Marc Carey of Incredible Socks (which are made from sustainable bamboo materials) gives tips on how to have a more sustainable Christmas.

"A sustainable Christmas doesn't mean giving up on tradition," he insists. "Thoughtful choices across gifts, decorations, and food allow us to celebrate in ways that reflect both the spirit of the season and care for the planet. A small step from everyone will make a huge impact "

1. Thoughtful Gifting

Opt for gifts that are sustainable, long-lasting, or experience-based. Items made from eco-friendly materials, such as bamboo-based products, are a great option that reduces environmental impact while providing a meaningful and enjoyable gift. Experiences like day trips or classes also make memorable presents without adding to material consumption and can be a great way to spend time with people you love.

Read more: Irish experiences to gift your loved ones this Christmas

2. Eco-Friendly Decorations

When it comes to decorations, reuse high-quality, timeless pieces instead of buying disposable decor. Incorporate natural elements like pinecones or dried oranges to add charm while keeping waste down. DIY decorations, especially with kids, add joy to the home without new purchases.

3. Mindful Food Choices

Holiday meals can be indulgent without being wasteful. Including plant-based options reduces the environmental footprint of holiday dinners. Planning meals helps prevent overbuying, while repurposing leftovers, like turning roast veggies into soup, minimizes waste. Composting remaining scraps adds another sustainable layer to holiday dining.

4. Sustainable Cards

Traditional Christmas cards are lovely but often go to waste. Digital cards or e-mails are paper-free alternatives that allow for creativity. If physical cards are preferred, consider those made from recycled materials or even plantable cards that grow wildflowers after the season. Again, having the kids spend an afternoon crafting some DIY cards for your loved ones might add a lovely personal touch.

5. Low-Waste Gift Wrapping

Wrapping can be wasteful, but using reusable fabric wraps or recyclable paper reduces impact. Get creative with newspaper, magazine pages, or cloth scraps to create unique and sustainable gift presentations. There are also materials to avoid like foil or glittered wrapping as the materials cannot be recycled.

6. Christmas Decorations

When choosing a Christmas tree, a real tree from a farm with replanting programs is more sustainable than an artificial one, which has a more carbon-intensive production process. There are also great replanting schemes in Ireland that consumers can work with to replant their Christmas tree for very little investment. Energy-efficient LED lights with timers are a greener choice for holiday lighting.

Read more: 9 DIY Christmas decoration ideas to make as a family

A sustainable Christmas doesn’t mean giving up on tradition. Thoughtful choices across gifts, decorations, and food allow us to celebrate in ways that reflect both the spirit of the season and care for the planet. A small step from everyone will make a huge impact.