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Replace single-use options with these greener versions. Biodegradable Pet Waste Bags
Want to have a more eco-friendly Christmas this year? If you replace single-use Christmas crackers with greener alternatives, you'll be a step closer to a more sustainable celebration.
Here, we’ve rounded up our favourite crackers to enjoy this festive season – and outlined the eco-credentials of each to ensure you know exactly what you’re buying.
Christmas crackers are a popular festive tradition, but they usually end up in the bin after dinner. Some designs contain non-recyclable materials, such as foil, glitter and plastic, which can contribute to landfill and waste.
Eco-friendly crackers are designed to make less of an impact on the environment, by using recyclable and plastic-free materials. Opting for more sustainable options means you can impress guests and do your bit for the earth at the same time.
Reusable crackers have become popular in recent years and make for a greener alternative as you can use them year after year. Brands including Forever Crackers and Nancy & Betty offer fabric options that can be washed and stored away with ease.
Switching from regular to fill-your-own crackers also gives you a chance to pick a more sustainable gift, rather than a naff plastic toy. Plus, it’ll mean you can offer a more thoughtful, personalised present to each guest that they’ll actually want to use.
From fill-your-own crackers to plastic-free fabric offerings, here are our favourite eco-friendly Christmas crackers – and don’t forget to look at our round-up of recyclable wrapping paper too.
Forever Cracker’s reusable designs are pricey (a six pack starts at £155) but they'll add a little luxury to your Christmas table.
They're made from soft silk and come ready to fill with your own gifts (although there is the option to pre-fill them for an additional charge) and a smart fabric crown.
For an extra £5, you can add a gift tag with your loved ones’ initials.
These velvet reusable crackers are ideal for those who prefer a more pared-back Christmas tablescape. They’re 100% plastic-free, can be personalised with a name and they’re fill-your-own, so you can add a little gift to suit each guest.
Note that £14 is the price of one cracker, but you can order up to 12 for an extra £10 per cracker.
Made from natural linen and embroidered with satin thread, each reusable cracker is also finished with a pretty green ribbon. Fill them with special gifts, or use them as a place marker at your Christmas dinner table.
You can choose an individual cracker, or opt for a stylish set of six.
Lakeland’s crackers are made from glitter-free, foil-free, fully recyclable card, and contain a ‘Who Am I?' game to play over dinner.
A reusable felt crown and storage bag is also included, so everything can be safely packed away for next year.
Along with all the sustainability credentials, these crackers come with gifts your guests will actually use – including a mini soap bar, organic teas and flower seeds. We love the frosty foliage design over this green base, too.
How sweet are these? Each one of Sophie Allport’s recyclable crackers contains a hat, joke, and a green or blue paper tree decoration.
We love the festive design and delicate bows on this deep olive set – perfect for adding a pop of colour to your Christmas tablescape.
If you want to add some festive magic to your home this year, consider these bright crackers from Talking Table's eco-friendly range.
Each one is plastic-free and made from fully recyclable cards, so you can pop them straight in the recycling bin once used.
These linen crackers are perfect for those who prefer a more minimal table setting. Each one features ribbon bows and delicate gold bells on the ends. There’s an option to add name tags, too.
Act fast if you're tempted though, as they're selling out quickly!
These lovely handmade crackers can be personalised with a name or message in a choice of six different colours. These are fill-your-own so you can add in something you know your loved ones will appreciate.
You can purchase up to 20 crackers, or buy them individually for £8 each.
In a gorgeous red and white gingham print, these festive crackers are finished with satin bows at each end.
We know these are on the pricier side, but inside you'll find useful gifts like a mini grater, comb, keyring, tape measure, cookie cutter, jam jar and honey dipper.
We'd pair ours with muted plates and cutlery to offset the bold design.
Encased in these beautiful Christmas crackers sit an assortment of sweet metal gifts. Plus – Tom Smith is supporting the Trussell Trust, a charity focused on putting an end to hunger and poverty throughout the UK, so you’ll not only be helping the environment but this fantastic cause, too.
These chic mistletoe crackers are made from 100% recycled materials and contain a traditional paper hat, motto and a reusable gift.
A portion of sales goes to the Dogs Trust too, so you'll be doing your bit for a great cause as well as the environment.
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