We’re on the final count-down to our Ocean-Friendly Christmas.
The season of goodwill is the perfect time to reflect on how our choices impact the planet. Check out these simple tips on how to #thinkocean and have a more sustainable, Ocean-friendly Christmas.
1. Gifts with the Ocean in Mind
Struggling to pick the perfect gift? Consider giving experiences instead of physical presents, like a spa day, aquarium visit, or concert tickets to create lasting memories! For conservation enthusiasts, consider donating to a charity in their name.
If you prefer physical gifts, choose durable items from local, sustainable brands using recycled or Ocean-safe materials, and avoid plastic products that break easily. Feeling creative? Handmade gifts like crocheted, painted, or baked items add a personal, heartfelt touch to the holiday season.
2. Eco-Friendly Gift Wrapping
Did you know most wrapping paper contains plastic, glitter, or foil, making it unrecyclable? Choose recycled or FSC-certified paper instead, decorating it with stamps or drawings for a personal touch. You could also skip the paper altogether! Use fabric wraps, or reusable bags, which look stunning and can be reused year after year.
You can also handmake your cards using old Christmas cards or drawing them yourself. If you feel like it, you could even throw out the card tradition all together and send an e-card instead!
3. Christmas Feasts!
Food waste can be huge during the holidays, but with some planning, you can make your meals more sustainable. Start by purchasing only what you need, use a shopping list to prevent over-buying, and get creative with leftovers to ensure nothing goes to waste.
Support local farmers by choosing seasonal, locally produced ingredients to minimize the environmental impact of food transportation. If seafood is part of your menu, ensure it is sustainably sourced by looking for certifications such as MSC or ASC.
4. Sustainable Decorations
Deck the halls responsibly this Christmas. Choose natural, biodegradable items like holly, pinecones, dried citrus, and cinnamon sticks, or get creative with upcycled and handmade ornaments from old fabrics or paper. Switch to LED fairy lights, which consume less energy, and use timers for outdoor displays to save both energy and money!
5. Festive Fashion
This Christmas party season, keep your wardrobe Ocean-friendly by re-wearing outfits you love, shopping second-hand, or renting special-occasion attire. Avoid glitter-heavy fabrics and accessories that shed harmful microplastics that could end up in the Ocean.
6. Connect with the Ocean
Head to your nearest beach for a Boxing Day walk with friends and family. It’s a wonderful way to connect with nature, recharge your mind, and spend quality time together.
If you don’t live near the coast, you can still connect with the Ocean by visiting your nearest Blue Space—any place with a body of water, such as a lake, river, pond, or even an aquarium. These spaces, though smaller in scale, are deeply connected to the Ocean through the global water cycle. You could also consider donating to a marine conservation charity or organizing a local litter cleanup.