Aiming for a plastic free Christmas is a great way to respect the planet's precious resources at this special time of year. There are many options for avoiding plastic in your gift giving, and for wrapping presents with newspaper and twine. But here are 10 ideas for helping your green Christmas table, parties and decorations to be plastic free also.
Wood & Felt Decorations
Lovely decorations that will give your tree a handmade feel and eco-friendly charm. Opting for wood and natural fibre decorations will mean less resources go into making plastic ones.
They can also be composted or recycled when they become damaged, so they're a great way to achieve a plastic free Christmas.
All of Biome's decorations are also made ethically by small businesses in Australia and our felt decorations are made in Nepal by women. Buy our Decorations here >
Plastic Free Catering & Picnic Ware
For all the outdoor parties, picnics, lunches and dinners around Christmas, it can be hard to avoid the convenience of dreaded plastic plates and cutlery. At Biome, we'll always recommend plates that you wash up and use again and again, but sometimes it's not feasible.
But with plant-based wares and bowls, you can use a product that isn't made from fossil fuels and can be composted at home (including just buried in your garden).
Get ready for plastic free festive feasts. See our Compostable palm leaf plates here >
Reusable Beeswax Wraps
As much as we try to minimise, there are inevitably leftovers from festive celebrations. With all the bowls and platters of deliciousness to store in the fridge, it's easy to just cover them all with plastic wrap. But that would mean creating single-use rubbish, and wasting resources. Opting for a reusable beeswax wrap means you can safely store your food, while saving money on a reusable product.
We also have Vegan wraps here >
Stainless Steel Ice Block Moulds
In Australia, Christmas is in summer, and that means sun, surf, pools and ice cream. Except with the plastic wrapping and additives in conventional icy treats, it's not a plastic free Christmas. So why not make your own!
Our stainless steel ice block moulds are reusable, recyclable, and have reusable bamboo sticks. Get crafty in the kitchen with the little ones, or make delicious natural treats for visiting family and guests.
Buy our Ice Block makers here >
Finska Wooden Game
After Christmas lunch, the kids (and adults too!) will be eager for entertainment and outdoor sun. Outdoor wooden games, like Finska and Kubb, are a perfect way to have fun, ditch the screen, and spend time with the family.
And their high quality means they will last to become a plastic free Christmas tradition.
See our other Wooden Toys & Games
Bee Seed Bombs
Little balls of clay, soil and fertilizer impregnated with flower seeds, that you simply toss anywhere in your garden, a kerbside strip or vacant block that needs some vibrant colour.
A lovely way to spread some nature at Christmas that will bloom in months to come and provide for the important bee pollinators. Buy our Seed Bombs here >
Plastic Free Sunscreen
Most of us love getting out into the sun with friends and family - hitting the beach, having an picnic. But celebrating an Aussie Christmas means braving the harsh Aussie sun, and this means a strong sunscreen is needed.
Sunbutter's sunscreen comes in a reusable and recyclable tin, is completely natural and biodegradable, and is now SPF 50+ approved by the TGA.
Formulated for all-day wear, it's perfect for long, sunny days celebrating with family.
Buy our Natural Sunscreen here >
Toilet Bombs
For all the guests coming to your house over Christmas, your loo will need some love. These toilet bombs freshen and clean - just pop one in, let it fizz, and scrub with a toilet brush if needed. You'll have one less thing to clean after the hectic Christmas season has finished.
Buy Urthly Organics' Toilet Bombs here >
A Natural Christmas Tree
We love the idea of getting a real Christmas tree into the home, or using a potted plant, or even a eucalyptus branch, as your Christmas tree.
It not only ditches the need for a fake, plastic tree every year, but they look lovely and give your home a more earthy smell.
Pictured is our Bush Shack Christmas Tree.
No matter how you celebrate Christmas, opting for products that help the environment will minimise your impact on the planet at this special time!
Ice Block Image - Thanks to Jordan Pie from www.reallifeofpie.com.
