A Sustainable Christmas: Simple Greener Tips for the Festive Season

How Mango is supporting sustainability in line with ISO 14001 for a sustainable Christmas.

As we head into November and December, many of us are preparing for the sparkly, celebrations and traditions that make the festive season special. But at Mango, we’re also thinking about how we can reduce our environmental impact, both at home and in the workplace, in line with our ISO 14001 commitments.

Small choices add up. So here are some practical, easy ways to keep Christmas joyful and sustainable this year.

1. Choose Recyclable Wrapping Paper (Try the Scrunch Test!)

Not all wrapping paper can go in the recycling bin.
A quick rule of thumb? Scrunch it.
If it stays scrunched, it’s usually recyclable. If it springs back or has glitter, foil, or plastic coating, it should go in the general waste bin.

Eco swap: Brown kraft paper, newspaper, or reusable fabric wraps look great and are fully recyclable or reusable.

The Mango Team always uses fully recyclable packaging materials for our own internal mailings and encourage staff to follow the scrunch test for any wrapping they bring into the office. 

2. Break Down Cardboard Boxes Correctly 

Christmas deliveries mean more cardboard than usual. 
To recycle efficiently: 

• Remove all tape and labels where possible 

• Flatten boxes to save bin space 

• Keep them dry and clean 

This helps recycling centres process materials faster and more effectively. 

We follow a strict waste-segregation system on-site and ensure all cardboard from deliveries is flattened and sorted for recycling. 

3. Decorate the Eco-Friendly Way 

Instead of buying plastic décor: 

• Reuse decorations year after year 

• Choose natural materials where possible 

Homemade décor often becomes part of the tradition, and it’s kinder to the planet. Our office decorations are reused annually (each team races to pick their favourites each year).

4. Dispose of Christmas Trees Responsibly 

Real trees: 
Many councils offer tree-recycling schemes, turning them into compost or wood chippings, which avoid sending real trees to landfill. 

Artificial trees: 
These are best reused for as many years as possible. When they do reach end of life, check with local recycling centres for proper disposal options. 

5. Save Energy with Smart Christmas Lighting 

Festive lighting doesn’t have to mean higher energy usage. 
Simple tips: 

• Switch to LED lights 

• Use timer plugs to avoid overnight usage 

• Opt for solar-powered lights outdoors 

Small changes can make a big difference. 

6. Donate Unwanted (but Usable) Items 

Christmas often means clearing out old items to make space for new ones. 
Consider donating: 

• Toys 

• Books 

• Clothing 

• Homeware 

Charities and reuse centres welcome items in good condition, and it keeps them out of landfill. For example, we support local charities such as The Barn and Storehouse, and this year, we have organised donation drives and providing collection points for staff to drop off their items. 

7. Choose Eco-Friendly Christmas Cards 

Traditional cards with glitter or foil can’t be recycled. 
Look for: 

• Plain paper cards 

• FSC-certified materials 

• Plantable seed cards 

• Or go fully digital with e-cards 

Less waste, same warm wishes. 

8. Reduce Food Waste Over the Holidays 

It’s easy to overbuy at Christmas. A few simple habits help minimise waste: 

• Plan meals and portions 

• Use leftovers creatively (soups, sandwiches, curries) 

• Freeze surplus food 

• Share extras with neighbours or food donation schemes 

Sustainability tastes good too. Here at Mango, we manage catering carefully during events and anything leftover doesn’t last long when it moves to our kitchen!

9 Recycle Electronics and Batteries Properly 

If you’re upgrading gadgets: 

• Never discard electronics in general waste 

• Use WEEE recycling points 

• Recycle batteries at supermarkets, council centres, or drop-off points 

Responsible disposal helps prevent harmful materials entering the environment. In line with ISO 4001, we operate dedicated battery and e-waste recycling stations in our offices so staff can safely dispose of old devices and batteries. 

Bringing Sustainability Into the Season and Beyond 

With ISO 14001 guiding our commitment to environmental best practice, these small steps for creating a sustainable Christmas fit perfectly into our bigger sustainability goals. Whether at home or here in the office, adopting greener habits helps us reduce waste, conserve resources, and support a healthier planet. 

For more tips, find us on Social Media or Talk to Mango today!