Christmas Countdown without the Consumerism

Reusing decorations, enjoying the season and creating less waste.

We’ve had mixed weather over the last few weeks, some days torrents of rain, others calm and sunny. When it’s raining outside and very little is growing in the garden; it feels like a treat to drink a mug of home grown chocolate mint tea. I never get round to drying much mint before it dies off in the autumn. So, what I do have I really appreciate. A taste of summer on a rainy, winter’s day.

The garden mint might look dead but it’s only got rid of the leaves that do not serve it during the colder months and is resting in a dormant state. It’s energy is stored in it’s roots which allows it to survive the cold and regrow in the spring. Inspiration and a lesson for us during winter. I’ve been busy during this countdown to Christmas but this’ll end soon and I’ll be resting, lying dormant, keeping my energy rooted as we should be doing during the winter. Despite what our dominant culture tells us, we are part of nature and living the seasons is what our body and mind needs. So, cosy by the fire my friends, draw the curtains and rest.



On the sunny days, I’ve been out and about enjoying my local area. There’s nothing better than the beach when it’s sunny and still (though I love it when it is wild as well). One day recently, the sea was so calm that as seagulls landed at the water’s edge gentle ripples of water circled them yet the sound was of waves crashing in as they broke at the sandbar making it feel magical and unreal.

Despite seeing this view countless times, its beauty literally took my breath away! The photo, really doesn’t do it justice - you need to visit Exmouth beach for yourself!

If you live here, what’s your favourite thing about the beach? If you’ve never been to this part of the world, I highly recommend it and definitely get here by train; the views are amazing as it hugs the river making it feel more like a boat trip!

Before the rain ☔ really came down heavy the other day, we took a short trip to the nearby town of Topsham. We walked past quaint cottages out towards country lanes before hugging the river on, what is known locally, as the goat 🐐 walk, then headed into town and past a multitude of independent shops; it really is such a lovely, little place.



Other than window shopping and picking up a free preloved book we enjoyed a pot of tea and cake in a local café. Relaxing, inexpensive and non-consumeristic. It’s become a bit of a Christmas time tradition.

What about you, do you have any favourite Christmas time walks or café recommendations?



Finally, I’ll end with a couple of ways to reduce waste this Christmas. Do share your tips for a planet-friendly Christmas in the comments.

This year, I’ve used a cover of an old school exercise book and bits of ribbon and string to make some Christmas gift tags. I wouldn’t actually recommend painting 🎨 gift tags, like I have. The paint contaminates the fibres making it not generally recyclable. I needed to practice painting for some work I’ve been doing so I thought it’d be better to make something that can be used rather than just thrown away. However, unpainted homemade gift tags can be recycled. The ribbon and string taken off (they could be kept to reuse) and the card put in the recycling.



Do you have anything at home that could be repurposed into gift tags?

Plastic-free chocolate is actually a little bit easier to find now we’re in the festive season. Look for foil-wrapped Santa’s or bars of chocolate packaged in cardboard and foil. Alternatively, how about seeking out an independent chocolatier such as Chococo Chocolates they sell beautiful, ethical chocolates all in 100% plastic-free packaging.

Do you have any plastic-free chocolate recommendations? 🍫



If you want more ideas for reducing waste (including five festive tips) you might want to read my book ‘52 Tips To Reduce Waste.’ Priced at just £3 for a 120 page pdf. It’ll reduce your waste, lowered your carbon emissions and save you money.