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This Christmas, we wanted to share with you some top tips on how to reduce your impact on the environment. Watch these videos, created by the Environment Agency, on some creative solutions to get you started.

Got some more ideas? Why not share them with us on Twitter @Plastic_EU or on Instagram @Plastic_EU.

Tip 1 – why not reuse your decorations from last year?

The average household spends £185 on decorations each year – save money and the planet too!*

Tip 2 – Avoid stockings with wrapped treats and throwaway items

An extra 30% of rubbish is produced and discarded throughout the festive period!*

Tip 3 – Try swapping sticky tape with ribbon or string!

Did you know that it is estimated that 40 million rolls of sticky tape are used over the festive period! *

Tip 4 – Give reusable gifts such as a reusable coffee cup, soap container or water bottle!

50% of all plastic produced is used for single-use products!*
*Source: Jambeck et al., 2015

Tip 5 – Make your own home-made treats!

The UK produces 2,260,000 tonnes of plastic packaging waste every year!*
*Source: Defra statistics, 2017

Tip 6 – Switch patterned wrapping paper for recyclable brown paper or fabric

Did you know that over the festive period the UK sent 277,000 miles of wrapping paper to landfill?*

Tip 7 – Rewear your Christmas jumper or swap with a friend!

Did you know that clothes contain plastic and 50% of their microfibres are released in the first wash!

Tip 8 – Try decorating something other than a tree!

Most decorations, including baubles, can’t be recycled! *

Tip 9 – Give experiences rather than gifts! 

In Europe, 15% of people don’t want the gifts their given which generates a huge amount of waste!*

Tip 10 – Get creative and make your own gifts to reduce packaging!

In 2017, 125,000 tonnes of packaging is estimated to have been produced in the UK over the festive period!*

Tip 11 – Reuse last year’s cards to make this year’s gift tags and avoid glitter!

In 2018, 900 million festive cards were sent in the UK and remember that glitter is made from plastic!*

Tip 12 – Plan to do a litter pick or beach clean on your boxing day walk!

Wherever you are this Christmas, you can help tackle plastic pollution.