Q Can you buy eco-friendly tinsel?
Cariad Davis, East Lothian
A Thomas Inskip, Ecotinsel Inventor & Head Crafter at Paperboy Crafts
UK, recommends... All traditional tinsel is made from Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) film, coated with a metallic finish, and PVC is the world’s third most-widely produced synthetic plastic. It requires more toxic additives than any other plastic and produces harmful dioxins in its manufacture. Huge amounts of Christmas decorations, including tinsel, go to landfill every year, as it can’t be easily recycled. Once in landfill, PVC doesn’t readily decompose but as it slowly degrades, it leaches dangerous chemicals. Eco tinsel is a new eco-friendly alternative to traditional tinsel. The garlands are handcrafted from 100% recycled paper, so they’re completely plastic-free and fully recyclable. Available in 1.8 metre lengths, and a range of traditional and vibrant solid and mixed colours, prices start from £9.90.