With parties, festive food and time with family and friends, ‘tis the season to be joyful. Even more so when single-use plastics associated with excessive Christmas consumerism can be avoided. So much plastic ends up in our seas – nine of the top ten litter items recorded during last year’s Great British Beach Clean were polystyrene and plastic items such as drinks bottles or packaging. Bigger pieces pose an entanglement risk to birds and marine mammals, while microplastics get ingested by even the tiniest plankton and shellfish. So, think outside the (cardboard) box with these ideas for plastic-free celebrations that won’t cost the earth. 

DIY decorations 

I love getting crafty with my children. Together we use cardboard tubes, colourful crepe paper and ribbons to assemble our own crackers for guests. Embellish bunting and paper chains with pictures cut from old Christmas cards or string together homemade pom-poms or snowflake cutouts. Look out for tree decorations made from driftwood, felt or glass. Adorn your mantelpiece with natural, carefully foraged foliage such as holly sprigs with berries, ivy, mistletoe and pine cones. 

Pamper the planet 

So many luxurious Christmas treats revolve around skincare which can quickly become a plastic bottle fiesta. Instead of miniatures and intensively packaged box sets, roll up your sleeves and try making your own soap, bath bombs or glass jars of bath salts. Everything from deodorant sticks and shampoo can now be restocked in your own containers at zero waste stores, while some cosmetic companies offer a circular refill scheme if you send back your empties. I keep a few spare bamboo toothbrushes in the bathroom cabinet too, just in case. 

Waste-free feasts 

Hosting Christmas dinner can be an overwhelming prospect, especially when it results in piles of plastic packaging. Ahead of time, try making your own gravy, stuffing balls or brandy butter, then freeze until required so you won’t be tempted to panic buy at the last minute. Order loose seasonal veg and meat through local box delivery schemes to minimise excess packaging. Use leftovers to make winter soups, which can be stored in glass Pyrex dishes. Avoid using single-use plastic plastic cutlery, plates, trays and bowls (the sale of which has now been banned in England, with similar bans in Scotland and Wales) and stick with reusables – borrow any extras you may need from a neighbour or collect second-hand finds for big parties.