Efficient planning and mindful choices contribute to a joyful holiday season. With tips from The Consumers’ Union of Finland, you can reduce unnecessary consumption and create a more sustainable Christmas without excessive spending and environmental impact.

Gifts:

  • Avoid random gift purchases; discover what the recipient truly wants or needs.
  • Opt for non-material gifts like experiences or gift cards.
  • Prioritize quality over quantity when selecting gifts.
  • Consider sustainable and homemade gift options.
  • Explore secondhand purchases; According to Tori.fi (2022) 95 percent of Finns are open to receiving used gifts.
  • Discuss the possibility of a gift-free Christmas among adults within your close circle.

Decorations:

  • Refrain from buying unnecessary plastic decorations.
  • Create decorations from recycled or natural materials.
  • If you buy new decorations choose only durable ones for repeated use.
  • Opt for energy-efficient LED lights.

Meal Planning:

  • Integrate more vegetables and plant-based protein into the holiday menu.
  • Purchase animal products mindfully due to their higher environmental impact.
  • Choose sustainable fish species, such as roach or responsibly raised rainbow trout.
  • Avoid serving endangered fish species, such as eel; consult WWF’s Fish Guide for guidance.
  • Plan food consumption carefully to reduce waste, considering past preferences.
  • Store and cool food properly to prevent premature spoilage.

Energy Saving:

  • Save energy by heating the sauna only for the necessary time and to a reasonable temperature.
  • Avoid overloading the refrigerator to conserve electricity.
  • Utilize outdoor spaces like balconies for food storage and cooling.
  • Cook multiple dishes simultaneously to maximize oven efficiency.
  • Turn off decorative lights during daylight hours or when not at home.

Recycling:

  • Pay attention to recycling guidelines for various materials. Aluminum trays and candle holders go in the metal recycling, wrapping papers and ribbons belong in mixed waste, cardboard shells of chocolate boxes are sorted into cardboard, and plastic wraps and chocolate plastic bases go in plastic recycling.
  • Sort food waste into biowaste.
  • Dispose of excess ham fat in the appropriate manner. It should also be sorted into biowaste, not flushed down the drain.
  • Reduce waste by choosing sustainable decorations and non-material gifts.

Travel:

  • Minimize unnecessary driving during the holidays.
  • Consider environmentally friendly travel options such as night trains or buses.
  • Opt for low-emission transportation, and if using a car, travel with a full vehicle.

Helping:

  • Explore charitable donations or volunteer opportunities during the holidays to support those in need.