The animal welfare charity RSPCA aims to reduce its impact on the environment this Christmas by banning glitter and foil from its Christmas cards.
The charity has also pledged to reduce waste and non-recyclable content. This comes after it has been part of the campaign to raise awareness of the dangers of plastic to wildlife.
This year, the RSPCA also offers a plastic-free eco option for Christmas crackers. These Premium Eco Crackers contain a wooden puzzle or toy gift in each cracker and the packaging is also fully recyclable and plastic-free.
The animal charity has said it is committed to continuing to reduce its use of single-use plastics further.
'Plastic is a growing threat to animals'
Adam Grogan, head of wildlife at the RSPCA, said: “This year we have committed to removing glitter from our Christmas cards as we want to reduce our impact on the environment. Glitter is a microplastic and these pieces are so small they can cause a problem for the environment for a long time as well as plastic in general being harmful to wildlife and causing stomach problems if eaten.”
A poll carried out by the RSPCA last year showed that more than two thirds of people were planning to avoid single-use plastics over the festive season.
While 69 per cent of shoppers said they would try to cut down on single-use plastics like straws or carrier bags, a further 38 per cent said they would choose gifts with less packaging.
Grogan said: “We know firsthand the impact that single-use plastics can have on the environment and the animals we care for. The number of animals affected by plastic litter is at an all-time high, with incidents increasing by 22 per cent in just four years.
“This shocking rise in mammals, birds and reptiles becoming entangled or affected by discarded plastic suggests that plastic is a growing threat to animals. There is still some way to go but this is why we are committing to reducing our use of single-use plastics.”
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