Top 10 Tips For A Sustainable Christmas

Small, simple things you can do to have a more sustainable Christmas this year! For more essential tips on living more sustainably in the local community, see the Your Guide to Living in Leeds. http://sustainability.leeds.ac.uk/your-community/

1. Visit the Fairtrade Fair

On the 6th December, Parkinson Court will be home to a number of stalls operated by local Fairtrade companies and organisations. Come on down for some early Christmas shopping! More info can be found here http://www.meetinleeds.co.uk/fairtrade-christmas-fair

2. Make use of the freezer

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That leftover chilli con carne you cooked last night will keep in the freezer for as long as a month after. Fruit, veg, bread, virtually anything can be frozen (provided you have the space!). Download the Love Food Hate Waste App for more tips to save money and reduce food waste. http://www.lovefoodhatewaste.com/node/5825

3. Donate any unwanted food to those who need it

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It’s obvious that the lettuce in your fridge won’t last until you return in January with the resolution to eat clean after the Christmas binge. Why not donate it to someone who needs it over this festive period? Drop off any food you may have going spare or close to its use by date at a Leave Leeds Tidy collection on the 7th December. http://sustainability.leeds.ac.uk/event/leave-leeds-tidy/

4. Be savvy when buying gifts

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If your mum has had her eyes on your jumper since you got it back in 2014, why not wrap it up and give it to her? You could also visit Clear out for Christmas on Tuesday 13th December in the Refectory, to grab yourself a bargain Christmas jumper. All proceeds are going to Cancer Research UK and Yorkshire Air Ambulance.

5. Ditch Christmas cards and wrapping paper

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Christmas is one of the most unsustainable times of the year, with around 277,000 miles of wrapping paper wasted every year, that’s enough to wrap round the equator over 11 times!! Why not use reusable bags to wrap your gifts or send E-cards to your friends and family instead?

6. Recycle your bottles

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13,350 tonnes of glass is thrown away at Christmas, that’s a whole lot of drinking. Your local glass bottle bank can be found here http://www.whatgoeswhere.org.uk/

7. Adjust your heating

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While you are away there is no need to keep all of your lights on. Set an electronic timer for a few hours on an evening so that it looks like someone is at home during the festive season. Don't forget to adjust your boiler so that its not heating up an empty house. Adjust your timer so that your heating comes on for only a couple of hours a day to keep your pipes from freezing over.

8. Leave your street clean

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Disposed of your copious takeaway boxes and black bags to avoid attracting urban wildlife. Once your bin is emptied, wheel your bin off the pavement and back into your garden or bin yard- residents don't want to be falling over them on their way home from their Christmas celebrations! #PavementsAreForPeople

9. Choose free range, organic produce

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Splash out this Christmas on good quality, locally sourced food. Free range organic meat is much more ethical and often tastes nicer!

10. Be conscious of your neighbours

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While you’re enjoying the mulled wine and festivities, spare a thought for your neighbours who may still be studying, working or have school in the morning. See our Your Guide to Living in Leeds for more tips on staying on friendly terms with your neighbours.