Woolworths and BIG W are ditching this Christmas 'staple' - are you ready to say goodbye?
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Ah, Christmas. The most wonderful time of the year! A season for giving, spending time with loved ones... and, of course, a whole lot of glitter.
Or at least, that's how it used to be. It looks like we'll have to say goodbye to a Christmas tradition that's been around for many years. To reduce their environmental impact, both Woolworths and BIG W have announced they will no longer be selling glitter-covered Christmas products as part of their own-brand ranges.
That's right, no more glittery baubles or cards covered in sparkles - it's all about going green this holiday season for the retail giants!
But why the sudden change? Well, it all comes down to the negative impact of glitter on the environment.
Glitter is made up of tiny microplastics that are non-recyclable and pollute our oceans and waterways. – which can negatively impact wildlife and ecosystems if they're not disposed of properly. Ingesting microplastics can cause blockages and digestive problems, while larger pieces can entangle animals. Yikes!
In other words: not good for our planet.
BIG W's Christmas range has already started to land in stores and online, while Woolworths' range will begin rolling out in early November. And according to reports from news sources, both shops will also only be selling bonbons with plastic-free prizes inside them this year – yet another eco-friendly initiative from the supermarket giant!
Or at least, that's how it used to be. It looks like we'll have to say goodbye to a Christmas tradition that's been around for many years. To reduce their environmental impact, both Woolworths and BIG W have announced they will no longer be selling glitter-covered Christmas products as part of their own-brand ranges.
That's right, no more glittery baubles or cards covered in sparkles - it's all about going green this holiday season for the retail giants!
But why the sudden change? Well, it all comes down to the negative impact of glitter on the environment.
Glitter is made up of tiny microplastics that are non-recyclable and pollute our oceans and waterways. – which can negatively impact wildlife and ecosystems if they're not disposed of properly. Ingesting microplastics can cause blockages and digestive problems, while larger pieces can entangle animals. Yikes!
In other words: not good for our planet.
BIG W's Christmas range has already started to land in stores and online, while Woolworths' range will begin rolling out in early November. And according to reports from news sources, both shops will also only be selling bonbons with plastic-free prizes inside them this year – yet another eco-friendly initiative from the supermarket giant!
To protect the environment, BIG W and Woolworths have announced plans to remove glitter from 100 per cent of their own brand
Christmas range this holiday season.
'We want to help create a better tomorrow, and this is a small but meaningful way we can help our customers deliver Christmas cheer without the impact glitter has on the environment,’ said Woolworths' Group General Manager of Sustainability Transformation and Delivery Liam Ward.
'We know there's more we can do, and we're working to reduce glitter across our entire range in Woolworths and BIG W,' he continued.
'We're also making changes to reduce plastic in its many other forms, with both Woolworths and BIG W removing reusable plastic shopping bags from checkouts nationwide by the end of June next year.'
According to BIG W's Head of Commercial, Home & Everyday, Shane Carter, the shop has removed '29 tonnes of plastics across Christmas products and packaging since 2019.'
Aussie homes this year can still feel the sparkle even without the glitter, with the release of Big W's fourth set of glitter-free decorating styles.
'Fantastical Joy' (pictured) aims to 'enhance the happy and feel-good energy of the holiday season’. Credits: BIG W
The different themes include:
Island Beauty – which embraces a whimsical island mood with soft, light, and beachy tones
Garden Tradition – which is inspired by nostalgic Christmas style
Fantastical Joy – with a vibe that's all about positivity and feel-good energy
Celestial Scandi – adds a ‘contemporary feel’ to the festive season.
The Big W Christmas collection includes 24 Christmas trees, 100+ ornaments starting at $1, 12 types of bonbons, over 30 Advent Calendars, and 83 different types of Christmas lights.
You can also currently enjoy up to 50% off the Christmas range under $5.
[IMG alt="A christmas tree with presents underneath
Description automatically generated with low confidence"]https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/F...1LmvmP4TGUCrkk6g87Ewn2pJVQMHropU9rGu9iA[/IMG]
The Celestial Scandi theme (left) adds a 'contemporary feel' to Christmas, while Island Beauty (right) embraces
a ‘whimsical island mood with soft, light, and beachy tones.' Credits: Big W
Description automatically generated with low confidence"]https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/F...1LmvmP4TGUCrkk6g87Ewn2pJVQMHropU9rGu9iA[/IMG]
The Celestial Scandi theme (left) adds a 'contemporary feel' to Christmas, while Island Beauty (right) embraces
a ‘whimsical island mood with soft, light, and beachy tones.' Credits: Big W
It really is time for us all to start making some serious changes if we want to leave behind a healthy planet for future generations. Small steps like this certainly make a difference - let's hope other companies follow suit! One of our favourite ways to help the environment every Christmas is to reuse the same tree and ornaments. This saves, not only money but unnecessary landfill.
We at the SDC hope everyone will have a wonderful and spectacular Christmas this year. We sincerely hope that this decision by BIG W and Woolworths will positively impact future legislation focusing on reducing the amount of plastic use and disposal by other corporations and governments.
Learn more about microplastics by watching the video below.
What are your thoughts on this matter, members? Share them in the comments below!
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