Envirofone's Naughty and Nice List for Christmas Markets: Are Yours Sustainable?

Envirofone's Naughty and Nice List for Christmas Markets: Are Yours Sustainable?

At Envirofone, we love the festive season, but we aren't fans of the waste that comes with it. From disposable cups to diesel generators, some Christmas markets are definitely on the "Naughty List" when it comes to their carbon footprint, while others are earning their "Nice" badge with sustainable initiatives.

Here is Envirofone’s Naughty and Nice List for Christmas Markets, based on their environmental impact, support for local makers, and sustainability efforts.

😇 The Nice List (Sustainable Stars)

These markets are leading the way in reducing waste and supporting the planet.

1. Manchester Christmas Markets

Manchester is frequently cited as one of the UK's greenest markets, aiming for a zero-carbon city by 2038.

• Why they are Nice: They have pioneered a reusable cup scheme that saves thousands of disposable cups from landfill every year.
• Eco-Wins: Over 80% of traders are from the North West, drastically reducing "food miles." They use Bio-fuel in their generators instead of standard diesel, and strict recycling policies are in place.

2. Bath Christmas Market

Bath consistently ranks high for sustainability because they focus on keeping it local rather than importing mass-produced goods.

• Why they are Nice: It is a paradise for local artisans. Over 70% of stallholders are from Bath and the surrounding region, and 60% of the goods are handmade in the UK.
• Eco-Wins: Single-use plastics are largely banned, and the market runs on a "smart power" grid to reduce energy consumption.

3. Borough Market (London)

While open year-round, its Christmas transformation is a model for sustainable food shopping.

• Why they are Nice: A zero-waste-to-landfill policy.
• Eco-Wins: Excess food is donated to the Plan Zheroes charity, and a fountain is provided for free water refills to cut down on plastic bottle sales.

😈 The Naughty List (Environmental Scrooges)

These markets (or types of markets) have faced criticism for their environmental impact, commercialisation, or damage to local green spaces.

1. The "Plastic Tat" Merchants (General)

Any market stall selling cheap, plastic, mass-produced light-up toys or ornaments is on our Naughty List.

• Why they are Naughty: These items are often shipped halfway across the world (huge carbon footprint), made from non-recyclable materials, and break within days, ending up straight in the bin.
• The Fix: Look for stalls selling handmade wooden, glass, or fabric decorations that will last a lifetime.

2. Edinburgh’s Christmas Market (Princes Street Gardens)

Historically, this market has faced severe backlash from residents and environmental groups.

• Why they are Naughty:
  • Damage to Green Spaces: In previous years, the heavy footfall and massive structures turned the historic Princes Street Gardens into a "mudbath," damaging the grass and soil structure.
  • Commercialisation: Critics argue it prioritises mass tourism over the local environment, despite recent pledges to reduce diesel generator use.

3. Hyde Park Winter Wonderland (London)

Despite sustainability pledges, the sheer scale of this event places it high on the environmental impact list.

• Why they are Naughty:
  • Scale of Impact: The energy required to power the massive fairground rides, ice rinks, and heating is immense compared to smaller, traditional markets.
  • Disruption: The construction and operation cause significant soil compaction, noise, and light pollution in one of London’s major green lungs.

🎄 How to Keep Your Market Visit "Nice"

You can make any market visit more sustainable with three simple swaps:

1. Bring Your Own Cup: Avoid the deposit schemes or disposable cups entirely by bringing a reusable flask for your mulled wine or hot chocolate.
2. Travel Green: Always take the train or bus. Parking is a nightmare at these events anyway!
3. Buy to Last: Ask the trader where the item was made. If it's Handmade in [Local Area], it's a green light. If it's mass-produced plastic, walk away.

The best way to invest in a "Nice" Christmas is to support the circular economy. You can find high-quality, fully tested tech that doesn't cost the Earth when you buy a quality refurbished smartphone. And, fund your market shopping by getting an instant quote when you quickly and easily sell your old handset to Envirofone today!