Holly Spindler
With Christmas around the corner, we share our thoughts on celebrating the season with kindness.
While Christmas may be a bit different this year and meetups might have to be done in smaller groups or virtually, the season can still be full of time with loved ones, cosiness and eating delicious food. But for some, the over-commercialisation of Christmas has made it lose its magic. Here’s some ways to help the planet, people, and the animals this year.
Helping the planet - how to reduce waste at Christmas
In the last few years, a growing awareness of how we’re affecting our planet each day means that people are trying to make their lives more low-impact.
At Christmas, with wrapping paper, big meals and presents that you may never use, this can be more challenging than ever. Here’s our top three tips to reducing waste at Christmas.
Wrapping presents Wrapping paper or Christmas cards can be coated in plastic or have glitter so are often non-recyclable. Instead you could use recycled brown paper or newspaper to wrap presents.
Sending e-cards Sending e-cards is a more planet-friendly way to connect with loved ones than the traditional paper based cards. Not only that, you can use a free e-card website like this one and donate the cost of cards and stamps to your favourite charity (cough - The Humane League UK!).
Making presents Christmas is the time when novelty gifts are in all the shops. But instead of spending money on stuff that never gets used and is often just thrown away, why not give an experience or a day out? While they may not be able to use it right now, experiences will be even more appreciated when we can get back out and about. The most precious gift is time and, by giving that time to someone, it really will be more special.
You can also make presents for that personal touch. From jars of cookie mixture or homemade bath bombs, there are loads of options if you search online.
Using leftover food Often, there’s so much pressure on the Christmas lunch that people can go overboard. The table, creaking under the weight of every type of vegetable in existence, is rarely empty at the end of the meal. Then comes the inevitable challenge of trying to fit it in the fridge, followed by eating parsnips for the next two weeks for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
But there is another way! Soups are a great way to use up food and keep you fighting off the January chills. Once blended, most soups can be frozen, leaving your fridge clear.
Another option is bubble and squeak. If you have potatoes left, they make a great base - simply mash the potato, mix in leftover veg, form into patties and fry off in a little oil. They are great on their own, or as a side.
Helping others - where to spend time instead of money
For some, Christmas has become over-commercialised. Often, too much money is spent and people are even having to borrow to pay for presents, leaving them starting the new year in debt. Giving time, instead of presents, can be a rewarding way to reclaim the spirit of the season and make it about helping others.
If, like us, you want to improve the lives of farm animals around the world, you can volunteer with The Humane League UK. Our invaluable volunteers help us with a huge range of activities, from running in person and virtual events to fundraising. We offer great training and development opportunities! Find out more on our website.
While our companion animals may spend Christmas surrounded by family and even receive Christmas presents, animals in rescue centres are often not so well off. Why not organise a shoebox appeal for your local animal rescue by collecting toys and treats and delivering it to the rescue? Encourage other local animal lovers to do the same and you may be able to gather enough boxes for all of the rescued residents.
The use of foodbanks in the last few months has grown dramatically. They rely on local communities and volunteers to run and, this Christmas, are under more pressure than ever. Normally there are various volunteer roles from the warehouse to the centre and a need across the whole country. While things are a little different this year, foodbanks still need your support. Find out more here.
People often choose to forgo Christmas day and opt to volunteer in a soup kitchen instead. But charities helping the homeless need volunteers all year round, including the run-up to Christmas day. Charities like Crisis and The Salvation Army offer a range of volunteering opportunities where you can help people in need. Check out your chosen charity's website for the latest updates in the current situation.
Helping animals this Christmas
One of the best ways you can help animals this Christmas is to leave them off your plate.
Luckily, most of the food on the Christmas dinner table is already cruelty-free - from those crispy roast potatoes to the deliciously sweet parsnips. This year there are a huge number of options available in supermarkets, and we have some great recipes like roast potatoes three ways and plant-based pigs in blankets.
If you’re able to give a gift of a donation to The Humane League UK, you will be helping to end the abuse of animals raised for food.
There are loads of ways you can give. If there’s nothing on your Christmas list this year, you can set up a Facebook Fundraiser and ask friends and family to give a donation instead of presents. Or simply choose The Humane League UK as your charity on Amazon Smile - this is a great way to help animals just by shopping.
To find out more ways to help animals, read our blog on donating while you shop.
