The Parishes of Horsham St Faiths, Spixworth & Crostwick

1) The Tree. If you like real Christmas trees, why not buy one that’s rooted in a pot, that way it can be planted outside after Christmas. Or buy one which is from a sustainable forest and have the tree recycled after Christmas.

2) Wrap it up. Try re-using old wrapping paper, if you’'re careful it can look like new!
Or buy wrapping paper made from recycled paper. Avoid foil wrap as its harder to recycle.
Or you could buy/make cloth gift bags that can be re-used again... and again... and again...

3) Gifts. Think about where your gifts come from, are they fairly traded? Were people exploited to produce them? For ethical gift ideas check out the links on the left of this page.

4) Make a difference! Forget socks, how about a cow, or a duck, a teacher, a toilet, or medicine for a child? Change someone’s life this Christmas. For ideas see the links on the left of this page.

5) Make your own. Get creative and make your own personalised gifts. Why not use locally grown fruit etc, and make jams/chutneys/relishes. Or treat someone to homemade sweets/biscuits or a cake.

6) Party, Party! One way to avoid the washing up after a party is to use paper plates…, ok on your hands, …not so good on the planet! There is an eco-friendly option, you can buy disposable plates/cups/cutlery that are biodegradable, and they'’re made from renewable resources.

7) Sprouts! A great way to use all those unloved lonely sprouts is to add them to your compost. Any peelings, fruit, vegetables, and even cardboard can be added to your compost, to give your plants an extra boost come summertime.

8) Christmas Dinner. Buy locally grown, organic food, it will taste better, have travelled less miles (reducing its carbon footprint!) and you'’ll be supporting local farmers and businesses.

9) Bags of sense. When you go shopping why not take shopping bags with you to save collecting plastic bags when you go from shop to shop. Our handy Spixworth shopping bags are still available for just £1.

10) Bright spark. Remember to switch your Christmas lights OFF when you leave the room, Santa will still be able to see where he’s going! Or if you can, buy low energy LED lights.

Christmas Gift Ideas

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