What Is The Carbon Cost Of Christmas?

As we gear up for the holidays this year, many of us are looking forward to making the most of the festive spirit after the unusual Christmas of 2020. It's a time for celebration, gathering with loved ones, and indulging in delicious meals and drinks. But let's not forget that this joyous season can also bring a significant environmental toll.

From the trees we decorate to the gifts we exchange, the carbon footprint of Christmas can pile up quickly. We've taken a closer look at the environmental impact of a typical family Christmas and have come up with some practical tips to help you reduce your carbon footprint this holiday season.

Deck the Halls: Real or Artificial Trees?

When it comes to Christmas trees, the debate between real and artificial is always heated. A real tree that ends up in a landfill generates about 16kg of carbon emissions. In contrast, an artificial tree, which typically produces 40kg of carbon emissions during manufacturing, would need to be used for at least 12 years to offset its environmental impact.

Thankfully, many real trees in the UK are recycled after Christmas. Check your local council's website for guidance on tree collection and disposal options.

Illuminating the Season

No Christmas tree is complete without twinkling lights! On average, UK families keep their trees lit for five hours each night from early December. With 25 incandescent bulbs, this results in a staggering 13.5kg of carbon emissions from the lights alone!

Consider eco-friendly alternatives like solar-powered lights or even installing a solar panel system to power your home. These options can significantly reduce your carbon footprint while still adding that festive glow.

Traveling Home for the Holidays

Last year, virtual gatherings became the norm, but this year, many of us are eager to reunite with family. However, a short trip of 30 miles in a family car emits approximately 10.9kg of carbon. Longer journeys will naturally produce even more emissions.

To minimize your impact, think about carpooling or choosing greener modes of transportation whenever possible. Every little effort helps!

Wrapping Up the Season

One of the biggest culprits of carbon emissions during Christmas is wrapping paper and cards. In the UK alone, nearly 227,000 miles of wrapping paper are used annually—enough to circle the globe nine times!

The average person uses over 1kg of paper in Christmas cards, which equates to 3.5kg of carbon emissions. To reduce waste, opt for recyclable paper or send e-cards instead.

Dining with the Family

While a traditional Christmas dinner with all the fixings is undeniably special, it also carries a heavy environmental burden. For instance, a single roast turkey alone contributes 10.9kg of carbon emissions. If possible, consider plant-based alternatives or ensure that leftover food doesn't go to waste.

Speaking of leftovers...

Leftovers: A Seasonal Waste Problem

Food waste is rampant during the holidays, with millions of Christmas dinners ending up in landfills each year. For context, this amounts to discarding 263,000 turkeys, 740,000 portions of pudding, and 17.2 million Brussels sprouts!

On average, households throw away 74kg of food per person annually. For a family of eight, Christmas leftovers contribute 48kg of carbon emissions. To combat this, try purchasing only what you need or donating excess food to charities.

Fashion Forward: Sustainable Style

It's tempting to shop for a brand-new outfit for your holiday parties, but fast fashion takes a massive toll on the environment. Globally, 2 tonnes of clothing are purchased every 60 seconds, resulting in 50,000kg of carbon emissions.

This season, why not wear something you already own or rent from platforms like Hurr or By Rotation? Similarly, when it comes to your festive sweater, consider swapping it with friends or opting for eco-friendly materials.

Merry Markets and Mistletoe

With Christmas markets returning to many UK cities, there's plenty of cheer in the air. While these markets attract millions of visitors, they also generate significant carbon emissions. Fortunately, cities like Manchester are adopting greener practices, such as LED lighting and improved recycling methods, to mitigate their environmental impact.

Corporate Celebrations: The Party's Over

Office Christmas parties are a cherished tradition, but they aren't exactly eco-friendly. Hosting a gathering for 60 employees can result in 62,000kg of carbon emissions. From catering to transportation, the environmental cost adds up quickly.

Make your office party more sustainable by encouraging carpooling, sourcing local food, or hosting a carbon-neutral event. Every small action counts!

Gifts That Give Back

Christmas is synonymous with gifting, but not all presents are created equal. Many plastic-based gifts emit 6kg of carbon for every kilogram of plastic used. Instead, consider eco-friendly alternatives like wooden toys or experiences rather than material items.

Installing a solar energy system can save up to 900kg of carbon emissions annually, drastically reducing the carbon cost of Christmas.

For more sustainability tips, follow us on social media and stay tuned for our '12 Days of Sustainability' guide. Want to gift solar power this year? Reach out to our team today to start your solar journey!