Advent Calendars: How Can We Be Eco-Friendly?

As we dust the cobwebs, and prepare for the next round of festivities, it's time to start thinking about advent calendars. December is now less than three weeks away, and many people are starting to choose their advent calendars. But of course, like so much in this plastic-filled world, many of the calendars made are not sustainable. Granted, there are more and more options out there now that have recyclable packaging or are plastic-free, but the market is still saturated with advent calendars containing

unrecyclable plastic. While recycling is still a better option than sending plastic to landfill, the answer isn't to make these calendars recyclable, especially when it comes to plastic. Unfortunately, even the plastic that goes to recycling, isn't always recycled. What we should strive for, is completely plastic-free calendars, or promoting more reusable alternatives (but not wrapped in plastic packaging, as so many are).

Reusable calendars are great, as they can be a bit more special, and you can tailor the calendar to a specific taste. If you prefer a chocolate calendar, making your own chocolates is a great idea. You can get a festive mould, or just any kind of reusable mould (plastic-free if possible, and it is better to avoid silicone, but as long as it can be used again and again, that's still a better option). You can then use recycled aluminium or another sustainable alternative, to wrap them up.

Be creative, and make your own chocolate advent calendar!

What you should look for when buying a reusable advent calendar, is that it comes in card or paper packaging, and is plastic-free. They should be made of sustainable materials, such as wood, cotton, wool, paper/card, metal or even glass (though I'm not sure I've ever seen a

glass one before).

Alternatively, making your own calendar from scratch is another brilliant way to be more zero-waste. You could even use second-hand materials to create something that is truly unique. Another idea is to use little envelopes, and write messages. Or it could be fun to write clues to find items/gifts around the house. The world really is your oyster, and these ideas are just the tip of the iceberg. 

If you really don't have the time to create your own advent calendar, or organise a reusable one, then there are some plastic-free ones out there, you just have to search a bit. I have made a whole video on this topic, which you can find here. In it, I mention some brands, and a few other ideas.

I also want to mention digital calendars, such as the Jacquie Lawson ones. This is a waste-free option, and can be fun to do every day!

I hope this helps you commence your eco-friendly advent journey, let the countdown to December begin! Keep an eye out on this blog for more sustainable festive ideas this coming holiday season!

-Sustainable Sarah