A study conducted by Onepoll.com has revealed that consumers are taking a more ethical and environmentally conscious approach to the Christmas period. More people are rejecting the consumerism that typically comes with Christmas, as people are opting for environmentally wrapping and presents.
Poll results revealed that more than half the survey’s participants want to look after the planet for the future generations – over two thirds of people said they would consider buying gifts for people that had positive social and environmental impacts.
Four out of ten people said they will be using recyclable wrapping paper, and some admitted to not using gift wrap at all.
It is also thought that just under one in ten will be having a vegan Christmas meal this year, reflecting on the awareness of plant-based food and the increase in people following a vegan diet.
Veganism crops up again in people’s buying habits – people said that they would be buying bath and shower products that are vegan and bee-friendly, proving that the growth of veganism is still happening.
But one fifth of the 2000 people surveyed said that they will be planning a plastic-free Christmas, to help significantly reduce their environmental impact at the busiest, and often most wasteful time of year.
Peter Holbrook, chief executive at Social Enterprise UK commented on the change in consumer attitudes: “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 different to the world through how they spend their money.
“The good news is that there are thousands of social enterprises out there offering resents with purpose, helping people to do more for the environment and others with the gifts that they give this Christmas.”
Some people are asking for their children not to be gifted plastic toys, with one third of parents believing that their children have enough plastic toys.
Overall, four out of five brits surveyed felt that Christmas was over-commercialised, with Holbrook commenting that something valuable is being lost as it continues to be a profit-driven festivity.