1. Artificial trees
If you have one already, use it for as many years as possible to make the most of it. If you don’t have one, try Freecycle, Ebay or Gumtree for a pre-loved one.
2. Eco-friendly real trees
To make sure your tree is UK grown, buy from a retailer registered with the British Christmas Tree Growers Association. If you want a tree that is certified organic, check to see that it has been approved by the Soil Association.
3. Grow your own
Buying a potted tree with roots allows you to grow it outside and use it again next year, reducing its environmental impact and costing you less. But be warned - they require some looking after and you'll need a big pot.
4. Recycling cut trees
Don’t let your tree be part of the 90% that end up in landfill. Many local councils now compost them so find your local Christmas tree recycling point.
5. Tree rental
Christmas tree rental, what a brilliant idea.
Forever Green Christmas Trees deliver around South Essex but are prepared to do deliveries further afield if you call them up (07854 437 224).
The Little Tree Company previously operated across the UK and is now offering a local service in the South Yorkshire area.
Lovely Branches serves Greater London.
Save a tree, send an e-card
Let your imagination run wild. Homemade craft items or food can be a refreshing and creative alternative to high-street or online purchases. Giving your promise to do something nice will probably be seen as special too.
6. Homemade gifts
You can make use of what you already have, with these beautiful origami Christmas models or make your own candles in bespoke containers, like old tea-cups. Websites such as Prima have oodles of Christmas craft ideas, or see some of our favourite craft and gift ideas on Pinterest.
7. Food gifts
Sweets, biscuits and preserves can all make fabulous Christmas presents, especially with some creative packaging. To make the most of your pantry and garden, Alys Fowler’s book Abundance is a wonderful resource. In it you can find recipes for things like jams and pickles, which you can make months before Christmas.
The BBC Goodfood website and Delicious Magazine are both packed with sweet and savoury recipes for gifts. If you're baking with the kids, why not try traditional favourites such as gingerbread men? They're great fun to decorate.
8. Free gifts
Why spend if you don’t have to? Free Christmas Gift Cheques are a lovely way of making your time the thing that counts.
9. Friends of the Earth shop
The Friends of the Earth shop has a fabulous eco-friendly range of cards, calendars and gifts. So you can do all your festive shopping and support Friends of the Earth at the same time. They’ve also got gift vouchers, so you can let your friends or family choose their own present. A turkey on the table doesn’t have to be a seasonal inevitability.
10. Vegetarian recipes
Why not cut the meat this Christmas, or cook vegetarian for Boxing Day and over the rest of the festive break? According to the Soil Association "food is the single most important, everyday way for people to reduce their own environmental impact".
This doesn’t have to mean endless cheese salads, cheese omelettes and cheese sandwiches. Try the Vegetarian Society or Jamie Oliver for hundreds of fantastic recipes.
Merry Christmas!
