10 Tips for the Ultimate Plastic Free Christmas

Christmas is coming and, with it, the usual barrage of decorations, gifts and packaging that make this holiday one of the worst offenders when it comes to piling up single-use plastic.

In fact, while the countdown to celebrations begin, it’s no party for the environment, wildlife or the future of our oceans, as consumers unwittingly grow their plastic footprint in the name of spreading peace and goodwill.

But you can help us change that.

This year, step into Christmas without adding to the plague of single-use plastic; from decorations to presents and gift-wrapping, the choices we make over the festive period could have a major impact on our world for years to come – and we can make sure it’s the right one.

How?

With our 10 ways to ditch the plastic and keep things eco-friendly this Christmas…

1. Sustainable Stockings

Kick off your plastic-free Christmas journey with sustainable stockings by forgetting the plastic-wrapped chocolate, plastic toys and plastic bottles of bubble bath usually found in these over-sized socks.

Instead, opt for homemade treats (wrapped in paper), wooden keepsakes or even vouchers that can be used later on in the year.

It’s also a great opportunity to get your family started on their own plastic-free journeys. From shampoo bars and re-usable coffee cups to bamboo toothbrushes, stock up on those items that could make everyday life that little bit more planet-friendly for the year to come.

2. Shopping Local

It goes without saying that supporting our local independent high street is increasingly important as global shopping giants continue to undercut and undermine small businesses.

After all, it’s the small businesses that are ever-more focused on their environmental impact, with many utilising the best of sustainable materials in their products and packaging.

So, when you shop local, not only do the little guys win, but you’re also helping the environment by cutting your plastic use and unnecessary air miles.

3. The Gift of Time

Giving the gift of time is a beautiful way to show someone you care without needlessly spending money on things that they’ll forget about in the new year.

And it’s not hard to do; just put some real thought into your ideas and create some homemade vouchers that show them you really know what they love and how you want to be a part of that, too.

Ideas could include foot rubs, a cinema trip, a secret adventure day or perhaps a three-course gourmet meal, prepared by yours truly.

4. Gift Wrapping

Did you know that, right here in the UK, we bin around 227,000 miles of wrapping paper each Christmas?

Sometimes, it’s easy to forget the impact of what we’re actually wrapping our gifts in – and what happens to it after.

So, ditch the Sellotape and grab yourself some eco-friendly paper tape. Pick up some recyclable brown paper instead of the laminated Christmas paper this year; it’ll look much classier than the cartoon-printed supermarket rolls, anyway.

5. Crafty Christmas Cards

Crafting Christmas cards can be as easy or hard as you want it to be but, either way, they’re the perfect alternative to laminated options.

And the best part is they won’t be covered in single-use plastic wrapping, either.

To make yours, use recycled brown craft card, grab some markers and decorate with things you can find from around the house (like buttons or scrap fabric).

6. The Christmas Tree

If your fake tree is looking a little tired this year and you’re planning to replace it, don’t go back to plastic.*

Instead, treat yourself to a real tree (preferably a potted one that you can grow for years to come) and embrace the stunning smell of pine in your living room.

Sure, the needles may be a little tedious to begin with, but you’ll feel much more festive, knowing you’re doing something great for the planet, too.

*If your plastic tree is still in good condition, don’t throw it out for the sake of it – keep going until it’s on its last legs or find a new home for it with a charity shop.

7. Gifts from Nature

The world is full of beauty, right on your doorstep – and you can take full advantage of that when it comes to presents.

All you need to do is get the family together and wander the woods or head to the beach, all while collecting natural materials that can be turned into heartfelt Christmas gifts.

Some of our favourite ideas include foraging for sea glass to make framed collages or collecting bendy twigs to craft star-shaped wands tied with ribbon.

8. Plastic Free Crackers

Do you still find those pesky little plastic frogs and giant colourful paper clips weeks after the festivities are over?

Christmas crackers are serial offenders when it comes to single-use plastic that is almost instantly forgotten about.

So, this year, why not make your own? Use empty loo rolls, tissue paper and plastic-free keepsakes that won’t end up in the trash – the perfect activity for festive fun with the kids.

Or, if you don’t have time to craft, check out plastic-free crackers in charity shops instead.

9. Decorations

Whether its tinsel, baubles or giant Santa cut-outs, it’s hard to avoid plastic when it comes to decorating your house – but it can be done.

Easy swaps could include making paper chains (or stringing together popcorn and cranberries) in place of tinsel, painting pine cones for baubles or even making salt dough decorations that can be used year after year.

The possibilities are endless. All it takes? A little creativity.

10. Homemade Gifts

If you love making or baking things, there’s no better time to roll up your sleeves and get to work.

So, start collecting glass jars for your famous jam or try your hand at homemade infused gin for the first time – it’s all part of the fun.

Whatever you make will undoubtedly be lovingly appreciated.

Got your own ideas? Head over to our social pages and use #PlasticFreeCommunities and #PlasticFreeChristmas to spread the festive magic.