At St. Eval, we believe in the magic of Christmas and the beauty of sustainability working hand-in-hand. So, we’ve created this easy guide to help you celebrate in a way that’s merry, mindful and kind to the planet.

Here are 10 steps you can take to make your Christmas more sustainable.

1. Choose Candles that care: Hand-Poured with Love and Sustainability in Mind

At the heart of St Eval is our range of beautifully hand-poured candles, each created with care for both people and the environment. Whether it’s the comforting notes of Winter Thyme, blending thyme, rosemary, and earthy wood tones, or the invigorating Orange & Cinnamon, a festive burst of citrus and spice, these candles are made using sustainable methods.

What makes St Eval special is our commitment to the Earth. Our workshop is powered by renewable energy ensuring every candle glows with a low carbon footprint. These aren't just gifts; they are little pieces of art and love, crafted to bring warmth and joy in a way that treads lightly on the planet. This Christmas, why not choose a candle that echoes the natural beauty around us?

2. Wrap Gifts the Eco-Friendly Way

While the rolls of shiny, brand new wrapping paper in the shops may seem tempting, the easiest way we can reduce our waste output is by avoiding overconsumption – which means we’re digging out last year’s wrapping paper from under the bed and putting it to use. The good thing about Christmas paper is that it never really goes out of style, meaning you can use it year after year without worry of being unfashionable.

Even if you only have a small amount left, it’s always better to use up what you can rather than waste it. You can repurpose paper cut-offs into labels and tags, or even ribbon.

3. Give Thoughtful, Lasting Gifts

For those who love both style and sustainability, our refillable reed diffusers offer a timeless gift that can be enjoyed long after Christmas. These elegantly designed frosted glass bottles, designed to be refilled time and time again. The beauty of this collection is in its simplicity: once the reed diffuser runs out, simply pour in a new diffuser refill, and the magic continues.

Imagine gifting a loved one a St Eval refillable diffuser this year, knowing that it will become a cherished part of their home for years to come. It’s the ultimate sustainable gift - luxurious, practical and endlessly reusable.

4. Decorate with Nature

This year, swap out plastic decorations for something more sustainable and charming - natural decorations. Forage for pinecones, holly, and sprigs of eucalyptus to create homemade wreaths and garlands. You can also repurpose materials around your home like old fabric or wood to craft unique, eco-friendly ornaments.

5. Buy Local and Seasonal for Your Festive Feast

Supporting local farmers and producers means fresher, tastier food and a smaller carbon footprint. Try sourcing your Christmas feast from nearby farms or farmers’ markets, and choose seasonal ingredients for dishes that are kinder to the planet.

Tip: Reduce food waste by planning meals carefully, using leftovers, and composting scraps - your garden will thank you!

6. Choose a Real Christmas Tree - And Recycle It

When it comes to Christmas trees, real is often better for the environment than artificial. Real trees absorb carbon while they grow and can be recycled into wood chips after the festive season. Just be sure to source your tree from a sustainable farm or forest.

Tip: If you want to go the extra mile, choose a potted tree that can be replanted and enjoyed year after year.

7. Get Crafty with your home decoration

Table decoration tip: This year it is all about the tablescape, but to be a more sustainable host don’t buy more name holders you will end up throwing away: use what you have. We’re going to be decorating this year with the best of the veg. Our place names are going to be made up of a deck of cards and slotted into some apples.

The essence of Christmas: Who doesn’t love a clementine at Christmas? This year, don’t throw away your peel, cook this down with olive oil to scent your home for your Christmas party. We cannot get enough of homemade oils that cost absolutely nothing and use up lots of the leftovers from the fruit bowl. Don’t be afraid to throw some lemon and lime peel in there too, even a cinnamon stick if you’re feeling adventurous.

Instead of buying new decorations every year, take a look at what you already have. Many holiday decorations can be reused or updated with a little DIY magic. For example, an old garland can be refreshed with new greenery or handmade ornaments.

Tip: Invest in quality decorations that can be used for years. Sustainable materials like wood, metal, and fabric are both durable and timeless.

8. Send Eco-Friendly Christmas Cards

Christmas cards bring joy, but they can also create a lot of waste. If you're feeling crafty, make your own from materials you have at home - it's personal and planet-friendly.

9. Create a New Tradition of Giving Back

In the true spirit of Christmas, why not make giving back part of your holiday traditions? Whether it’s donating to a local charity, supporting a sustainability project, or simply helping a neighbour, this simple step is good for the planet and the soul.

10. Save for next year

As they say, a little wear and tear never hurt anyone – especially not the planet. Save what you can from the chaotic aftermath of Christmas day (and make sure to recycle what you can’t) and squirrel it away for next year. Paper can easily be flattened out, scented pouches can be revived with some essential oils and twine can be untangled and reused again and again.

 

This Christmas, let’s all embrace the joy of the season while keeping our footprint light. By making small, sustainable changes, we can have a festive holiday that’s not only beautiful but also beneficial for the earth. At St. Eval, we’re here to inspire you with candles that light the way toward a greener, more magical Christmas.

Wishing you a sustainable, merry Christmas from all of us at St. Eval! 🌿