Plastic free christmas

[Woeismethischristmas]

Anyone else doing a low/zero plastic Christmas this year? I've potted up a Christmas tree from the garden which has outgrown its spot and am baking oranges (super simple) to use as baubles planning to hang them on raffia after getting the kids to decorate them. Hoping to gather pinecones and dry orange slices and do a home made wreath. Might dip some of them in food dye but I'm not sure they'd survive the rain

I'd love to hear any ideas on cheap, eco friendly stuff to get the dc involved.

Not so much making things but my DS who is 16mo has a lot of wooden toys. I love them and people who buy for him will opt for a wooden toy without even having to ask as they know I prefer the wooden to plastic. I suppose it isn't a drastic change but I think every little help goes a long way.

Garlands made from dried apple orange and cinnamon sticks are lovely. Homemade candles are always fun (albeit messy). Last year we did paper chains and printed our own patterns, that was a great afternoon. Although you'll have to buy a plastic free glue if you're being really strict. Making cards. Then all the usual foodie gifts-- chutneys jams fudge cake etc. Ooh and printing wrapping paper/ even better cloth so you can wrap presents with material and eliminate cello tape. Also I love printing so any excuse..

How do you make you own candles? We did candle dipping one year which was fun. I definitely plan to do garlands. I've tried carving initials on to some oranges I'm slow baking if it works Im going to do the dc names and hang them on the fireplace

You might like this thread from a couple of months ago about a green Christmas

www.mumsnet.com/Talk/Christmas/4000589-Dreaming-of-a-green-Christmas

I love wooden toys too. Just getting away from the plastic default is important.

www.homemade-gifts-made-easy.com/how-to-make-a-star.html

We make these every year with whatever old paper and card we have around the house.
You can also unravel a loo roll so its looks like a spiral. Paint green, stick a star on top and suspend with string. Looks like cool little Christmas trees!

I'll be making body scrubs as presents. All you need it coconut oil, lemon zest, tea tree essential oil and sugar (and jam jars!).

If you already have plastic decorations then swapping to non plastic is just another drain on the environment

I've bought reusable crackers! My sons love crackers, but the plastic tat/general waste always made me feel a bit guilty.

I can fill these with things that will get eaten/used/appreciated and use them again - win/win!

www.keepthiscracker.com/

Some of our Christmas decorations are over 20 years old, as we try not to replace things that don't need replacing.

I'm also trying to think about the overall environmental impact of plastic alternatives, such as paper, cardboard and glass and try and buy for companies that don't use excessive packaging or use recycled cardboard.

I also avoid buying any paper products with pieces that can't be recycled such as glitter and foil.

I dont have plastic decorations. Normally we hang lights on a big tree outside and we go out and sing Christmas carols and drink hot chocolate. Kids want a tree indoors this year so trying to make it as ethical as can be

We buy as much second hand as possible. Better to reuse what has already been made rather than waste precious resources on new things.

We make popcorn garlands for the tree. (Have to watch the dog though as he is partial to a nibble of them )
Pine cone baubles, attach twine to them and you can paint them if you wish and sprinkle a little bio glitter on them. Last for years if dry.
Fresh greenery on window sills and as garlands, you can forage or go to a local florist wholesaler for a bundle. ( forage responsibly though or check origins).
Salt dough decorations.
Felt or fabric decorations. Pinterest has good ideas if your crafty, and can be reused year after year.
I have tended to buy wooden or metal decorations over the years or plastic ones that are still going now 15 years later. I don’t tend to change ‘theme’ though and always have a traditional, scandi, natural style look and have for years.