Christmas Day is almost a relief when it arrives, isn\u2019t it? The season of consumption \u2013 from overindulging to buying far too many presents \u2013 can leave you, your wallet and your conscience feeling rather bloated. Most of us accept that the run-up to Christmas is what it is \u2013 a joyful time of excess \u2013 and atone for our extravagance by reining in our spending and eating from Boxing Day onwards.<\/p>\n
But what if there was another way? A way to consume more consciously, not just at Christmas, but throughout the year?<\/p>\n
Well, we just might have the answer \u2013 after this week\u2019s climate headlines.<\/p>\n
Essential readsIn focus<\/p>\n
Here on the Filter, the Guardian\u2019s product reviews and consumer journalism section, we are tackling that very conundrum: how to consume more mindfully. What does this apparent contradiction \u2013 sustainable consumerism \u2013 actually look like to us?<\/p>\n
Take Christmas: we\u2019ve published a lot of gift guides, from gifts for mums<\/a>, cyclists<\/a> and teenagers<\/a> to analogue presents<\/a> that get scrolling loved ones off their screens, and gifts from ethical brands and retailers that support charities<\/a> and communities. All feature products that have been tried and tested, sniffed, sampled, played with or worn by our writers.<\/p>\n In the case of our many kids\u2019 gift guides, the children themselves told us what they wanted for Christmas; elsewhere, our readers told us about the gifts they\u2019ve given or received that have lasted decades. Less like shopping inspo and more like personal recommendations from a friend, these gifts are far less likely to be snubbed, break by New Year\u2019s Eve, or end up in the re-gifting drawer.<\/p>\n And it\u2019s not just gifts. We\u2019ve tested and rated often overpriced and overpackaged Advent calendars to see if they\u2019re worth the money, and how wasteful they are; and we\u2019ve unboxed and erected artificial Christmas trees to test their quality<\/a>. The Carbon Trust says using a fake tree over seven to 20 years (depending on its weight and materials) can create fewer emissions than buying a new, commercially grown tree every year. The key is to buy an artificial tree you\u2019ll love enough to roll out for decades \u2013 which is where our test comes in.<\/p>\n We\u2019ve also eaten and drunk our way through mince pies, cheeseboard chutneys, festive drinks, Christmas crisps, sandwiches and much more, so you don\u2019t waste money on food that might otherwise end up in the food waste bin. And we\u2019ve offered ideas on how to reduce waste<\/a> this Christmas, from investing in reusable crackers to making the most of your leftovers.<\/p>\n From rigorous tests on products such as mattresses, coffee machines, tents, kettles and reusable coffee cups, to advice on how to make things last longer \u2013 from leather to kitchen knives \u2013 we aim to help readers make better, more informed decisions. And to encourage more thoughtful purchases so that our readers will, ultimately, consume less.<\/p>\n Now Christmas is nearly over, we\u2019re looking ahead to 2026, a year which will probably bring yet more extreme weather, alarming climate disasters and record heat. We\u2019ll put more products through their paces and help you find the most sustainable, repairable and even refurbished choices. We\u2019ll dig deep into secondhand shopping, help you make more of your things last longer, and advise you on what you shouldn\u2019t buy.<\/p>\n See you next year.<\/p>\n Read more:<\/p>\n