Christmas in this way is both environmentally friendly and warm.

Christmas is not only merry but also environmentally friendly!

We often use plastic, but we seem to pay little attention to the harm it brings. Nowadays, plastic waste has become a serious environmental and health problem around the world.

Research shows that waste may double during the Christmas season, most of which is plastic used in gift packaging and packaging. For example, Britons use more than 40 million rolls of (mainly plastic) tape a year, using wrapping paper that can circle the equator nine times.

If we don't want a world covered with plastic waste, then we urgently need to reduce plastic consumption. However, old habits are hard to get rid of, especially during the holidays, when we tend to indulge ourselves. Usually, people put off until the new year to make positive changes. But you don't have to wait-it's easier to make small changes now than you think, and it will reduce plastic waste at Christmas and may even create some accepted new traditions.

No plastic Christmas 10 Tips

Plastic-free Christmas-how to decorate your package

one

The Gift

1. Please make a gift list before visiting the store. This will help you avoid impulse purchases and make thoughtful choices.

2。 Look for gifts that can help recipients eliminate plastic waste: thermos cups, stainless steel kettles, eco-friendly tableware kits, etc.

3. Give tickets to the event or donate to a charity trusted by the recipient.

4. Consider making gifts for the natural environment: bee hotels, bird boxes, etc., are interesting ways to promote natural gifts.

Bird box, picture from SSYER

5. Avoid buying goods online as much as possible, so as not to waste packaging.

6. Consider their interests and hobbies. Who's their favorite band? which restaurant do they like best? do they want to go to some city?

7. Consider whether the recipient will cherish their gift or eventually throw it away. The following is a convenient flow chart, and you can also buy gifts for yourself during the non-Christmas season.

How to decide whether to buy a gift or not. Manuela Taboada, available

The picture is from the official website of the conversation.

two

Packing

1. Put aside the tape and synthetic ribbons, use recycled paper or special paper, and bind with ribbons, cotton or hemp.

2。 Try to wrap it with Japanese fabric, the two gifts become one!

3. Choose gifts that do not need to be wrapped at all, such as event tickets or charitable donations.

As the lyrics say, "Kraft paper wrapped with ropes, these are my favorite things."

There is no plastic this season. Shutterstock/Bogdan Sonjachnyj

The picture is from the official website of the conversation.

three

Decoration

Decorated with string and natural materials, such as pine cones and fruit, they look good and reduce the use of plastic. You can also use natural materials to make your own wreath and reuse it.

Make a natural and interesting Christmas wreath without plastic

Photo source the conversation official website

four

christmas tree

1. If you already have a Christmas tree, please continue to use it so that it can last as long as possible.

2。 Plant a real tree instead of a Christmas tree.

3. Rent the Christmas tree and return it after the holiday.

4. Plant a potted tree for sustainable planting.

Christmas tree and apple, picture from mcsuk official website

five

Christmas card

Send e-cards to make Christmas more sustainable.

It is unique and meaningful to use environmentally friendly materials to make your own cards.

six

Packing

1. Take reusable canvas bags to the supermarket for shopping.

2。 Make your own vegetarian bag and use it repeatedly.

3. For the rest of the party food, please use beeswax paper or glass containers, or ask guests to bring their own reusable containers.

If there is no other option, choose plastics that can be recycled locally and avoid using Styrofoam (also known as Styrofoam), which cannot be recycled in most factories.

Bring your canvas bag. The picture is from SSYER.

seven

Tableware

Please avoid using plastic straws and disposable tableware.

If the dishwasher is understaffed or the capacity of the dishwasher is limited, please consider using the dishwashing game. Line up the guests, arrange their time for washing dishes, and finally give them prizes.

If disposable items must be used, choose biodegradable tableware, such as paper uncoated plates and cups, or wooden or bamboo plates and tableware.

Beware of plastic options labeled "biodegradable". In general, they can only be degraded in industrial composting facilities, so check local recycling options.

eight

Toys

Choose wooden or fabric toys. Or, look for other toys or games that are instructive to your child.

Many board games have dozens of plastic accessories, but not all of them. Check the list of contents, and then select items with less plastic.

It can be hard to stay away from Lego or other iconic plastic toy brands. In this case, consider buying used toys or joining the toy library.

nine

food

Wine bottle caps are usually equipped with internal plastic seals, so choose to buy wine bottles with corks. According to WWF, the cork oak used for wine corks is completely sustainable and no trees are cut down.

Make some simple and quick snacks: truffle chocolate, meat pie, cheese chips, potato skins, sausages, sweet potato chips, Italian toast, homemade potato chips and so on.

Choose Christmas dips without plastic packaging. It can be some sauces packed in glass cans, or DIY's favorite dipping according to the online tutorial.

ten

calendar

Try to make your own calendar for the new year, which not only suits your preferences but also greatly reduces unnecessary plastic and packaging.

Merry Christmas! Give a green Christmas present to your loved one.