As the end of term approaches, we want you to relax, recharge and enjoy yourselves over the festive period. But we can all sometimes feel a little frustrated by unwanted gifts, wasted food and mountains of wrapping paper in the bin. Small changes can make a big difference to your carbon footprint and our Sustainability Team has come up with a few ideas that could have a positive impact on the environment around you.

1. Shop locally

When choosing gifts, try and shop locally. Not only will you be helping small businesses and your local economy, but you’ll also reduce your carbon footprint by not having goods shipped long distances.

2. …or choose second-hand

Charity shops are an excellent source for gifts, clothes and household items – and giving a home to a preloved item is a great way to save it from going to landfill and help a local charity at the same time.

3. Festive switch off

The University is encouraging all staff and students to go through an energy and carbon-saving checklist before leaving offices and shared spaces for the holiday season. You can save energy this winter by:

• Ensuring windows are shut

• Turning thermostatic radiator valves to a low setting or the 'frost protection setting

• Powering down computers and switching off all peripherals (monitors etc.)

• Ensuring any user-controlled lighting is switched off

4. Go for handmade gifts and cards

Get creative with a homemade card or Christmas decoration – and you can find lots of great tutorials online. Homemade food items like biscuits, fudge or jam make great gifts for friends and family – and they’ll appreciate the extra effort and love that has gone into making them.

5. Switch to eco-friendly wrapping paper

Avoid glittery, shiny or heavily printed gift wrap as this is non-recyclable and this year, opt for simple brown paper as wrapping for gifts which can not only look very effective but is often cheaper. Decorate with dried orange slices or spruce from your Christmas tree for a festive look.

6. Reduce food waste – enjoy leftovers

A huge amount of food is wasted at Christmas. Take steps to reduce food waste by carefully planning, only buying what will be eaten and using/freezing leftovers. The BBC Good Food website has lots of great recipes to use up leftovers and turn them into something delicious – avoiding waste and saving you money.

7. Bring on the Christmas jumper

Embrace the cheesy Christmas jumper at the back of your wardrobe and wear it! You might also avoid turning up the heating by wearing your favourite jumper or blanket.

8. Secret Santa alternatives

A tenth of unwanted presents end up in landfill each year and Secret Santa can sometimes add to this with novelty items made from plastic. Instead, consider an alternative Secret Santa where you swap homemade baking or acts of kindness towards each other. You could also consider a donation to a local food bank instead of opting for gift giving.

9. Have a pre-Christmas clear out

If you have any office equipment, household goods, clothes or food items that you don’t need or want, the Green Lancaster team are putting in place Don’t Ditch It project donation points across the colleges for staff and students to donate for distribution to a large network of charities and upcycling. These will be available until 19th December.

10. Embrace the outdoors

There is only so much Christmas TV that everyone can watch, so why not spend time with friends and family outside in the fresh air this year? Go for a walk, visit your local park or simply spend time amongst nature – not only is it a great way to relax, but you’ll also spend quality time with your loved ones too.

To find out more about the University’s commitments to sustainability, view our Sustainability webpage.