By Anders Lorenzen 

In recent years, we’ve seen an increase in sustainability trends around Christmas and this year is no exception. 

Polling carried out amongst 2,000 people by the digital tree-planting platform Treedom, explored  a range of sustainable lifestyle changes and showed that amongst those asked:

• 34% said they are trying to be more mindful about their consumption at Christmas 33% believe that now is a critical time for the planet and are worried about its future
•  29% agree that more people will be thinking about their impact on the environment this Christmas 
• 32% said they are thinking about the future lives of their children and grandchildren

Ditching meat this Christmas

The data also found that among those opting to eat plant-based meals this Christmas; 

• 29% are doing so due to environmental concerns 28% thought that the traditional Turkey lunch could soon be a thing of the past as the country opts for more sustainable options.
• 21% said they would ditch meat on Christmas Day due to guilt reasons.

Animal product alternatives 

Concerning what kind of vegetarian dishes they will replace meat with;

• 32% will be using vegan gravy
• 24% the popular meat replacement Quorn’s replicant of Turkey slices and rice dishes
•  23% plan to move entirely away from the turkey subject by enjoying a nut roast or pasta.

A more sustainable Christmas

Focusing on a more sustainable Christmas period overall:

• 43% said they’re aiming to host more environmental Christmas celebrations with one in ten planning to buy carbon offset subscriptions next year. 
• 30% are opting for a reusable Christmas tree 
•  30% are going to turn the heating down and wear an extra layer (perhaps also a response to the energy crisis)
• 27% are pledging to use no single-use plastics and 25% not to send any Christmas cards at all.
• 17% committed to only buying second-hand gifts while 16% said they would not buy any plastic gifts and 12% would not buy any presents at all and would be making their own gifts and 7% would plant trees instead of buying gifts.
• 30% will be reusing wrapping paper
• 22% will make their own Christmas cards and 20% decorations. 13% will make their own advent calendar and wrapping paper and 10% will make their own Christmas tree.

Commenting on the study, Anna Weston, head of development in the UK & Ireland for Treedom said: “Christmas is a key moment for us to remember the importance and impact our choices have on the planet and communities around the world, and it’s great to see that so many Brits want to do their bit for the environment during the festive period from reducing meat consumption to crafting their own presents. Caring for our planet has risen in popularity among Brits of all ages. With the climate crisis worsening, it’s clear that people are looking to make changes to do what they can to combat this and make a difference for families all around the globe. However, it’s important to remember that these good habits aren’t just for Christmas; we should aim to incorporate them into our daily lives as we enter a new year.”