Greenpeace campaigners in Southwark are appealing for shoppers to cut down on plastic throughout the Christmas holidays.
The Southwark branch of the environmental charity says that although retailers and the government should be responsible for avoiding unnecessary plastic in our products, consumers can also help cut down on demand by making small changes.
The group is now asking shoppers to name and shame supermarkets and other shops who sell ‘over-packaged’ items using the hashtag #PointlessPlastic.
The group has also shared their top tips for a green Christmas:
- take a reusable cup with you while you’re doing your Christmas shopping – perfect for when you need a caffeine hit.
- don’t forget to take your own shopping bags.
- look up plastic-free alternatives to cling film for wrapping up your leftovers in
- opt for loose fruit and veg in your local super market or find a farmers’market to avoid plastic-wrapped items
- instead of buying wrapping paper, which often has a plastic layer, look around the house for sustainable alternatives like newspapers, magazines, a vintage scarf or re-used paper from gifts you have received.
- old Christmas cards and wrapping, fabrics, ribbons and other bric-a-brac can make great home-made Christmas decorations
- buy plastic-free gifts like a bamboo toothbrush, copper straw, bamboo cutlery set and bars of shampoo for stocking fillers.