As we embark on this season we attempt to approach it with a slow and conscious mindset, choosing connection and experiences over consumption and consumerism. See our tips below on how you can enjoy a Conscious Christmas while supporting a circular economy and the creative people within it.
MAKERS TO SUPPORT
Here are a selection of wonderfully talented Irish-based makers and creators, designing beautiful pieces and providing super services in a sustainable and environmentally conscious way.
Blue Bridge House | Handmade Textiles & Accessories
Designer and maker Laura works from a carefully selected range of natural fibres such as organic cotton, linen, hemp and naturally dyed fabrics to create unique handmade ethical collections of homeware and accessories with a sustainable ethos.
Enagh Farrel | Illustration & Drawings
Interested in a sense of embodiment in the surrounding landscape, Enagh is an illustrator, making greeting cards, prints, original pieces inspired by the magic and awe experienced by spending time in the natural world.
Jiminy Toys | Eco Toy Store
Ireland’s eco toy store – making it easy to choose a gift that delights both the child and the planet. 100s of climate-kind, minimal-waste toys for everyone from babies through teens.
Rachel Loughrey | Photographic Prints
Rachel Loughrey Photography Print and Card shop is a 100% circular business focused on capturing the beautiful natural landscape of Ireland through photography. All cards and prints are printed locally in Dublin.
Samuel Arnold Keane | Forager, illustrator, musician.
Samuel Arnold Keane creates illustrated prints and designs children’s booklets, all revolving around foraging and the living world.
Soilse Candles | Botanical Handmade Candles
Scented soy wax candles and diffusers inspired by the Irish countryside and hand poured in small batches in our little studio in Co Louth .
The Zero Waster | Handmade Designer Apparel and Accessories
The Zero Waster is an independent, regenerative studio established by designer Sarah O’Neill, specialising in bespoke collections consisting of handmade and hand-dyed pieces.
Christmas Trees are a cornerstone of the seasonal decorations and celebrations, however, most live very short lives and are grown just to be used for a few weeks and then quickly disposed of and forgotten about. So, here are some suppliers supporting a more sustainable life-span for these festive Fir Trees.
RENT (OR BUY) LIVING TRESS IN POTS.
Since 1998, Christmastree.ie have been selling the best quality Christmas Trees in Cork. Now, customers from Cork, Dublin and Waterford can purchase our fabulous Christmas trees online. Rent a Christmas tree!
PRE-LOVED FESTIVE DECOR
Pop around to your local charity stores where you can buy or give Christmas decorations and gifts a new life. You can find options online via Thriftify.ie or go check out your local Vincent’s Charity Shop.
RECYCLE YOUR DECORATIONS
Many Christmas decorations are made of a combination of materials which sometimes renders them unsuitable for recycling. Here’s some information from MyWaste.ie to point you in the right direction.
Explore Ireland’s Native Woodlands
Coillte is Ireland’s largest provider of outdoor recreation with 260 recreational forests nationwide, including 3,000km of way marked walking trails, 12 forest parks and six mountain bike centres. Recreational maps are available at each site and can be downloaded on their website
REDISCOVERY CENTRE: Christmas Crafts Workshop for Kids
Head to the Rediscovery Centre on Saturday December 9th for a fun hands-on Eco Christmas crafts workshop for kids, where they will be making fabulous Christmas decorations from waste materials.
Libraries Ireland: Winter Events
Libraires around the country are running many festive events for locals and visitors, of all ages and interests. Find your local library, see what’s on and get involved.
We hope you all enjoy and slow and conscious Christmas with friends and family this year.
Native Events Team.
