Fir trees, even natural ones, have an ecological cost

They are grown, cut, transported and then often end up in the trash. As the confederation of environmental organizations Ecologistas en Acción points out, each year 2 million Christmas trees from plantations end up in the trash . Furthermore, illuminations lead to overconsumption of electricity , part of which comes from very polluting fossil fuels (coal, oil and gas power plants). We are also reaching record rates of food waste. And the list is still long…

Classic glitter , omnipresent during the holiday season, is also problematic

Classic glitter is micro-plastic because it measures less than 5 mm and is made from hard, non-recyclable plastic. They are so fine that they pass through filtration systems and end up in the oceans. They are then ingested by the fish and end up on our plates. Additionally, when microplastics break down, they release chemicals. These are at the origin of the appearance of certain cancers and neurological diseases . According to Nature Review , 8 million tonnes of micro-plastics are dumped into the oceans each year. These small particles correspond to 85% of plastics released into the oceans. Glitter therefore contributes to ocean pollution and is extremely harmful to the environment.

This is why British nursery schools have even decided to ban the use of glitter for creative workshops, although they are very popular at Christmas time.

For a more eco-friendly Christmas, we’ve thought of some cool solutions!

There is now a technology developed by the Ronald Britton laboratory which makes it possible to manufacture biodegradable glitter from regenerated plant cellulose . They degrade in 4 weeks and are certified biodegradable. They thus allow us to shine without polluting the planet .

Banishing plastic glitter from our end-of-year celebrations: this is our project with Si Si La Paillette , a young French biodegradable glitter company.

For classic Christmas trees, why not substitute DIY trees made from books or cardboard? Or decorate an existing plant ? We offer a little tutorial for glittering your plant for Christmas, in collaboration with the Pousse agency , a Parisian company which offers superb plants to decorate interiors and exteriors!

Instead of using gift paper, you can reuse fabrics or newspapers. For gifts, platforms like Dream Act offer a whole selection of ethical and ecological gifts, for a more eco-responsible Christmas!

Parties yes! Shine yes! But while respecting our planet! An eco-responsible Christmas? We vote for!