A Short Guide to a Sustainable Christmas - Holyart.co.uk Blog

A Short Guide to a Sustainable Christmas

A Short Guide to a Sustainable Christmas

From eco-friendly Christmas trees to DIY decorations, recycled candles, and waste-free festive feasts, here’s a small guide for a sustainable Christmas—for us and the planet.

Christmas is a time when many feel they can bring out the best in themselves, both for themselves and for others. The festive atmosphere, the sense of warmth and togetherness that fills the air, truly inspires people to be kinder and to hope that the world can indeed become a better place. However, it’s important to remember that most of the improvements we can make come from our own actions—our virtuous or less virtuous behaviour—and the ethical and sustainable choices we are willing to make. Let’s take a moment to focus on the word “sustainable,” which should be the key term for both our present and future. The synonyms that can guide us, if we want to choose a sustainable Christmas, are “endurable, tolerable,” but also “possible, reasonable, logical, acceptable.” Reasonable and acceptable for us, but most importantly for the planet, which too often—and increasingly—struggles under the weight of indiscriminate exploitation that a significant portion of humanity has subjected it to for decades.

That’s why it’s important to pay attention to what we do, what we buy, to resist once again the fever of compulsive shopping, and instead aim to limit waste, opt for ecological and long-lasting choices, and forget about those charming but useless (and often harmful and polluting) trinkets that seem essential during the festive season.

So, let’s embrace creative reuse and eco-friendly solutions, from gifts to decorations for the tree and home, to the Christmas tree itself. Also, consider using recycled paper and fabrics for wrapping, rather than the colourful paper that inevitably ends up in the bin by evening, and make an effort to reduce food waste at the festive table.

Setting the table at Christmas

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Too much effort? Not really. It’s now easy to find beautiful and well-made eco-friendly products that will allow you to enjoy a pleasant Christmas without any sacrifices—plus, with the added satisfaction of having made a small yet significant gesture for the future of the planet and those who will live on it.

Simple Tips for Minimal Environmental Impact

DIY Christmas Candles

Atmosphere is essential at Christmas—it’s what makes the home warmer, more welcoming, for those who live there and for friends and guests alike, creating a cosy, magical environment. Candles have always been a must-have element, but this year, instead of buying new ones, why not try recycling leftover wax to create your own unique DIY candles? You can use candles set aside from the previous year, or those found around the house, like leftover centrepiece candles or Advent candles that weren’t fully burned, and give them a new, glowing life by melting the wax and using jars, cups, or glasses as moulds. You can colour them with special dyes and decorate them with holly branches, berries, and ribbons to create your own personalised centrepiece with your recycled candles. You’ll fill your home with light while being mindful of savings, recycling, and creativity.

DIY candles

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Artificial Christmas Trees: Beautiful and Reusable

Then comes the time to put up the Christmas tree. Do you already know which one you’ll choose? A real or artificial tree? Both options have their pros and cons. Choosing a real tree, although it might seem like the more eco-friendly option, isn’t always the case. Many trees are imported from other countries, which means a long and polluting journey to get here. Others are grown in Italy but on monoculture plantations that use chemical fertilisers and insect repellents. You can choose a real tree if you’re sure it comes from local, mixed cultivation—ideally organic and sustainable.
An artificial Christmas tree, on the other hand, can last for many years. Our store offers magnificent, realistic trees designed to last, which will make your living room festive and welcoming. Whether you prefer snowy, LED-lit, or trees with unique colours, flocking, cones, and berries, all from the best brands and made from non-toxic, safe materials for both children and pets, there’s something for everyone. Many of our trees are also flame-retardant, like the splendid Prelit Christmas tree “Green”, 650 warm white LEDs, 240 cm, removable pinecones, poly, the Snowy Seneca Flocked Tree with built-in LED lights, or the majestic Christmas tree “Green”, 210 cm, removable pinecones, poly.

Of course, it’s up to you to also choose eco-friendly decorations, avoiding plastic ones and perhaps using upcycled materials to create beautiful DIY ornaments.

prelit christmas tree green 650 warm white leds 240 cm removable pinecones poly
Prelit Christmas tree "Green", 650 warm white LEDs, 240 cm, removable pinecones, poly Buy on Holyart
snowy seneca flocked christmas tree green 240 cm 2300 led
Snowy Seneca flocked Christmas Tree, green, 240 cm, 2300 LED Buy on Holyart
christmas tree green 210 cm removable pinecones poly
Christmas tree "Green", 210 cm, removable pinecones, poly Buy on Holyart

Sustainability at the Dinner Table

What about the table? No one will ever ask you to give up the delicious dishes that are part of the Christmas tradition, but a few simple steps can help reduce food waste during the festivities. First of all, hooray for creative recycling! Leftovers from Christmas Eve or Christmas lunch can be reinvented in a thousand ways, such as delicious croquettes made from leftover pasta, or tasty meat and fishballs.

And for desserts, which are a must at the festive table, why not make them yourself? Here are five simple and quick dessert recipes to satisfy even the sweetest tooth, while avoiding the purchase of pre-made cakes. It’s a healthy, economical, and delightful way to show your love to those you care about.

Baking ingredients in measuring cups

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Finally, why not opt for a vegetarian or even vegan Christmas? There are plenty of delicious recipes that don’t use animal products, allowing you to make an even more eco-friendly and healthy choice for the planet and all its living creatures. Wouldn’t that be a wonderful Christmas gift?