Half of Grantham Residents Intend on Going Green This Christmas, finds survey.

• Over 1/2 say they won’t be sending a Christmas card this year.
• 41% would be happy giving second-hand gifts.
• Tips for having a more sustainable Christmas.

For many, being a sustainable consumer is front of mind this holiday season. Endless amounts of wrapping paper, plastic toys and Christmas gadgets is enough to make most shudder in light of this year’s escalation in climate change news. There are many ways you can easily reduce your carbon footprint e.g. using brown paper instead of wrapping paper, switching off fairy lights when you are not there and where possible, buying second-hand gifts.

Experts in pre-owned luxury jewellery, William May, conducted a survey of 3,000 Brits to find out how many are willing to make significant changes for a more mindful Christmas this year.

The survey found that half (49%) of Grantham residents said they intend on being more sustainable this Christmas. For example, a significant 57% of respondents said they would reduce the amount of Christmas cards they send this year in order to cut down on waste. With so many ways to send them digitally, it does feel like one of the easier ways to reduce waste this festive season. 

Another way to help the environment is to recycle gifts. Two fifths (41%) say they would gladly give a pre-owned gift instead of buying new, and 44% say they would be happy to receive a pre-owned gift. 

When asked which items are the most acceptable to buy as second-hand gifts, 37% of people said jewellery, 18% said toys, 18% said games, 14% said home items, 9% said art and 4% said clothes.

William May have put together some handy tips and tricks for purchasing pre-owned jewellery: 

The research also found that 37% of Grantham residents say that the current economic climate would make them more likely to give a pre-owned gift this Christmas to save money. More than 1 in 10 (15%) even plan on making their own Christmas gifts this year and promisingly, over one third (38%) enjoy receiving these over shop-bought products!

Here are some tips for a more sustainable Christmas:

• Choosing gifts that last, such as indoor plants, which are also kinder to the environment.
• Use eco-friendly wrapping paper. Products such as sticky tape, ribbons and glitter can’t be recycled, so consider using recyclable brown paper. 
• Buy local – this helps support a local, sustainable economy.
• Make your own gifts – another great way to help the environment!
• Consider choosing organic, locally sourced ingredients when making your Christmas dinner. 
• Choosing LED Christmas lights is an easy way to make your holiday more sustainable. They are more expensive up front, but they last longer and use far less electricity than traditional lights.
• Artificial trees can’t be recycled and many are manufactured using harmful chemicals. Using a fresh, locally cut tree is far better for the environment. There are even some companies you can rent trees from, which they then re-plant.

‘As consumers, we have a responsibility to be more mindful with what we choose to spend our money on. Thrifting, charity shopping and purchasing pre-loved items is the perfect way to save some pennies and the environment whilst we’re at it,’ says Nick Withington, spokesperson for William May. 

‘Pre-owned gifts such as antique jewellery are one-of-a-kind and perfect for spoiling your loved ones this holiday season.’