An Eco-Friendly Christmas – Is It Possible?
What if you decided to consume less, but better, by choosing an eco-friendly Christmas? Gifts that are more meaningful, decorations that are neither fleeting nor energy-guzzling… This is what more and more families are seeking as December approaches. But where does this ecological awareness come from, and above all, how can you enjoy an ethical festive season?
Why choose an eco-friendly Christmas?
In recent years, we have witnessed not only a health crisis, but also a renewed interest in ecology.
During the various lockdowns, we spent more time with our loved ones, becoming aware of the quality of those shared moments, but also of their fragility.
It is hardly surprising, then, that we are all seeking more meaning: in our daily purchases, of course, but not only there. The major events that punctuate the year are also becoming more virtuous.
This is certainly true of the festive season: while it remains the perfect opportunity to gather as a family, it is still all too often synonymous with frenzied mass consumerism.
Some of us also choose to consume more sensibly for practical reasons. What could be more exhausting than spending hours queuing in department shops? By planning your purchases in advance, you save both time and energy.
How can you find ethical gifts?
Finding an original and ethical gift is not necessarily a headache. You simply need to follow a few simple tips.
Eco-friendly tips for Christmas
Before you start shopping, make sure you know the tastes and needs of the person you wish to treat. You’ll avoid any awkward mistakes! Also ask yourself whether this gift will be useful in the future, or if the person has already mentioned it to you.
Avoid following trends: no more fleeting gifts that are enjoyed for a brief moment, then end up at the back of a cupboard. Fast fashion, or the overconsumption of mass-produced clothing, only fuels this vicious circle.
Poor-quality products have a limited lifespan and quickly become waste. To counter this, steer clear of gifts containing plastic or made on the other side of the world. If you opt for a second-hand gift, even better!
Feeling creative? You can also make a homemade gift: sculpture, painting, writing, or even a song… What matters most is your personal touch: that’s what will make all the difference.
If you want to delight your loved ones while consuming ethically, choose short supply chains, with products made in France from local raw materials. It’s also a chance to (re)discover traditional craftsmanship, such as flax growing.
Eco-friendly gifts with linen
Why not choose this eco-friendly plant for your Christmas gifts? Linen products are extremely hard-wearing. For example, by giving your loved ones a set of napkins, you can be sure they’ll enjoy them for many years to come.
Consuming better also means ensuring your present will be appreciated and used, rather than ending up in a cupboard. If you want to be certain of pleasing, the best solution is to opt for a personalised gift.
And what better way to do so than by letting the person choose for themselves? By selecting a gift card, you decide on the amount and the personalised message that will accompany it.
The recipient then simply picks the model they like best and will be all the more delighted by such a thoughtful gesture.
Our ideas for eco-friendly decorations
Christmas isn’t just about gifts, of course! The festive season is also the perfect time to decorate your home in a festive and welcoming way.
Fairy lights are very popular, but they do use a lot of energy. Christmas baubles, which fill the shelves of department shops, are also problematic: often made on the other side of the world, their production requires plastic and harmful substances. Worse still, they are extremely fragile and may break if they accidentally fall from the tree…
So how can you decorate your home before 25 December, while staying true to your ecological convictions? First of all, there’s no need to buy anything: if you still have decorations from previous years, don’t throw them away just because they’re not the most ethical. Use them until the end of their life, before changing your consumption habits for good.
If you have children to keep busy, why not suggest some craft activities? All you need to do is gather some pine cones found in nature.
Your little ones can decorate them with their favourite paints. As a bonus, a delightful woodland scent will fill your living room… The perfect homemade decoration idea!
You can also take inspiration from the recycling idea adopted by Embrin. By recycling fabric offcuts in our workshop, we have created lovely homemade Christmas decorations that are, above all, eco-friendly.
Finally, what would December be without the anticipation of Father Christmas? To prepare for his arrival in your home, nothing beats a stocking hung on the tree or by the fireplace.
With the environment always in mind, Embrin also makes 100% linen Christmas stockings, which can be personalised with the name of each family member. With several colours to choose from, they’re sure to delight both children and adults.
Whether you act on a small or large scale, you’re contributing in your own way to protecting the environment. Choosing to have an eco-friendly Christmas is far from impossible. Once you’ve chosen your decorations and gifts, all that remains is to find an eco-friendly wrapping too. For this, don’t hesitate to use our furoshikis: made entirely from linen, they can be reused endlessly.