5 Unique Ways you can Save the Environment (and Money) this Christmas.

Christmas has become a time of endless spending for many of us here on Earth, a time of year where we forget about saving money, cutting down on expenses and eating healthy. This isn't necessarily a bad thing, to be honest, we all deserve a break from the everyday stresses of life. That being said having a little money left over after Christmas is certainly a challenge. It seems there couldn't be a worse time to start thinking about giving back to the environment.

On the contrary, it just might be the best.

You don't have to spend any more money than usual on the ideas below - in fact the majority will save you a lot more than you'd think.

Here's 5 unique ways you can save the environment and money this Christmas.

1. No more clingfilm

Instead of wrapping up food leftovers with clingfilm, consider using more eco-friendly choices; maybe some Irish-made beeswax wrap! They're easily washed, very strong and durable and will heavily cut down on the amount of plastic in your home. They come in loads of different sizes and there’s even a Christmas-themed wrap with a wintery wonderland tree pattern. See irelandbeeswaxwraps.ie.

2. Do Secret Santa

Secret Santa is the ideal activity to limit gift-giving between adults and kids: everyone’s name goes into a hat, and you buy a present only for the person whose name you pick. This way everyone gets a gift and no one has to go bankrupt in the process.

Usually there's a price limit too so there's no mix up in gift prices. It's a great way to cut down on plastic, wrapping paper and excessive money spending while keeping all the great parts of Christmas.

3. Ditch the tinsel

By opting for durable ornaments made of either wood, metal, etc. you cut down on plastic waste and form better connections to your Christmas ornaments. If you're a big fan of tinsel, try and save it for the next year and don't throw any of it out. An idea that will save you money and help you pass the time is making your own ornaments out of left over paper and plastic.

4. Make your own Christmas cards

Homemade cards don't need to be incredibly artistic or complicated to be meaningful. They're also a great way to show someone you care and are thinking of them without busting the bank. Plus there's a ton of ideas online to get your creative juices flowing. It's also a great way to show people you're environmentally conscious through your own art and expression.

5. Slow down and connect

Christmas gets hectic real quick with all the spending and stressing so it can be hard to find the time to take a step back. This year in particular, try to find the time to rest and move away from the competition and stress of Christmas.

You don't need to do everything perfect, buy everyone a big gift, get two turkeys (just in case) and put your all into caring for the environment. By taking a step back, you're doing just that!

There's a ton of ideas out there that will help save the environment and more that will help you save your money, but these five above are an awesome mix of both. Every little thing you do to help the environment, from cutting down on plastic to putting up LED lights instead of traditional ones, makes a difference and encourages your friends and family to do the same.

Christmas can be a tough time as much as it can be joyous, so don't be too hard on yourself, particularly this year. Relax, stay safe and take pride in all the little things you do to help save the world. Merry Christmas!

Like this? Wanna see more? Just click the little picture of me below to find tons of content just like this. Feel free to leave a like or even a tip it's incredibly appreciate. Merry Xmas! - Ciarán