The average household spends over £700 on Christmas every year.
To help people reduce both costs and the huge amount of waste generated at this time of the year – waste experts from Business Waste have put together their top tips for saving money this festive season!
- Thoughtful gifts
Gifts are by far the biggest expense during Christmas time, with the average Brit being expected to spend £602 on presents in December. A few smart ways to cut costs and waste without letting your loved ones down are offering experience gifts instead of physical items. Experiences are often more memorable, and you’re likely to find something for any budget or taste!
- Sustainable decorations
Not every household reuses Christmas decorations from the year before, which brings the average spend on these to £185 per family. If you decide that this year’s festive décor needs refreshing, opt for natural elements – check out your garden or local park for some pinecones, branches, or other natural elements and bring them indoors to create a rustic look.
If you’re buying new Christmas lights, always opt for LED ones as they’ll last longer and use less energy.
- Cost-efficient feasts
One of the most wasteful areas during the festive season is food – 66% of people admit to buying too much Christmas food that ends up in the bin. To ensure that you’re not overbuying, make a clear and detailed plan with everything that you need to satisfy the people you’ll be serving. Don’t get tempted by special offers or deals and stick to your list.
However, if you’re still left with a surplus, consider getting creative with some leftover recipes or using it for compost.
- Mindful entertainment
Christmas parties and festive drinks often add up to some eye-watering amounts in December. But they don’t have to! When more events show up in your calendar, don’t be scared to filter through some of them and pick the ones you truly are excited to attend.
Alternatively, why not suggest swapping some of those festive meals out for a Christmas movie indoors or a board game night? Spending time with your loved ones doesn’t always need to be expensive.
Sustainability expert and co-founder of Business Waste, Mark Hall says: “Christmas doesn’t have to be a time of excessive spending and waste. With a little creativity, planning and sometimes assertiveness to say no, people can enjoy just as much a festive, eco-friendly, and budget-conscious holiday season!”
