Christmas is a time to celebrate with family and friends but its true meaning can get lost in a blizzard of panic buying, over-consumption and waste. This year, as the cost-of-living crisis bites, we asked some experts for their tips on how to spend less, waste less and still enjoy the festivities.
1, Agree present buying in advance. Christmas brings the dilemma of what to buy for that someone who always buys you something.
2, Cut food waste and go plant-based. There is always at least one element of the festive feast that nobody likes but you always buy, or a treat that you were simply too full to eat.
3, Travel less but stay longer. Driving home for Christmas can create a significant carbon footprint or “love miles” as Prof Berners-Lee puts it.
4, Recycle and reuse. When Christmas Day is over you can find yourself surrounded by a mountain of wrapping paper and piles of packaging.
5, Remember the meaning of Christmas. “It’s about having fun,” says Prof Mike Berners-Lee. “It’s about having a great time with the people you like and love the most. It’s about relaxing and all of that can be done in a green way.”
I – Word Understanding
Blizzard – extreme rush
Dilemma – a problem involving a difficult and unpleasant choice
II – Have Your Say
1, What is Christmas to you? How do you celebrate it?
2, What are the challenges you encounter when buying gifts?
What occasions do you usually need to prepare gifts?
3, How does the “cost-of-living” crisis affect you so far?
What are the changes that you do or want to do to adjust to the current situation?
