Christmas Tips
As Christmas is approaching, many are looking forward to a well-earned break and a festive chance to recharge and see our friends and loved ones.
Please see our staff Christmas message here and our student Christmas message here.
While Christmas can be a wonderful time of year, it also has a large environmental impact. The good news is that there are many simple ways that you can help to reduce this impact - check out our Christmas tips below, and feel free to share the image with friends, colleagues and course mates!
Useful links for you:
- Christmas at Warwick events: It's Christmas time on campus! Find out what's happening over the festive period.
- Seasonal Makers Market, featuring an array of independent, local traders, selling handcrafted and sustainably made items.
- Find your nearest charity shops at Warwickshire’s town centres and Coventry City Centre.
- Find your local/ independent shops at Leamington Spa and Coventry.
- Check Workwear Wardrobe for your New Year's interview or assessment centre outfit!
Decorations:
- Look for second hand decorations e.g. from charity shops
- Make homemade decorations.
- Get a living tree in a pot that can be replanted, or borrowed and given back
Food:
- Consider the environmental impact of your food - for example, if you eat meat, chicken is a lower carbon option than beef or lamb. Eat produce that is seasonal and sourced locally
- Avoid using single-use napkins, instead opt for washable ones which can be used year after year
- Prevent food waste by planning your meals and freezing any leftovers
- Only purchase what you will actually eat
Gifts:
- Opt for fewer deliveries when buying from online retailers
- Opt for buying experiences over ‘things’; consider gifting a donation on someone else’s behalf
- Make handmade gifts, shop zero waste or buy second hand from charity shops. Consider donating gifts or non-perishable food to charities and foodbanks for those less fortunate this Christmas
- Reuse any ribbon/string you already have to wrap gifts, and save any Christmas cards you receive to use as tags next year
- Avoid wrapping paper with glitter or foil, as this cannot be recycled, and ensure paper is FSC certified
- Shop local and support sustainable businesses
- See ideas for sustainable gifts here
Clothing:
- Buy second hand clothes for festive celebrations from charity shops or online platforms, or swap outfits with colleagues, family and friends
- Find your local Repair Café or try fixing your festive clothes at home to give them a second life
- If you have got an interview or assessment centre scheduled in the New Year, don’t forget to check Workwear Wardrobe