Tis the season, to buy nothing!

On the 29th of November the UK will be celebrating ‘Buy Nothing Day’, a national campaign that encourages participants to take a break from all shopping for 24 hours. 

Originally launched in the 1990s, Buy Nothing Day is a chance to step away from the sales and consider the environmental cost of overconsumption. From fast fashion to single-use plastics, the things we buy often come with hidden impacts on natural resources, waste, and carbon emissions.

Recycling is great, but reducing what we consume is even more powerful. Taking just one day’s break can help shift you and your community away from a throwaway culture and towards a more sustainable future.

We know it’s not easy, especially in the lead-up to Christmas, but there are creative and meaningful ways to celebrate without spending a penny. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• All the trimmings, without the cost: As everyone starts to dust off their old decorations it's a great time to snag some free treasures. Check out second-hand shopping websites to find preloved festive gear to deck your halls.
• Branch out with natural decor: Many garden centres offer free off-cuts from Christmas trees and combined with pinecones, holly, or mistletoe you can craft beautiful decorations using traditional techniques, just like in this tutorial from Gardener’s World.
• Gifts you’ve got: Take a look around and there’s probably something in your home that could make someone’s day. That jacket you never wear or the toy gathering dust might be just what another person needs. Pass them along to a loved one or donate them to a charitable Christmas Present Appeal.
• Made with love: Get creative with what you already have. Knit a cosy scarf from leftover yarn, sketch a family portrait, or write a heartfelt letter. Handmade gifts carry a special kind of magic that no shop-bought item can match.

This Christmas, consider giving your time, creativity, and care instead of buying new things. Everyone should be doing their bit by taking simple proactive actions to solving the climate crisis and Buy Nothing Day is a great place to start.