How to be more sustainable this Festive Season

The festive season is only 11 days away (how did that come around so quickly?!), and so with our best feet forward, we’re rushing to the shops or hitting those online stores to tick off our present lists and festive essentials in good time.

As a nation, we like to go big at this time of year. In fact, the Bank of England has reported that the average household normally spends £740 more in December than in other months. Not only are we gifting, but we’re sending parcels too - all over the world!

And more often than not, it’s the issue of sustainability that is quickly becoming a key driver in where we’re making our purchases from. In fact, over half of customers aged 18-34 are actively considering where they are shopping based on a retailer’s sustainability credentials this Christmas — that’s a lot.

But it’s not just the gifts themselves, packaging too can be made more sustainable. Whether you’re giving your gifts in person, or sending a parcel in the post, to save you time and effort, we’ve conveniently collated five top tips to make sure your packaging is a sustainable masterpiece.

• Ditch the fancy paper. Let’s face it, receiving presents is fun, and rarely is wrapping paper the main event. Usually being torn off in seconds in an excited frenzy, it’s not often that the paper is valued, and isn’t being thrown in the bin within the hour. Have a look around, as there are plenty of rolls of recyclable paper that won’t spend years in landfill, and are cheap and cheerful.
• Tape has also got to go. Yes, a genius invention, but once again is wasteful and something that is not absolutely vital. Alternatives could be using recycled thread or twine — it will do the job, without the negatives of being non-recyclable.
• Get creative! The fancy ribbons and bows really don’t need to be adorned on the top of that present. Consider nature’s gems, such as cinnamon sticks, or dried orange slices. They’re festive, and inoffensive. If you’re looking for inspo, think Rowan Atkinson in Love Actually.
• Cardboard boxes are your best friend. Think of all the old shoe boxes or delivery packages you might have lying around, and put them to good use. Combined with some of that recyclable paper we mentioned earlier, you’re onto a winner.
• Invest in fabric bags. If you’re really wanting to push the boat out, and also give a sweet gesture, consider investing in fabric bags of different sizes to hold presents in. Not only is this a thoughtful idea, but you can give knowing that the bags will get passed on, and given a second life.

And don’t forget, if you’ve shopped with any of our partnered retailers and realise the present isn’t going to match the person, or you’re not going to be home to receive a delivery, find out how you can use InPost Lockers here for a quick and easy guide to return parcels.!!

Enjoy!