This Christmas is set to be the most ethical in history as millions of people choose to go plastic free.
In a study of over 2,000 adults conducted by OnePoll, it was revealed people are saying no to unethical toys and buying charity Christmas cards.
The research found that people are considering more than ever the impact their buying and lifestyle habits will have on the planet and their surrounding world.
With six in 10 saying they care about the consequences their actions have on the environment and more than half wanting to look after planet Earth for future generations, they will be doing things differently this festive period bearing this in mind.
Over two thirds surveyed said they would consider buying a more ethical gift with four in 10 also adding they will buy recyclable wrapping paper.
In fact some said they wouldn’t even use gift wrap this year.
GettyWith a fifth planning a completely plastic-free Christmas, parents are asking friends and relatives not to give their children any plastic toys or games this year.
Four in 10 parents would actually prefer it if people bought their children toys which were made of a material such as sustainable wood.
And when it comes to Christmas dinner people are also going for a more ethical choice deciding to have a completely vegan meal.
They will also be opting for vegan options when it comes to bath and shower products also making sure they are bee friendly.
PAPeter Holbrook, chief executive at Social Enterprise UK which commissioned the survey, said:
It is great that Brits are really thinking about the impact of their spending decisions.
We have seen a real shift in consumer attitudes towards buying ethically with shoppers recognising their power to make a difference to the world through how they spend their money.
The good news is that there are thousands of social enterprises out there offering presents with purpose, helping people to do more for the environment and others with the gifts that they give this Christmas.
GettyThe research also found a huge four in five agree Christmas is too commercialised nowadays.
Holbrook added:
The polling resonates with the idea that we are losing something valuable as Christmas gets ever more commercialised.
One in five people have received presents they cannot even use – from combs for bald people and novelty underpants to inflatable boyfriends and musical toilet roll.
Shoppers are starting to buck the trend towards commercialism with more stopping buying pointless presents and shifting to presents with purpose.
At Social Enterprise UK we have put together a gift guide full of ethical products including fashion, chocolates, soap, drinks and homeware.
Each product is from a social enterprise – a business set up to make the world a better place whether that’s through creating jobs for the homeless and those with disabilities or reducing food waste.
All featured businesses are also set up to be environmentally sustainable with many using upcycled materials including wood, fabric, even fire hose and others ensuring their ingredients are organic, vegan or bee friendly leaving a positive mark on the planet.
If you wish to download the Social Enterprise Christmas Gift Guide, you can visit their website.
If you have a story you want to tell send it to UNILAD via [email protected].
