As eco-consciousness spreads and the need to reduce our carbon footprints increases, there’s never been a better time to think about a sustainable Christmas. As it becomes more and more vital to think about the planet when we shop and eat, this time of year — when it feels like shopping and eating is all we do! — is a critical time to buy in an environmentally friendly way. Here are our planet-kind kitchen tips for the festive season.

The preparation

One of the most significant ways we can impact the planet less is by making well-informed decisions when it comes to buying products. Purchasing high quality kitchen utensils that stand the test of time means that in the long run, you save money, and also reduce the amount of waste you produce. Our Infinite pans are one such investment, coming with a lifetime guarantee and presenting a sustainable choice for savvy chefs. They make fantastic gifts, too, with options for all kinds of Christmas budgets.

The tableware

When it comes to dressing the dinner table for the festivities, consider reusable runners, tablecloths and napkins, and seek out biodegradable decorations, too. Why not create a beautiful, sustainable centrepiece by piling up the family’s favourite fruit in a decadent, delicious-looking display that’s sure to be eaten (or even juiced!) in the inevitable post-Christmas health kick? We recommend taking a large bowl or repurposing a multi-layered cake tray and scattering it with festive figs, ruby red apples, glossy black grapes and fragrant tangerines, creating a seasonal treat for the eyes and tastebuds.

The food

Choosing organic meat and vegetables is a fantastic way to support improvements in animal welfare and to ensure the reduction of harmful pesticides in the environment. You can also reduce the amount of food waste you produce by trying your hand at nose-to-tail and root-to-shoot cookery. These philosophies involve using every part of the animal or vegetable. The results are not only delicious dishes, but increased innovation, as you try to come up with new and exciting ways to incorporate carrot tops into the Christmas dinner. One way to up your standing on the sustainability scale further is to do away with meat altogether. Putting together a vegetarian Christmas dinner can challenge the most creative of chefs, but if you research it well, the results are well worth it — in both flavour and eco-friendliness.

And even the washing up

When it comes to tidying up after the big day, it can be tempting to spritz the place with a bleach based cleaner and run over the roasting tin with some iron wool. The environmental impact of these products is huge, however, so think sustainably next time you’re in the market for them. Nowadays, naturally derived cleaning solutions are easy to find in your local supermarket, while compostable sponges and scourers can be sourced from health shops or ordered online. Bamboo brushes with changeable heads reduce the amount of plastic going to landfill, and look pretty great beside the sink, too.