Let’s face it: for many, the average Christmas celebration is the farthest thing from sustainability there is. Even those who are conscious consumers throughout the rest of the year can fall into the trap of excess gifting from less-than-ethical sources after those first few notes of Michael Bublé start coming out of the speakers.

However, there is a way to keep living along the lines of reuse, recycle, re-purpose when it comes to the silly season, and shopping smart, utilising the latest technology, and thinking about traceability is key. Here’s a few of our tips for a greener approach to Christmas – without being a grinch.

Wrap smarter

Opulent wrapping paper can elevate even the most basic present, but what many of us don’t realise is that many rolls contain non-recyclable elements like foil, glitter, or plastic. Even if the actual paper element is recyclable, if it has pretty embellishment then chances are it’s not. One way to know if your wrapping paper can be recycled or not is to use the scrunch test. Scrunch up the paper in your hand and then let it go. If the paper stays scrunched up then it’s likely it can be recycled but, if it unfolds of its own accord, then it likely contains non-recyclable elements.

Opt instead for recycled wrapping paper, brown paper, or tissue, and if you receive gift bags store them for re-use with a brand new tag. Or, try your hand at furoshiki knot wraps –  colourful fabric squares that can be reused again and again.

Eat with a conscience

Christmas is all about indulgence when it comes to food, so use the annual gastronomic extravaganza as an opportunity to show your support for local, ethical small-scale producers. Turkey, ham and any other cuts of meat you plan to serve are a good place to start: you’ll use fewer food miles, less packaging and you can feel confident that you haven’t supported any intensive farming practices.

Buy loose food that isn’t wrapped in plastic packaging (your local farmers market is you’re a great place to start), compost any food scraps, and ask your friends and family to bring containers so you can share the leftovers with them. And finally, ditch the disposables and bring out the cloth napkins to reduce single-use waste – it adds an extra touch of ceremony, too.

Rethink your decorations

The best Christmas decorations are family heirlooms that get taken out for their time in the sun year after year – making them sustainable from the get-go. However, if you’d like to add to your collection, look to designs made from brass, glass, and wood. Have a go at making your own wreath using paper, dried flowers, and twine, and if you love candles, choose eco-friendly soy or beeswax varieties rather than paraffin. And when it comes to Christmas lights, choose energy-efficient LED lights for your tree and solar-powered bulbs for the outdoors.

Buy less, buy better

In a time of such heavy consumption like Christmas, the impact we have on the environment and its workers is vast. This makes it a no brainer to buy organic, natural, and fair trade products where you can, and gift with purpose. You can also choose to give to a charity of your choice on behalf of your friends and loved ones, especially at a time when so many are in need. Organisations like Oxfam make it easy too – head here for their Unwrapped Christmas cards, which allow you to gift everything from sanitary pads to girls in need, the gift of education, and even a goat!