From the Archdiocese Care for Creation Group - Sustainable Celebrations this Christmas

​12 days of a climate-conscious Christmas
A Partridge in a - more environmentally friendly- Christmas tree
According to the Carbon Trust, real Christmas trees actually have a smaller carbon footprint than artificial trees, provided they are properly disposed of. This means planting it in your garden, having it chipped by your council or using Treecycle. You could also rent a tree that is replanted each year, use your old tree as a wildlife hotel in your garden or even look into ways to donate your tree to coastal erosion management schemes!
Two Turtle-ly Awesome Doves ways to reuse Christmas cards
Have a huge pile of Christmas cards destined for the recycling bin? Here are 2 ways to reuse them instead: Cut them up and make some new cards or gift tags to use next year Get really creative and make some Christmas decorations out of your old cards (e.g. your own nativity scene, stars, tree decorations)
Three French Hens that have travelled from France sustainably
Are you travelling to see family or friends this Christmas time? Or are you pushing the boat out and going on holiday? Here are some ways to make your transport more eco-friendly: Walk or cycle Use public transport where possible (enjoy reading a book or watching our favourite film on the way) Offset your carbon footprint if you do need to fly.
Four Birds Calling Out Poor Food Practice
The amount of poultry thrown away each year in UK homes is enough to make 800 million Boxing Day curries (UK Gov, 2019). During the Christmas season: Only buy what you’ll eat Eat up your leftovers Buy local produce to reduce food miles Buy food without packaging, where possible. Donate to your local food bank.
Five Gold Ring lights (or other assorted Christmas lights)
Christmas lights give a real festive feeling but as well as the cost of turning them on, they also carry environmental impacts. Consider setting them on timers to reduce the time they’re on for and make sure they’re all more efficient LEDs. While you’re at it, why don’t you check if all the lights in your home are energy- efficient too. Google the Energy Saving Trust for more information.
Six Geese-a-laying the foundations for the future
"To suppose that all problems in the future will be able to be solved by new technical interventions is a form of homicidal pragmatism, like pushing a snowball down a hill," - Pope Francis, 2015 In 2015, Pope Francis warned against placing too much hope in carbon capture technologies. We need to act now to make real change.
 Seven Swans a swimming in plastic-free waters
Consider how you can make your Christmas plastic-free. You could: wrap presents without using sellotape buy unpackaged food buy presents with minimal packaging make handmade decorations instead of buying plastic ones.
Eight Maids-a-milking Christmas presents a little bit too much
Do you love giving and/or receiving presents? Do you try to find an excuse to buy everyone under the sun a little something? Take a moment to reconsider whether every present is necessary. Also investigate some more planet-friendly options like ethical gifts, charity donations and reusable presents that won’t end up in landfill.
Nine ladies dancing because of climate progress
Christmas is a time for rejoicing. And in that spirit here are some examples of progress this year: In September, the UK became the first G7 country to abandon coal power Glasgow is trialing eco-friendly electric wallpaper to heat its ageing homes. 6 European countries (including the UK) pledged €130 million to protect biodiversity.
Ten lords-a-leaping into action
Instead or as well as giving presents this Christmas, think about how you can give your time to charities. You could volunteer for your local food bank, a charity shop, your local wildlife trust or any other charity of your choice to make a difference in your local community.
Eleven Pipers Piping up on climate injustice
How can you speak up for climate justice in 2025? Join marches, lobby your MP, sign petitions, talk to friends, family and colleagues. But remember, first do some research so you know what to say!
Twelve Drummers Drumming Banging on about their New Years’ Resolution
New year, new opportunity for new climate-friendly habits. Take some time to consider what you can do in 2025 to make an impact on the planet. For example, you could monitor how much plastic you use, try to eat seasonal foods or make your resolution to learn more and read some climate news/fiction every month!