How to Have a Circular Economy Christmas: Deck the Halls, Sustainably
Dec 10, 2024
When you think about Christmas, what comes to mind? Cosy gatherings, heaps of delicious food, sparkly decorations... and, unfortunately, a mountain of waste. From gift wraps that get tossed within seconds to decorations we barely reuse, the festive season can be one of the most wasteful times of the year. But what if we could bring the spirit of sustainability to our Christmas cheer by embracing the circular economy?
Let’s unwrap what a “circular Christmas” looks like, how to bring these sustainable principles into your daily life, and most importantly, how to apply them to have the most eco-friendly festive season yet. This blog covers everything from understanding the circular economy to tips for an eco-friendly Christmas makeover! So, grab your mug of mulled wine and let’s give “decking the halls” a whole new, sustainable meaning.
What Exactly is the Circular Economy?
Before diving into a circular Christmas, let’s understand what the circular economy really is. At its core, the circular economy is about rethinking how we make, use, and dispose of products. Unlike the traditional linear economy (take, make, dispose), the circular economy focuses on keeping resources in a loop for as long as possible. Imagine it as an endless loop of resources, keeping items in use and out of landfills, much like Santa’s workshop but with less waste!
The circular economy operates on three principles:
- Design Out Waste: Products are designed to be reused, recycled, or biodegraded.
- Keep Materials in Use: Goods are kept in circulation through sharing, repairing, and repurposing.
- Regenerate Natural Systems: Any waste we do produce should be compostable or biodegradable, helping to enrich the environment rather than polluting it.

Now that we’ve got the basics down, let’s look at how to live a circular life year-round before we dive into a circular Christmas.
How to Embrace a Circular Lifestyle Year-Round
Adopting a circular mindset doesn’t mean a complete lifestyle overhaul overnight. Start with small, impactful changes that can make a big difference. If you’re ready to weave a little circular magic into your everyday routine, here are a few basics to get started:
- Buy Less, Choose Well: Prioritise quality over quantity. Instead of splurging on fast fashion, invest in well-made, timeless pieces that last. Look for products made with sustainable materials. If you’re buying something new, consider items that can be repaired, reused, or recycled.
- Repair, Don’t Replace: Got a rip in that jumper? Sew it up! Is your phone screen cracked? Try a repair before opting for a new device or give a second life to items you might usually discard – you never know that chipped mug might just be your new favourite Christmas candle holder! Keeping items in use for longer extends their life and reduces waste.
- Embrace Second-Hand or Go Digital: Whether it’s furniture, clothing, or kitchenware, shopping second-hand or vintage keeps items in use and is often cheaper than buying new. Alternatively, embrace your techie side and go digital. Digital items like e-books or pre-loved gifts can make fantastic, meaningful presents while keeping our landfills a little less busy.
Once you’re in the habit of thinking circular year-round, it’s easy to bring that mindset into your festive celebrations!
A Very Circular Christmas: 7 Tips for a Sustainable Festive Season
The holidays are a notoriously wasteful season, but by applying circular economy principles, you can enjoy all the festivities with none of the guilt. Let’s dive into how to make your Christmas a little greener.
- Deck the Halls with Reusable Décor: Instead of buying new decorations every year, focus on timeless pieces that you’ll love for years to come. If you’re feeling crafty, consider DIY decorations with materials you already have around the house!
- Skip the single-use: Swap out single-use tinsel and plastic ornaments for durable, reusable ones. Handmade decorations, glass ornaments, and natural elements like pinecones or dried fruit add warmth without the waste.
- DIY Décor: Make decorations from items you already own. Old newspapers can be transformed into charming paper snowflakes, and a bit of evergreen from the garden can add a fresh scent.
- Rent a Tree: Yep, you read that right! Some companies offer tree rentals, allowing you to enjoy a live tree for the season, which is then replanted. This keeps trees growing and reduces waste – not to mention the added bonus of not cleaning up dead pine tree needles (I mean, how do they always get everywhere?!).

- Wrap Responsibly: Traditional gift wrap often isn’t recyclable due to its coatings, so get creative! There are loads of sustainable alternatives that will also save you the money you spend on buying new gift wrap every year. I still get presents “from Santa” with reused gift labels from my childhood – talk about growing up sustainably!
- Ditch the Gift Wrap: Consider using fabric wraps (like furoshiki), brown kraft paper, or even pages from old magazines for a funky, Picasso-inspired look.
- Use Reusable Bags: Gift bags can be reused for years and are often much easier than gift wrap.
- Go Natural: Decorate gifts with twine, sprigs of greenery, or dried orange slices for a rustic, eco-friendly look. Plus, these natural touches bring a bit of Christmas cheer without plastic bows and ribbons.
- Choose Gifts that Keep on Giving: Go for items with long-lasting value.
- Experiences Over Stuff: Give the gift of a memory with experiences – concert tickets, classes of all kinds (cooking, pottery, sewing, whatever suits your fancy), or a hiking adventure. The experience can be tailored to who you’re giving the gift to and you can even go together or as a group!
- Buy Local: Shopping local supports small businesses, the local economy, and reduces the environmental cost of shipping.
- Support Circular Brands: Many companies focus on sustainable products, from recycled jewellery to upcycled home decor. These gifts look good and do good, helping you support the circular economy.

- Feast with Minimal Waste: From shopping smart to managing leftovers, there are many ways to enjoy a festive feast without a massive food waste footprint.
- Plan Your Menu Mindfully: Create a menu that you can reasonably finish without overloading the fridge. Use leftovers creatively, think turkey sandwiches or a post-Christmas stew.
- Shop in Bulk or Package-Free: Reduce packaging waste by buying in bulk or visiting shops that offer package-free options for staples like grains and nuts.
- Compost Food Scraps: From vegetable peels to coffee grounds, composting is a great way to ensure food waste goes back to the earth instead of landfill.
- Re-Gifting, It’s Not as Bad as You Think: We all have that one gift that wasn’t quite right for us. Instead of tossing it, re-gift to someone who’d truly love it or donate it to a local charity. Repurposing holiday items can also bring new life to old materials. Just remember the golden rule of re-gifting: make sure it’s in great condition!
- Gift Swap: Host a gift exchange or “white elephant” party. It’s a fun way to circulate pre-loved or gently-used items, reducing the demand for new products.
- Travel Smart: If you’re visiting family or friends, consider eco-friendly travel options to reduce your carbon footprint.
- Opt for Public Transport: If you’re not going too far, consider taking the train instead of flying or driving.
- Carpool When Possible: If you need to drive, carpool with family members to save on emissions.
- Stay Local: If you can, plan a staycation! Reducing travel this festive season can save emissions, and you might discover something new in your own backyard.
- Recycle (and Compost) Right After the Festivities: Finally, ensure that any waste generated during the festive season is properly recycled or composted.
- Recycling Gift Wrap: Check if the gift wrap is recyclable (the “scrunch test” is helpful: if it stays scrunched, it’s likely recyclable).
- Re-Gift or Donate Unwanted Presents: Plenty of charities accept donations, and many gifts can be repurposed. That jumper you’ll never wear could be someone else’s favourite gift!
- Recycle Your Tree: If you’re using a real tree, many cities offer programmes to recycle Christmas trees into mulch. If you use an artificial tree, store it properly to ensure it lasts year after year.
Why a Circular Christmas Matters
By bringing circular economy principles into our Christmas traditions, we’re not just reducing waste—we’re creating meaningful, memorable, and eco-friendly celebrations. Every action, from wrapping gifts in reusable fabric to feasting responsibly, contributes to a healthier planet. When we incorporate circular practices into our seasonal traditions, we’re celebrating with kindness, not just toward each other, but toward the Earth. Embracing a circular Christmas doesn’t mean sacrificing any festive magic. In fact, it can make the season feel even more meaningful by focusing on what truly matters. So this year, why not try a circular economy Christmas and keep the spirit of giving alive, not just for your loved ones, but for the planet, too. This festive season, let’s create more joy and less waste.
So, ready to sleigh this circular Christmas? With these sustainable tips, you’ll not only be a champion of Christmas cheer but also a champion for the planet. Happy eco-festivities!
Ready to Dive Deeper into Sustainability? Check Out Our Course Offerings!
If you're inspired by the idea of a circular economy Christmas and want to learn how to apply sustainable practices year-round, whether for personal life or your business, explore our courses page to find the perfect fit for all your sustainability needs. For hospitality professionals, the Green Manager Programme provides practical skills to implement eco-friendly practices. Looking to advance your ESG expertise? Our ESG Leadership Programme will equip you with the tools to master ESG reporting, governance, and strategy. Teachers can inspire young minds with our Building a Greener Future Secondary Schools Programme, and individuals can learn to make their homes and workspaces greener with Green Skills for Life.
Let sustainability be at the top of your 2025 New Year’s resolutions and let us help you reach your goals! With courses designed to meet your unique sustainability needs, we’re here to support you every step of the way. Let’s work together to make a lasting impact for years to come!

About the Author
Kiri Spanowicz is the Communications Officer at Fifty Shades Greener, bringing a blend of sustainability knowledge and a spirited approach to her content. With a background in marine biology and years as a scuba diving instructor, Kiri leverages her deep appreciation for the natural world to advocate for environmental education. She is dedicated to crafting content that is not only fun and cheeky but also richly informative—believing that learning about sustainability should be as entertaining as it is enlightening. Her work, aimed at making environmental awareness engaging and accessible, has been recognized across various platforms. Follow Kiri's journey on LinkedIn or through the Fifty Shades Greener blog for a lively take on transforming both business practices and personal habits for a greener future.