share
The Head of Christmas Blogs: My search for a sustainable Christmas
Posted by alex in blog July 25, 2011In exactly five months, most of us will be in the bosom of our friends and families, having eaten our body-weight in food (and, in some cases, drunk the same volume in booze). I will have lost the annual tug of war with my mother over what size of tree to get (I favour a redwood-size, while Mum prefers bonsais), but enjoying her legendary winter punch and hearing an eclectic mix of German and English carols. Most of us will be indulging in this weird and wonderful ritual with song, food, laughter and loved ones.
Yes, it’s Christmas Day.
Of course, we don’t just celebrate Christmas with family on the 25th, but in the weeks prior, workplaces up and down the country will be having Christmas parties, dinners and drinks. Futerra’s Christmas party, which has since become the stuff of legend, was catered for by our own co-founder Ed Gillespie, and hosted at our offices. There were even pink table cloths.
This year, I am starting a new blog series, the Head of Christmas blogs. I will be looking for a sustainable Christmas, both for myself, for Futerra, and for anyone who is interested and reads this.
But I need your help. How can we make Christmas “sustainable”? What does that even mean? Is it enough for me to get the train home, eat a nut roast with organic vegetables, wrap presents in old newspapers and give away cards from the Oxfam shop? When it comes to organising the office Christmas party, how do I track down sustainable decorations? What should we eat and drink?
Over the next few months, I’ll regularly be posting updates on my search for a sustainable Christmas – what should I be looking for? What makes you feel guilty every year, on the morning of the 26th of December?
Oh, and I also really don’t want to call it a “sustainable” Christmas. Kinda takes away the magic…
leave a comment
08:18
Without fail, the thing that I feel most guilty about come the 26th is the last minute presents I’ve bought for friends and family. The pressure gets to me and I end up sacrificing thoughtful (and sustainable) gifts, for overpriced nonsense that doesn’t really make anyone feel good.
So, my early early early Christmas resolution is to plan my pressies! More mindfulness, less bowing to the last minute panic buy.
12:58
Hey Alex .. We had an interesting idea last christmas which was to re-invent christmas altogether.
http://ecomodo.wordpress.com/2… love to hear your thoughts.
Tracy
14:37
There have to be presents, but we set limits and try to make gifts, for example rumballs, or cinnamon toasted almonds, and you can put them in re-useable jars or tins. Alternatives to wrapping paper would be a start – gift bags are pretty and re-useable, newspaper can look good if you colour in bits or add pretty bows, but whatever you do don’t use foil wrap. Advice on energy efficient lights would be nice, perhaps on a tree which can be planted subsequently. You can also give some time or assistance – an IOY a day helping to work in the garden, clean the house, etc.Â
16:50
LOVE the idea, since it took me a few MONTHS to get all of the residual packaging and boxes to our recycle center. there has to be a more-friendly, but still festive way!!
15:33
A great way to help with an eco friendly approach to christmas is to send your loved ones Christmas e cards. Check out katiescards.com to see our range.
10:46
Potted christmas trees – For example:Â http://scottishchristmastrees….
05:39
It is a nice to start a new Christmas head blog. I always celebrates Christmas festival with my family. It is my most favourite festival.
05:51
Thanks for your email. I am on leave this week visiting family in Norfolk and then hosting a debate in the ‘Wonky Cock’ real ale bar at the Shambala Festival. The motion? ‘This House believes humans are not fit for purpose’: http://www.futerra.co.uk/news/…
Back in the saddle as usual on Tuesday 30th.
In the meantime any urgent issues can be dealt with by my assistant Cathy on cathy@futerra.co.uk<mailto:cathy@futerra.co.uk> or 020 7549 4700
Muchos gracias
Ed</mailto:cathy@futerra.co.uk>
20:29
It depends on how you want to look at the “definition” of sustainable. If we look at it from purely the standpoint of keeping Christmas alive and healthy, than there’s nothing more sustainable than giving selflessly. I couldn’t ask for anything more.
Bright Christmas
http://www.brightchristmas.com…
20:10
Hey mate there is a site who selling http://christmashollywreaths.co.uk
” rel=”nofollow”>
christmas crafts
Â
http://christmashollywreaths.co.uk
” rel=”nofollow”>
christmas protea wreaths
 Â
http://christmashollywreaths.co.uk
” rel=”nofollow”>
christmas holly
Â
http://christmashollywreaths.co.uk
” rel=”nofollow”>
christmas kits
 Â
go check it.
20:21
Thanks for your email,
I’m afraid I am out of the office until the 25th of October. If you have any urgent enquiries you can reach my colleague Alex Fowles on 0207 549 4700 or alex.fowles@futerra.co.uk.
All the best,
Will Roissetter