Some Eco New Year Resolutions

…And Reflecting on a Magical Christmas Season

As the Christmas decorations are carefully packed away and the kettle goes on for that first proper cup of tea of the new year, I’ve been taking a quiet moment to reflect on what has been a really wonderful festive season for Just Luv It, and what my eco New Year’s resolutions are going to be.

Christmas is always special for us, but this year felt particularly meaningful. Meeting so many lovely people, sharing conversations about sustainability, and helping customers choose eco-friendly gifts, fair trade gifts and gifts with a conscience reminded me exactly why I started this journey in the first place.

A Christmas Season Full of Community

From early November right through to mid-December, Just Luv It was out and about at fairs, markets and pop-ups across the region. Each event brought its own atmosphere, friendly faces and festive cheer, and I’m so grateful to everyone who came along to support small, ethical businesses like ours.

As always I was joined by my hubby Howard, and although it was a lot of long days and cold weather, we were absolutely delighted to help so many customers find beautiful, thoughtful Christmas presents – green gifts that were kind to the planet and respectful of the people who made them. From cosy homeware to garden treasures, there really was something for every corner of the home – and even for the most difficult to buy for!

Here’s a little roundup of all the places where we spread the Just Luv It love:

• 2 November – T’s Coffee at Pitsford
• 8 & 9 November – The Brasenose Arms, Cropedy
• 15 November – Christmas Lights Switch-On, Stratford-upon-Avon Waterside
• 22 November – Daventry Christmas Market
• 22–23 November – Delapre Abbey Christmas Fayre, Northampton
• 29 November – Just Luv It Pop-Up at Lock 29, Banbury
• 2–14 December – Just Luv It Pop-Up at The Old Dairy Farm, Upper Stowe

A Christmas Day Highlight I’ll Never Forget

One of the biggest highlights– and honours – of the season was being invited onto BBC Radio Northampton on Christmas Day to talk to Janey Lee Grace about sustainability and ethical gifting. To be able to share the importance of choosing eco-friendly gifts and supporting fair trade producers on such a special day was an incredible experience, and something I’ll always treasure – and she was absolutely lovely as well! Have a listen to our conversation here – it’s at 1 hour 11 mins into the show: Janey Lee Grace on Christmas Day, BBC Radio Northampton

My Resolutions for 2026

Rather than making resolutions that feel overwhelming, I like to set myself goals that sit well with my values and stretch me in positive ways. Here’s what I’m focusing on this year:

• Planting trees closer to home
  By the end of December, Just Luv It had helped to plant 1,250 trees in Indonesia and Kenya. In 2026, my focus will shift to tree planting projects here in the UK.
• Writing an eco tips book
  This has been bubbling away for a while, and this is the year I’m committing to it – practical, honest tips for living more sustainably without the guilt.
• Running the Amsterdam Marathon
  In October I’ll be taking on the Amsterdam Marathon – and I’ll be 59! There’s plenty of training ahead, but I’m excited for the challenge.
• Raising awareness through new connections
  I’ll continue to build relationships, collaborate with like-minded businesses and raise awareness of ethical, meaningful gifting.
• Finding a new concession space
  I’m on the lookout for a new concession during 2026 – watch this space!

Eco-Friendly New Year Resolutions You Could Try

If you’re feeling inspired to make a few greener choices this year, here are some gentle, achievable eco-friendly resolutions – especially if you’re keen to ditch the plastic:

• Swap single-use plastics for reusables: refillable cleaning products, reusable water bottles, beeswax wraps and shopping bags all make a big difference over time.
• Buy fewer, better things: choose quality over quantity, like a carefully-chosen piece of clothing from a shop you know, rather than fast online fashion sites.
• Think ahead for birthdays and celebrations: keeping a small stash of fair trade gifts at home can help avoid last-minute, less sustainable purchases.
• Support local and ethical brands: whether it’s food, clothing or green gifts, spending locally and ethically keeps money in communities that need it most.
• Recycle properly – and less often: reducing waste in the first place is even better than recycling. Say no to unnecessary packaging whenever you can, especially if it’s single-use plastic!

Thank You for Supporting Ethical Gifting

Every purchase you make from Just Luv It supports fair wages, traditional craftsmanship and sustainable practices – and it was extra-special to see what this meant with the Christmas gifts our customers chose this year. It truly means the world to me that so many of you went for eco-friendly gifts that are good for both people and planet.

Here’s to a new year filled with kindness, intention and meaningful choices – and thank you, as always, for being part of the Just Luv It journey!