The carbon impact of Christmas celebrations in the UK has come under scrutiny, with new research revealing that the average Briton generates 23 times more greenhouse gas emissions on Christmas Day than on a regular day. From travel and gift-giving to food and decorations, the festivities result in a staggering 513kg of CO2 equivalent (CO2e) emissions per adult, compared to the daily average of 22kg CO2e.
Gifts Top the List of Carbon-Intensive Activities
According to analysis by ClimatePartner for The Guardian, gift-giving is the largest contributor to Christmas Day’s carbon emissions, accounting for over 93% of the total. On average, buying 20 gifts for friends and family generates 479kg CO2e per person. Electronics, one of the most popular gift categories, are particularly harmful, making up nearly half of the emissions associated with gifting.
Melanie Nazareth from Christian Climate Action criticized the materialistic nature of modern Christmas: “We’ve been sold a vision of Christmas based on consumption. This destroys the meaning of Christmas and our planet. The greatest gift we can give is a livable planet for future generations.”
Travel and Decorations Add to the Environmental Cost
Travel ranks as the second-highest source of emissions during Christmas, averaging 14kg CO2e per person. Nearly three-quarters of survey respondents reported plans to travel for Christmas, with most opting for car journeys averaging 45 miles. While air travel accounted for less than 5% of planned trips, its emissions per mile made it a significant contributor to the total.
Decorations, including Christmas trees, contributed approximately 12.5kg CO2e per person. Artificial trees, while reusable, were found to emit nearly three times as much carbon as real trees.
The Carbon Impact of Christmas Dinner
The traditional Christmas feast, a highlight of the day, contributes about 5.2kg CO2e per person. Interestingly, the beverages accompanying the meal, such as beer and wine, have a higher carbon footprint than the food itself.
Richard Hill, managing director of ClimatePartner UK, encouraged individuals to consider more sustainable holiday practices:
“There are many ways to reduce our carbon footprint during the holidays, like buying preloved gifts or reducing food waste. We can show kindness to the planet and our loved ones simultaneously.”
Corporate and Societal Responsibility
Asad Rehman, director of War on Want, pointed to corporate advertising and excessive consumerism as driving forces behind the environmental impact of Christmas. He also emphasized the disproportionate contribution of the world’s wealthiest individuals, whose carbon footprints far outweigh those of the poorest 50% globally.
“Rich corporations push people into overconsumption, creating environmental excess during the holidays,” Rehman said. “Meanwhile, the top 1% are accelerating climate catastrophe while depleting critical planetary resources.”
A Call for Sustainable Festivities
This analysis highlights the significant environmental toll of Christmas celebrations but also provides an opportunity for change. By embracing sustainable choices like reducing consumption, buying secondhand gifts, and opting for eco-friendly decorations, individuals can help minimize their carbon footprint without compromising the spirit of the season.
