We have all started to make positive changes towards supporting the health of our planet. Whether that be using a reusable coffee cup, changing your sanitary products or switching to shampoo bars. All of these things have a positive effect on our consumption of single use plastic. Looking at the news it can get overwhelming, as we see oceans filled with plastic bottles and landfill overflowing with unnecessary waste.
Christmas is a time of immense love and joy, but is also one of the most wasteful times of the year. It’s estimated that during the Christmas period the UK produces 3 times more waste than on any other month. For example, on average 175 million mince pies will be consumed over Christmas. Translated into wastage amounts, 1 million mince pie cases creates 1 tonne of aluminium material. If recycled correctly then this can be reused towards other items. However in most cases (pun intended), this is simply discarded into landfill.
The main thing is that we begin to become aware of firstly how we recycle, but most importantly how we consume single use items. Why not substitute your usual plastic wrapped christmas wrapping for newspaper, or even brown paper which can be bought by the meter at a local craft store.
Here are a few other ways to reduce your footprint this Christmas:
Bake your own mince pies and other Christmas treats. Or pop in to your local bakery and chat to them about ordering some without the usual single use waste.
Opt for paper confetti as opposed to plastic or foil
Swap Christmas crackers for some fun home made crafty table places. Get your children involved and have a little bit of a pre-Christmas craft party! Otherwise both Waitrose and Selfridges have plastic free crackers on offer this year.
Remove single use straws, cups, plates and cutlery. If you do not have enough crockery or cups for your party, ask your guests to bring some!
Use cloth napkins and table cloths. Yes, there is more cleaning involved but far less waste produced.
Opt for spirits and drinks in glass containers as opposed to plastic.
There are so many other ways to reduce your consumption of harmful plastics over the holiday period, it sometimes takes a little more effort but is so worth it!
Let us know your thoughts and perhaps ways you are trying to reduce your footprint this year.
Much Love,
H+K
For more information on Statistics: https://www.gwp.co.uk/guides/christmas-packaging-facts/