Wanna make festive swaps? We've got you sorted - read on
~ the monthly gather ~
Christmas consumerism: what's the big deal?
Hey there, gatherer. It’s that time of year again: the festive season’s come around.
Though we don’t wanna be a bah humbug, we bet you won’t be surprised to hear it’s also the most wasteful time of the year. During the festivities, UK households create almost a THIRD more waste than usual. What’s that look like? Think 100 million bin bags in landfill, filled with items that could’ve been recycled: a billion cards, almost 13.4k tonnes of glass and 250 tonnes of Christmas trees (that’s more than the weight of the Statue of Liberty!) are chucked in the bin. Yikes.
So let’s impact the planet less together. The key? Buy less - and better. Did you know: three in four of us plan to upgrade an item that still works - and a third will chuck the old one away. Even worse, only one per cent of consumer goods are still in use six months later. Picture a pile of appliances four times further away the International Space Station - wowza!
We can tackle all this while still having a good time (no Grinches here). Read on for our tips on DIY-ing, from advent decorations to gift wrap, renting festive outfits and the goodies we'll have in stock this season.
At Gather, we talk a lot about the need for big system change. Christmas is a great time to collectively make a big difference. We’ll be spreading the message about the changes we’re making to those around us. We hope you’ll join us.
Team Gather x
Low-impact living: our top tips this month
Consuming less - especially at Christmas - can be tough, we know. So, keep it simple. This year, why not focus in on reducing, reusing, renting - even mending and making? Below is what we'll be giving a go.
Reduce: unwanted gifts (wish lists ain't just for kids). Write your own and ask others for theirs. Getting things we need or trying a new experience is fab, too!
Rent: your xmas outfits - get that 'new clothing' feeling sans the damage. Don't stop there: home a rented tree; that six-footer took 10-12 years to grow!
Switch: to LED Christmas lights, and solar-powered outdoor lights. Make sure to set a timer. Let's save on energy and reduce light pollution = happier wildlife.
Spotlight on... our festive swaps
We’ve got you covered for all your low-waste festive swaps. Refill treats, thoughtful gifts, vital cleaning supplies - we’ve thought the eco nitty-gritty through. Plus it's all sourced from small, ethical UK businesses.
Pop in and fill up your advent calendar with our delish choc covered hazelnuts, cashews and spiced almonds, made by Raw Chocolate Co. Yum. Having a party? Try our four tasty, organic wines on tap. No more cramming endless bottles into the recycling - win. For cocktail fans, the xmas negroni refill will be back, a twist on the classic. Spiced with all those warm festive flavours: cloves, cardamon, cinnamon and vanilla. Pair with our yummy vegan nut roast or the sausage + burger mix for a fuss free dinner (just add water).
In need of nifty stocking fillers or gifts for kids? Take a peek at our UK-made toiletries from Upcircle, Nim Cosmestics and Bristol Made. A beaut range of botanical face oils, moisturising scrubs and lotions. Best bit? They're all palm-oil free. There's Wild Sage & Co soaps, handmade with their own garden herbs and no artificial nasties in sight. Couple with Seatox’s green clay face mask packed full of skin-boosting nutrients for a relaxing bath hamper. For the little ones, new in is a playful selection of plastic-free toys. Snuggle with a cuddly snail from Fabelab or zoom around with Candylab’s funky mini wooden taxis.
'Course, we know the festivities are messy: from the pesky gravy stains on your fave jumper to the dreaded mountain of dishes. We’ve found products that are kind to planet but will get the mucky jobs done. Ditch single-use kitchen roll and try Zero Waste Club’s reusableorganic cotton version. They're super soft, absorbent and last aaaages - saving you pennies, too. And make everything shiny and zap the meanest of stains with plant-based, super concentrated Mack pods. They're teeming with probiotic grime-fighting bacteria, covering everything from glass to dishwashers... no surface will be safe.
The Minimalist Vegan podcast, Ep 43: 'Our approach to minimalism at Christmas’. Lots of ideas for small ways in which we can start living with less stuff at Christmas.
'Inconspicuous consumption' by Tatiana Schlossberg. A surprisingly light yet telling read, breaking down our hidden everyday impact. Plus, it's in our book nook.
‘Trashed’. A decade on, this is still as relevant as ever. Jeremy Irons takes us around the world to look at where our trash really ends up. Eye opening.
@londonrecyclesuk for up-to-date info on how to cut your waste (up to 70% can be recycled or reused!). Even peek at your local recycling rate.
Wanna take action?
Say No: to big corp Black Friday. With the cost of living, we know it's tough to resist those shocking sales. If you can, try to remember the cost of consuming, too - and focus on purchases that give back.
Support: loads of fab local indy businesses at Pexmas and get your gifting on there. Swing by and say hey, we'll have a Gather stall on the Sunday.
Donate: your excess food to your local foodbank, or pop it on the OLIO app. Getting rid of clothing or appliances? List them on Freecycle. Want to lend a hand? Check out The Felix Project, a charity stopping spare food from becoming waste.
Go To: the 2022 UK Green Film Festivalhosted at Dalston's Rio Cinema, from the 2-13 November. Feast your eyes on this year's top-notch documentaries. (We're gonna go see The North Drift.)
~ all about you ~
We'd love to know: what've you been learning - or unlearning?
Any local eco-related happenings you'd like us to shout about?
And how can we help you on your journey to a low-impact life?
