The importance of staying green and helping the environment cannot be overstated. Recycling and waste management experts Businesswaste.co.uk reveal simple ways to have a greener, more sustainable Christmas. To assist you in having an eco-friendly holiday, here are 10 tips.

• Make Christmas Travel Greener

  (Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images)

  With many people driving home for Christmas and the roads becoming even more congested, why not take advantage of public transportation instead? Use Skyscanner to find eco-friendly flights if you are traveling to warmer weather or abroad to visit friends and family.

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• Cut Down Food Waste

  Note down how many visitors you are cooking for over Christmas and write a list before visiting the supermarket to avoid buying too much food or panic buying. It’s a real thing! If you still end up with leftovers then why not cook a pie or soup on boxing day to help reduce waste in your home?

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• Invest In A Reusable Advent Calendar

  Chocolate advent calendars are one of the best festive traditions, but they come with lots of throwaway packaging. With a reusable calendar filled with all your favorite treats, this much-loved tradition can be kept green without sacrificing the tradition.

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• Opt In For A Real Christmas Tree Instead Of Fake

  Real Christmas trees are more environmentally friendly than fake ones, whether you believe it or not. Most fake Christmas trees are made in China, which means they’ve traveled a long way and emitted a lot of carbon emissions, plus they’re manufactured using petroleum-based products. On the other hand, real trees are grown on farms that replant trees after each season and can then be recycled.

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• Get Long Lasting Decorations

  Consider timeless classic decorations that can be used year after year rather than on trend decorations that you will not wish to use the following season. Buy decorations made from glass, wood, and fabric rather than plastic ones that cannot be recycled.

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• Buy Plastic-Free Gifts

  You can avoid buying plastic by buying the items separately rather than buying gift sets, and why not check out The Plastic Free Shop for ideas? It is common for children’s toys to be made of plastic, so try to buy wooden toys or make them yourself instead.

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• Think Before You Wrap

  You can reuse paper, ribbons, and gift bags from last Christmas. If you didn’t save last Christmas, make sure you do it this year. Why not give two gifts in one by wrapping presents in a beautiful scarf?

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• Give To Charity

  Why not give a green Christmas gift to a non-profit charity? You could donate water, food, and shelter to someone that is much less fortunate. Surely that’s the most precious gift of all!

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• Try Eco-Conscience

  There are plenty of organic wines on the market to choose from but if you fancy something a little stronger why not have a look for organic whisky, gin, or brandy?

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• Think Green When Planning Your Outfit

  Instead of splashing out the cash on a new outfit, that you may only wear once why not opt for the sustainable option of either renting an outfit from websites such as HURR or By rotation? If you fancy buying a festive outfit then lookout for sustainable brands.

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