Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas without the joy of gifts and presents for young and old. What could be better at the end of the year than some quality time with loved ones around a warming fire and a full belly surrounded by your nearest and dearest?

And, although there is a chill in the air outside, climate change is on people’s minds more than ever. So, how can you and your loved ones still share in all the delights of the season while minimising your impact on the environment?

Being sustainable and enjoying all the Christmas traditions can sometimes seem difficult, but it doesn’t have to overwhelm you and impact on the enjoyment in any way. In fact, it can be opposite! Trying something new and different and helping the environment in the process can actually be a lot of fun and there are simple practical choices you can make to ensure this year is a ‘Greener’ Christmas.

Plastic reduction is a way everyone can help make a difference. Choose Christmas gifts, decorations and food that aren’t unnecessarily plastic or wrapped in plastic, to help limit damage to the planet and reduce plastic pollution in our rivers and seas.

At Bovey Larder, we are proud to stock products and shopping solutions to help our customers live more sustainably. Where possible, we also stock local suppliers to minimise carbon footprint and support the local economy too.

This includes items from The Dartmoor Soap Company, 100% natural skincare that is handmade on Dartmoor, kind to animals and in beautiful biodegradable packaging. With facial cleansing soap, shampoo bars and even soap for dogs!

We also stock Pamper Moose, whose British-handmade bath and beauty products are free from any cruelty to animals, sold naked or within recycled, recyclable, or bio-degradable packaging with many being vegan or allergen free.  With a men’s range too, this certainly helps with what to get the man who has everything!!

We also sell Miniml French Vanilla and Shea Butter Hand and Body Lotion, Sweet Clementine Anti Bac Hand Soap, Pink Grapefruit and Aloe Vera Body Wash and Bubble Bath, Pink Grapefruit and Aloe Vera Shampoo and Conditioner. These can be bought as special eco presents and refilled using our in-house dispensers.

For sweet treats, we have small Christmas paper produce bags or you can bring your own containers to stock up on chocolate brazil nuts, chilli and lime cashews and other delicious nibbles, buying as much or little as you like. We also have vegan chocolate bars available that are perfect stocking fillers. Or perhaps try the Raw Chocolate Company’s Vegan Organic Tin of Spiced Chocolate Almonds? Perhaps even some Chocolate Snowballs, flavoured salted caramel and peanut butter by Montezuma’s.  To wash them down, how about one of our loose-leaf teas or a Christmas coffee?

Huski offer really great eco-friendly gifts to encourage reduction of disposable cups and sandwich packets with their Huski Coffee Cups and Sandwich Boxes, all made from rice husk waste product which might otherwise be a bio-hazard. Their Spoons, Bowls, Kitchen Utensils and Pestle and Mortars, all made from coconut wood from trees that no longer produce coconuts and would be otherwise be destroyed, will make beautiful additions to any kitchen.

Don’t forget Advent Calendars!!  With Montezuma’s Vegan Advent Calendar in recyclable packaging the children can still enjoy the countdown to the big day.  This year we have even thought of Wrapping Paper and Tape, both made from recycled materials and recyclable after use too.

Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year….and this year, we can make it the most sustainable time of the year too! We look forward to seeing you for some seasonal cheer in our shop on Fore Street, Bovey Tracey this Christmas.

Wishing you a Greener Christmas,

Rebecca, Corin and all at Bovey Larder