift to your family and friends.
What to look for when you do buy new
Here are a few things that you can look for when you are making purchases, either on the item itself, or on the company website, that can tell you about the company’s ethics and values:
- Fairtrade mark
- Fair Tax mark
- Real Living Wage employer
- Environmental labels like Fair to Nature and Organic certification
Further reading
Take a look at our Money Makes Change page all about spending: Spending – JustMoney Movement
Need more convincing on why to avoid Amazon this Christmas and beyond? Read this blog from Ethical Consumer: Ten reasons to avoid Amazon | Ethical Consumer
Dreaming of a Green Christmas: Sustainability and creation care for busy people – BRFonline