Christmas with kids can generate a whole lot of waste, but it doesn’t have to. Becoming a more sustainable parent at Christmas is less about being a Grinch and more about choosing wisely – thoughtful gifts that last and small swaps can add up to a greener festive season. With a little planning you can keep the magic – just with less waste.
Some 80 per cent of toys end up in landfill, so one of the most important things you can do this Christmas is plan ahead and try to source second-hand stuff, says Diane O’Connor of SustainableLifeSchool.ie.
“We’ve sourced both a perfect-condition rocking horse and a Gabby’s Dollhouse from Adverts.ie,” says O’Connor. With the latter retailing for about €80, buying a preloved toy can mean big savings with no less enjoyment for your child.
If it’s a bike you’re after, there’s no need to reinvent the wheel – many shops offer refurbished ones. The Ballymun-based Rediscovery Centre has a constant flow of expertly refurbished bikes available at its eco-store at a fraction of the retail price of a new bike.
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For new toys, Irish eco toy shop Jiminy.ie has plenty of environmentally-friendly stocking fillers, advises O’Connor. There are big brand swaps too, such as BiOBUDDi – building blocks that are compatible with Duplo but made from plants and which sell for around the same price point, says O’Connor.
It can be hard for friends and family members to know just what to buy for your kids. Well-intentioned and generous gifts can sometimes go unused, adding to the clutter in your home. Families can save money and waste by having a conversation.
“You could explain to loved ones that you are trying to reduce plastic, or that you already have more toys than you can manage, whichever is true for you,” advises O’Connor.
If they do want to get a present for your child, you could suggest an item of clothing your child needs, a book or an experience instead, she says.
“We have also told our families we would be happy with second-hand gifts,” she says. “It might feel uncomfortable starting these conversations, but it’s all these little things that will help us normalise climate-friendly behaviours.”
The Sustainable Life School, a social enterprise cofounded by O’Connor and Nathalie Pavone, offers training that empowers people at work and in their communities to have these kinds of climate crisis conversations, and so effect change.
If you’re visiting Santa in advance of the big day, you could ask ahead about the present.
“You could choose a Santa visit that offers an opt-out on the present with a photo instead,” says O’Connor. “If that sounds like too much of a Grinch for you, ask ahead as many now do a plastic-free gift.”
Most wrapping paper is torn in moments and is not recyclable. Newspaper, twine and a sprig of holly can make for a greener, more thoughtful covering. Magazine pages make for a glossy finish on small presents.
“If you want to have a bit more fun, you could personalise things by wrapping the gift in a particular newspaper article, a crossword, or a favourite recipe,” says O’Connor. Fully recyclable brown paper tape is available from Earthmother.ie and other eco shops.
It’s estimated that we pull about 10 million Christmas crackers in Ireland each year, says O’Connor. The awful plastic toys inside will probably go straight from your dining table to the bin. If you are going the crackers route, look for plastic-free options. You can now also get reusable crackers that you can fill yourself with your own jokes or funny memories from the year, says O’Connor. You’ll find these at shops such as paxwholefoodsecogoods.com and Earthmother.ie.
