Munich, 6th December 2022. The Holiday Season is a very special time of the year, with loved ones coming together and creating special memories that last a lifetime. But, the season comes also with a significant environmental footprint be it with all the gifts or the amount of travel. Sustainability during this season is often an afterthought. Westwing’s Head of Sustainability, Erasmia Kitou shares some tips on how to have a more sustainable Christmas this season.
Shop with purpose
Do you have any ideas to share of what could be a sustainable gift?
I try to show my kids that the holiday season is not only about gifting but about the time you spend with your loved ones. But as gifts are sometimes the icing on the cake, it is important to shop with a clear purpose by considering what your loved ones would really enjoy. Try to choose high-quality products that are made to last and check for even more sustainable versions of those products. For example, on our website, you can filter for ‘Sustainable’ to view products that fulfill our sustainability criteria. Another beautiful option is to create homemade gifts. Follow our instagram for a wealth of exciting ideas about DIY gifts.
Recycle or Reuse Your Tree
Which Christmas tree is the most sustainable?
There are many factors to consider if you want to ensure that your tree is sustainable such as the type of tree, how you transport it, the usage time, the way you dispose of it at the end of its life. Christmas trees are special! Just try to make sure that the tree you select is sourced or manufactured nearby, bought or rented from a local store and recycled or re-planted at the end of its life. In the case of artificial trees in particular, make sure you buy one of great quality that will last you for many many years. You could even consider repurposing a house plant! Whatever your choice of tree, do not forget about the ornaments. Avoid single-use decorations and opt instead for quality ones that can be carried on through generations, or for self-made decorations from material already available at your home.
Get Creative with Wrapping Paper
What would be considered sustainable wrapping papers?
In reality, the most sustainable way to wrap presents is to not wrap them at all! But if you want to surprise your loved ones, the next best option is to use old newspapers or magazines or even cloth materials that you might have lying around at home. If you would still rather purchase new wrapping paper, I would encourage you to at least use wrapping made from recycled and recyclable paper, ideally FSC certified. Having the FSC logo means that the paper can be traced back to sustainably managed forests. In the meantime, at Westwing, we partner with brands that specialize in selling reusable wrapping which would be another great more sustainable option. In terms of ribbons and bows, try to avoid any made from plastic and opt for those made from natural material. A mistletoe or a small twig could, in most cases, make an even better decoration than any bow or ribbon you could buy. Take a look at our instagram or TikTok channels to get inspiration and some great ideas on how to wrap your presents this festive season. And do not forget, gently unwrapping presents could mean that you can then reuse the wrapping paper in the future.
Do you have any other advice to share?
We talked about a few ways to be more sustainable this Christmas but with so many options, knowing where to start or how to make the right choice can feel overwhelming. Select a few classic Christmas activities where you believe you can be most impactful and focus on those. Whether it is using public transportation to visit family, reconsidering your energy use for Christmas lighting, shopping locally or carefully considering your choice of tree, every effort can make a difference. Also remember that sustainability is about more than our environmental impacts, it is also about the communities we live in. In line with the Christmas spirit, this is a great time to give to people in need whether that be through monetary donations, or volunteering. We hope that these few practical tips will help you embrace a more sustainable Christmas this season. For more information about our efforts and Strategy to become more sustainable at Westwing please visit our Sustainability Website.
Dr. Erasmia Kitou, Head of Sustainability at Westwing
About Westwing Westwing is the leader in inspiration-based Home & Living eCommerce in Europe with EUR 522m of revenue in 2021. Through its ‘shoppable magazine’, Westwing inspires its loyal home enthusiast customers with a curated product selection and combines that with gorgeous content. With unparalleled loyalty, Westwing is generating more than 80% of sales from repeat customers. Westwing’s mission is: To inspire and make every home a beautiful home. The company was founded in 2011 and is headquartered in Munich. Westwing went public on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange in October 2018 and is active in eleven European countries.