In the UK, supermarket brands Morrisons and Waitrose have pledged to ditch the use of Glitter on all of their own-brand Christmas Crackers and Cards this winter. This is one step towards their goals to stop using and selling single-use plastic.

We have all used glitter in our lives, be it for art purposes, at festivals or parties, or sending cards to people but the hard truth is that it’s made from plastic. Plastic that ends up in the soil and in water and is part of a terrifying worldwide pollution problem.

The good news is that there are a growing number of eco-friendly alternatives available to make or buy, so ditch the glitter and do your bit. Google eco glitter and you’ll get a search feed filled with options that don’t harm the world.

I always love to read articles about positive steps being made by organisations and companies that help the environment and wildlife but single-use plastic is clinging on with a vice-like grip across the world, due to it being a cheaper option for mass-production. Whilst these two brands are taking steps, think about that impact for a minute. They are stopping using glitter on their own-brand Christmas products but what about all of the others that are stocked? How many of those use glitter or non-recyclable finished? When you gauge that answer, you’ll understand that it’s a very small step in the right direction.

My argument, as a passionate nature lover, is that nature is far more valuable to us as a species than any cost incentive and will always be more valuable. Ask a child if they want things to harm wildlife and they will categorically say no. Ask most people the same question and they’ll say no, so even though we know it’s wrong, many of us are complicit to the use of single-use plastic. Plastic was indeed a revolutionary invention, a scientific marvel and drove huge progress and innovation but its overriding revelation is that single-use plastic has created a worldwide problem, a problem that is killing the environment and its wildlife and polluting the land and water. I call it a modern-age travesty that has happened and is continuing to do so at an alarming rate and one that demands individuals and top-level decision and policymakers to take drastic action to solve.

We can all do better when it comes to protecting nature and there are many ways that this can be done. For Christmas and other winter traditions, why not make your own cards and decorate them with natural materials and paints? Make your own wrapping paper and gifts too. Go even further and only upcycle things or buy second-hand items. If you do buy new, try to buy products that last a lifetime or can be widely recycled. What have you got to lose? What you’ll lose by investing your time, you will gain in creativity, savings and compassion. What you’ll learn, if you decide to accept this challenge, is that it’s not only a great way to be creative and mindful but you are creating good in the world.

I try to buy greeting cards that are glitter-free, free from metallic embossing and effects, free from stuck-on plastic bits and buy cards made from recycled or forest-friendly sustainable sources. It’s not always possible, which is pretty saddening to realise that retailers are not making enough sustainable decisions when stocking goods. However, my answer is to make cards when a sustainable one can’t be found in shops. No glitter, no contribution to landfill.

For, me and a growing number of people, being kinder to our planet is a core value and of paramount importance to our lives. I’ve changed my mindset to consider what I buy and try to limit my impact as much as possible. I can’t do this all the time (as often there isn’t an alternative that is affordable - or a product isn’t available that can be recycled) but by switching my buying process, I can and am doing better. I want my contribution in life to be one of putting the planet and its wildlife first, as they have no direct influence on human progress, they have no voice. Our species has and is continuing to do great harm, so the least I can do is do what I can to make a difference.

Whatever you give or send this Winter, or any other seasonal event or celebration, please don’t use glitter or buy cards with glitter on them, as it is harmful to wildlife and the environment.

Be creative and ‘make the time’ to make your own cards or gifts using natural materials 🙂

#singleuseplastic #environment #savenature

This article was written by Jason Conway, an award-winning creative professional, artist, writer and poet based in Stroud, Gloucestershire UK. You can find out more about his business at www.thedaydreamacademy.com or connect with him on social media.