But Christmas is also usually a consumption-intensive season, from presents to food and drink at celebrations and decorative plants such as fir trees. It's also a time of getting around the city to shop, and of higher household energy costs with festive lights, central heating and the increased use of electrical appliances.

It’s worth bearing in mind that Barcelona generates nearly 17% more waste at Christmas than at other times of the year.

That’s why it’s up to all of us to minimise the festive season’s impact on the environment by following a series of simple ideas, tips and best practices that will help to make this Christmas more sustainable and responsible.

Tip 1: Don’t throw food away! 

At this time of year, it’s typical to hold family lunches and dinners where significant volumes of food and drink are consumed. By using some simple household tricks, you can reduce the amount of leftover food after each meal: plan your meals well so you don't have to throw food away; serve smaller portions (it's better to get a second helping than to leave food on your plate); avoid ingredients that spoil easily; and make food that can be frozen if there are any leftovers. And if you want to cook with original recipes that reuse food, take a look at the Som gent de profit [We make the most of it] [Ca] website.

Tip 2: Make your own Christmas decorations. 

It’s more original and sustainable. Use your creativity and imagination to make garlands and other unique, original decorations. You can make decorations from old clothes or create paper ornaments to hang from the tree. Ultimately, all sorts of decorative elements can be made from reused or recycled materials.

Tip 3:‘Intangible’ gifts.  

You can gift people experiences such as cultural, sports and educational activities, which avoids giving things or goods that ultimately turn into waste. There are plenty of options for giving people fun experiences in the city or outdoors (restaurants, hotels, museums, etc.), nature activities, adventure sports and ways to relax or improve their well-being.

Tip 4: Make boxes to hold presents

If you’re giving tangible gifts and need to wrap them, you can use origami to create sustainable wrapping by reusing paper from magazines.

Tip 5: Responsible shopping

Before you go shopping, think about what you need and whether what you want is useful or just a whim. Use local shops and go to places where local, ecological, unpackaged, fair-trade or craft products are sold. That way you will reduce your shopping's carbon footprint, minimise your waste, eat more healthily and show solidarity.