Scots opt for gathering over gifts this Christmas
More than half of people in Scotland consider spending time with loved ones the best part of Christmas this year, a study has revealed, while 44% will spend less on gifts than in 2021 and far fewer think receiving presents is a priority.
This poll, commissioned by Zero Waste Scoland, revealed 52% of people in Scotland who celebrate Christmas are most excited about seeing loved ones this festive season, with less than 10 per cent concerned about material gifts.
It also showed the majority (61%) would be happy to receive a second-hand gift - something Zero Waste Scotland champions as a quality alternative to buying new, when looking for more environmentally-friendly gifting options.
The poll of 1,000 adults was carried out as part of the not-for-profit organisation's 'Let's Do Christmas' campaign, which aims to encourage people to celebrate the festive season sustainably.
Throughout December, Zero Waste Scotland is sharing top tips on social media - from planning your shopping list to avoid food waste, crafting homemade decorations, shopping pre-loved, making the most of leftovers, and recycling - and inviting people to share their holiday hacks. To complement the activity, they're also airing a 30-second advert on STV celebrating the gift of togetherness this year.
Other findings from Zero Waste Scotland survey include:
- 58% of people consider buying gifts that come in recylable paper and packaging, with 34% always doing so;
- 42% consider the meaning behind a gift to matter most as opposed to thngs like cost or brand name;
- And 46% are likely to buy a second-hand outfit for Christmas if they needed one, with 21% 'very likely' to do so.
Ian Gulland, Chief Executive of Zero Waste Scotland, said: "Christmas is a wonderful time of year, but one where we see our consumption notably increase. Often, we feel pressured to buy more than we need, which can result in us throwing things away - like excess food, or unwanted gifts.
"But Zero Waste Scotland is here to stress that, by making more conscientious decisions, we can enjoy a fantastic Christmas with all the trimmings and ease our impact on the planet.
"Simple things like getting a second-hand gift or option for reusable or recyclable wrapping paper can make a big difference - and sometimes save a few pounds in the process.
"It's fantastic to see that people in Scotland are more excited about togetherness this year. If you're looking for ways to get creative while cutting out the Christmas waste, we've got some top tips wrapped up on the Zero Waste Scotland website."
For more information, visit wasteless.scot
Notes For Editors
Poll of 1,000 adults in Scotland was carried out online by YouGov on behalf of Zero Waste Scotland between November 24-29, 2022.
What do we mean by 'consumption', and how does it link to climate change?
Around four-fifths of Scotland's footprint comes from the products and materials we make, use, and throw away - often before the end of their useable life.
The average Scot consumes more than twice the sustainable amount of materials each year (source: Zero Waste Scotland's Materials Flow Accounts, 2021). We need to rethink our relationship with 'stuff' if we really want to curb our contribution to climate change.
The circular economy is the best tool we have to end our throwaway culture and protect the environment.
Ultimately, it is about making things last - through smarter design and 'alternative' business models that keep products and materials in high-value use for longer.
About Zero Waste Scotland
Zero Waste Scotland exists to lead Scotland to use products and resources responsiblty, focusing on where we can have the greatest impact on climate change. Using evidence and insight, our goal is to inform policy, and motivate individuals and businesses to embrace the environmental, economic, and social benefits of a circular economy.
We are a non-for-profit environmental orgranisation, funded by the Scottish Government and European Regional Development Fund.
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