At Christmas, families gather, tables overflow with delicacies, and homes fill with decorations and gifts. While decorations, gifts, food, and travel create a festive atmosphere, they also come with an environmental cost. Fortunately, a more eco-friendly Christmas doesn't have to be a dull one. Thoughtful choices can create a meaningful celebration where the magic remains intact, and the planet benefits. In many cases, reducing your carbon footprint is even easier—and more cost-effective—than planning a traditional Christmas.
Christmas Food
Traditional Christmas dishes are deeply rooted in culture and play a central role in creating a festive atmosphere. In Finland, traditional Christmas dishes like ham, casseroles, and fish evoke nostalgia but they are not traditionally plant-based. However, every classic dish has a plant-based version that doesn't compromise on flavor or festivity. Transforming the entire Christmas menu may feel daunting, especially with relatives who loudly dismiss vegan options as "rabbit food." But some changes, like swapping dairy and eggs in casseroles for plant-based alternatives, can be surprisingly easy—and often go unnoticed.
Ham, a cornerstone of Finnish Christmas traditions, is also a major environmental culprit. According to Satakunnan Kansa, the carbon footprint of ham is 6,1 kg CO2e. As stated by The Big Climate Database the carbon footprint of turkey is 4,7 kg CO2e. Thankfully, there are countless plant-based alternatives to explore. Seitan roasts, vöner "hams", tofu roasts, lentil loaves, and various vegetable-based dishes are just a few options. For example, Satakunnan Kansa points out that the carbon footprint of a seitan roast is only 0,8 kg CO2e.
In addition to what you serve, how much you serve is also important. It's easy to overestimate amounts and end up with food waste. Planning portions carefully and repurposing leftovers are key strategies to minimize waste. Also you don’t need to serve every traditional dish—if it's something no one at the table enjoys, skip it. Consider shifting animal-based dishes from the spotlight to small, special treats. For example, instead of serving fish as a main course, offer it in small bites or appetizers. At the same time, reducing or replacing fish with plant-based alternatives can significantly cut costs.
Christmas Lights and Decorations
When it comes to decorations, the most sustainable choice is to avoid buying new items, especially if you already have timeless pieces that can be reused year after year. Investing in high-quality decorations that stand the test of time is a win for both the environment and your wallet. If new decorations are needed, consider recycled or handmade options. DIY decorations are not only eco-friendly but also unique and personal.
Christmas lights often take center stage in discussions about holiday sustainability. While their impact is relatively small compared to gifts or food, it's still worth being mindful. For example, the carbon footprint of the energy used by a 105 cm high LED light reindeer during one month of continuous use is under 100 g CO2e in Finland and over 400 g CO2e in Germany, roughly equivalent to driving one kilometer by car. However, the key is to utilize energy-efficient LED lights while keeping a moderate use in mind – as the number of lights increases, so does the environmental impact of LED production.
Gifts
Gifts can be both a source of joy and stress. Finding the perfect present for a distant relative can be challenging, while the anticipation of unwrapping a gift can bring excitement. However, the sheer volume of material goods exchanged during the holidays often leads to waste. Social media showcases towering piles of presents, reinforcing the idea that more is better. But what if this year you broke that cycle?
Gift-giving can either burden the environment or become an opportunity for mindful choices. Secret Santa exchanges are another great way to reduce excess, focusing on giving and receiving one meaningful gift instead of many. The best gift is one that is genuinely needed.
Travel
Christmas is a time for visiting loved ones, but travel often comes with a significant carbon footprint. To reduce impact, consider extending your stay or combining visits with local sightseeing. A longer stay not only lessens the environmental burden of travel but also allows for deeper connections with family and friends.
For example, a round-trip from Helsinki to Jyväskylä (about 540 km) has a carbon footprint of 194 kg CO₂e when driving a petrol car and 124 kg CO₂e with an electric car. In contrast, taking the bus reduces this to 30 kg CO₂e, and traveling by train cuts it further to just 22 kg CO₂e. Choosing more sustainable transportation options is one of the most impactful changes you can make.
A More Meaningful Christmas
An eco-friendly Christmas doesn’t mean sacrificing the spirit of the holiday. In fact, it can enhance the experience by encouraging a focus on what truly matters: being together, sharing experiences, and enjoying good food. Every small action counts, and the most important step is simply to start. Whether it’s swapping out a single dish, reusing decorations, or rethinking your gift-giving strategy, each choice brings you closer to a greener, more meaningful celebration.
Virvatuli Uusimäki, D-mat Oy
Sources:
Jokinen, Jami. Kinkku, kala tai kahvi ei tässä ole kunkku. Satakunnan Kansa. Published 15.12.2024 https://www.satakunnankansa.fi/satakunta/art-2000010894159.html