THE festive season is well and truly here and people are starting to think about buying Christmas presents.

But if you haven't started your Christmas shopping yet, then it might be worth considering shopping sustainably this year.

Rennie Grove charity shops across Buckinghamshire are helping residents buy with sustainability in mind.

Buying in charity shops can help you save money, help the planet and help those suffering with life-limiting illnesses across the county.

Rennie Grove has created a handy guide to a sustainable Christmas, to ensure the season of goodwill can be good for the planet too, without missing any of the best bits.

1. Second-hand gifting

Gone are the days of second-hand gifting being a taboo. As we all become more aware of the damage that fast fashion and consumerism can do to the environment, it is becoming not only acceptable but positively encouraged to shop pre-loved gifts for family and friends.

2. Sustainable fashion

We all love to get dressed up at this time of year but buying new outfits for occasions can be prohibitively expensive, especially if you don’t anticipate wearing them more than once.

This is where charity shops are perfect.

Each of Rennie Grove’s shops in Buckinghamshire stocks partywear and the charity has two Restyled boutiques (one in Beaconsfield and one in Berkhamsted) that focus on stocking high-end fashions and designer labels.

They’re the perfect place to pick up beautiful occasion wear in pristine condition for a fraction of the retail price.

Rennie Grove’s shops always need new donations of high-end designer and occasion wear so why not combine a visit to the shop with donating your own pre-loved party pieces?

3. Environmentally friendly cards

Nothing beats the feeling of receiving a hand-written card through the post at this time of year. It can be concerning to think about the paper waste involved, which is why Rennie Grove has committed to stocking only recyclable cards.

As well as standard cards that are all recyclable, Rennie Grove stocks a range of plantable cards that leave a lasting legacy by giving the recipient something to grow in their garden, long after the lifespan of an ordinary card.

Deborah Gould, Director of Retail at Rennie Grove, said: "Recent world events and the daily news agenda mean that concern for the environment is never far from anybody’s thoughts.

"At Rennie Grove we’re committed to helping local people have a more sustainable Christmas – whether that’s the gifts they buy, the clothes they wear or the way they send greetings to loved ones.

“We are fully committed to supporting the environment and have taken many steps in our shops to support sustainability. This includes the products we stock, the packaging we use for online orders and even the fixtures and fittings we use in store, with our recently refurbished shops featuring reused fittings where possible.

“As well as supporting the environment, shopping with Rennie Grove this Christmas raises vital funds that are needed to keep our services running. We couldn’t continue to support local people with life-limiting illnesses without the support of our community and we’d like to say a huge thank you to everybody who chooses to shop in our stores this festive season.”