We live in a society where consumerism is encouraged, very noticeably in the weeks leading up to Christmas. Shops and online traders rely on Christmas trade to make a profit. Decorations, wrapping paper, Christmas jumpers, food and presents all translate into increased consumption of the world’s resources at this time of year.

In light of COP26 we need to look at how much we consume, and what better time to do this than now? As we approach Christmas, here are a few things I do to keep consumption down.

I try not to waste food. The first step here is not to buy more food than is needed. This might sound obvious, but if so why do 65 per cent of UK citizens admit to buying too much food? London has one of the highest food waste rates in the country. Avoiding throwing food away is important, as, according to the Felix Project, food that ends up in landfill produces greenhouse gases.

I re-use Christmas wrapping paper. It is probably 30 years since I last bought any wrapping paper. I keep wrapping paper from any presents I receive, and it gets re-used year after year. Yes, some sheets may have creases and Sellotape marks in places, but does this really matter? I wear the same Christmas jumper every year. (It’s only six years old…)

I use my late grandmother’s table-top Christmas tree (pictured), which is now over 50 years old. The decorations include most of the original ones she purchased, together with other odd bits I’ve acquired over the years. I splashed out a couple of years ago and bought the robin new from a gift shop, but otherwise this Christmas tree is much as it was 50 years ago.

Last Christmas, I was not able to meet up in person with my brother on Christmas Day. We had a long Zoom meeting instead, and Christmas games consisted of charades (no materials necessary) and a new game I thought of. All those taking part were asked to show examples of things they had repaired or were still using even though a little worn out. This turned out to be very interesting and funny at times. It was good to see examples of where “repair, don’t replace” has worked.

No news is bad news

Independent news outlets like ours – reporting for the community without rich backers – are under threat of closure, turning British towns into news deserts.

The audiences they serve know less, understand less, and can do less.

If our coverage has helped you understand our community a little bit better, please consider supporting us with a monthly, yearly or one-off donation.

Choose the news. Don’t lose the news.

Monthly direct debit

Annual direct debit

£5 per month supporters get a digital copy of each month’s paper before anyone else, £10 per month supporters get a digital copy of each month’s paper before anyone else and a print copy posted to them each month. £50 annual supporters get a digital copy of each month's paper before anyone else.