Have yourself a River-Friendly Christmas
Christmas is a season for giving, gathering, feasting and celebrating. But it’s also a time when our choices can have a big impact on the environment. With a little thought, it’s easy to make this festive season kinder to the planet—and our rivers - while still enjoying all the traditions we love. At West Cumbria Rivers Trust, we’re passionate about protecting our rivers from pollution, harmful chemicals and our environment from excess waste. This Christmas, why not incorporate a few river-friendly ideas into your celebrations?
Gifts That Give Back
When shopping for presents, consider gifts that are gentle on the environment:
• Plastic-free toiletries: Deodorants, shampoos, and conditioners made without plastic packaging or harsh chemicals are great options. Not only are they thoughtful, but they also reduce waste and keep harmful substances out of our waterways and flag to people that might not know about these options!
• Reusable items: Water bottles, coffee cups, or beeswax wraps make practical and sustainable gifts.
• Homemade treats: Jams, biscuits, or chutneys in glass jars are personal, delicious, and avoid unnecessary packaging, plus nothing says ‘I love you’ quite like a homemade gift!
• Experiences: gifting people experiences is a great way to avoid an unwanted present being recycled and can bring real joy to someone who might not consider a trip somewhere you know and love…
Wrap It Up, Sustainably
Every year, rolls of wrapping paper end up in the bin—much of it non-recyclable due to glitter or foil. Instead, try using:
• Brown paper with natural decorations like sprigs of greenery or pinecones – what’s more they will look so much more beautiful!
• Reusable fabric wraps - Furoshiki-style wrapping is beautiful, easy to learn and, if you use unwanted old fabrics, cost free!
• Old maps, magazines, or newspapers for a creative touch.
Festive Feasts Without the Fuss
Food waste skyrockets at Christmas, but planning ahead can help. Writing a menu, sticking to a shopping list, and getting creative with leftovers - 'turkey curry, anyone’? can help reduce it? Also, think about choosing locally sourced and organic products to help lighten the load on the environment.
Decorations That Last
Swap disposable plastic decorations for ones that can be reused year after year. Natural options like dried orange slices, cinnamon sticks, or pinecones bring warmth and fragrance to your home without harming the planet. In my humble opinion, they also look so much beautiful. You can even make a fun event of it and get your friends or family around to help make them together whilst having a catch up with a warm glass of spiced apple juice.
A Walk to Remember
Finally, consider giving the gift of time together. A riverside walk is a chance to connect with loved ones and appreciate the beauty of nature. Our Watery Walks series is full of inspiration for trails that showcase the best of West Cumbria. Check out our walks (which will all be released in time) for your annual Boxing Day Walk. From a Rainforest Family Adventure walk to a long hiker’s trek on St John’s Beck, there’ s plenty to choose from.
I came across an Afrian proverb recently ‘Anyone who thinks they’re too small to make a difference hasn’t spent the night with a mosquito!’ Small changes can make a big difference and your choices to help our environment do matter. By choosing gifts and habits that tread lightly on the planet, you’re helping protect our rivers and the wildlife that depends on them—so they can keep giving to us for generations to come. If we’ve inspired you with our River-Friendly Christmas ideas, check out our website page with hints and tips on how you can reduce your impact on the environment in everyday ways.
As the year comes to a close, many people reflect on the causes they wish to support. If you’re able, consider joining our community of River Givers with a yearly donation. For just £25, you can support our work and help protect and restore our rivers.
From all of us at West Cumbria Rivers Trust, have a wonderful, sustainable Christmas!