Whether it be the familiar box of Christmas chocolates that perch on the arm of the sofa, never more than an arms-width away, or the infamous Christmas dinner, festive food is steeped in tradition – writes green campaigner Jessie Stevens

Every family will do it differently: brandy for Father Christmas or a glass of milk, puff pastry or shortcrust for the Mince pies and finally Christmas pudding or Yule Log?

Whichever way we do it, food is a huge part of anyone’s Christmas celebrations.

However, something we are all guilty of is the over-buying, waste and harsh environmental impacts of the festive treats we all know and love.

Each year the equivalent amount of food to make up four million Christmas dinners is thrown away.

Not to mention the copious amounts of buffet items and sweet treats that also end up in the dustbin. It is clear that our festive feeding frenzy has got out of hand, so how can we rein it in and enjoy a more conscious approach this year?

Be palmv oil aware

With around 50 per cent of products in the supermarket filled with this oil notorious for biodiversity loss and deforestation,

Christmas food is no different. Many of the biscuits, chocolates and savoury snacks we buy contain this cheap but highly impactful oil.

When going to do the Christmas shop, why not make a note at the bottom of your list to check for palm oil or try to look for products instead which contain it grown sustainably?

Alternatively, you could even have a crack at making your own (biscuits, puddings and stuffing). Also keep a sharp eye out for any cosmetic gifts you may be tempted to give, as this oil often lurks silently in these too.

Planning is everything

We can all agree that the Christmas food shop is often a highly stressful experience.

The bustling supermarkets, sensory assault and often last minute gift buying can all cause us to forget what we need or over buy.

Before heading out on your expedition this year, why not make a stringent list of all the necessary items required, so you can be sure you are getting just what you need?

Knowing the recipes you plan to use, any dietary requirements of guests and a good idea of contributions others may bring, can all help lower the supermarket panic and leave you with little excess.

Ditch the plastic

Plastic: It’s everywhere and on everything. In many situations it can’t be avoided. However, there are some places you can ‘ditch the plastic’.

How about a plastic free veg shop for your dinner? Take your net bags or any lightweight bags to the supermarket to weigh out your loose fruit and veggies.

This will not just reduce plastic, but save waste too as you are buying just what you need!

Many sweet treats come heavily packaged, but perhaps this year, you could try making a few favourites from scratch?

There really is nothing better than a dark winter’s afternoon spent rustling up culinary wonders...

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Support local

As we have all seen this year, it really has been the small businesses who have been hit hard.

This Christmas it is the perfect time to give a little back.

By sourcing elements of your festive food locally, you can make a big difference.

If you are eating meat this Christmas dinner, why not opt for locally sourced, high welfare in order to support local farmers and butchers?

Or swap a few of the items on your cheese board for local versions or support your local deli?