We've got some beautiful traditions and celebrations to look forward to over the coming days, and I thought I'd take the opportunity to explore ways to celebrate these festive occasions with your families... plastic-free of course!
Here's a little run down of some of the special days and upcoming celebrations over the coming days (not an exhaustive list, by any means... there's also the beginning of the LGBT+ History Month and Vasant Panchami, and more, but I just wanted to focus on a few, before I have to head off and collect my son from nursery, ha ha!):
Plastic-Free Veganuary 2022
Did you take part in Veganuary this January? I always do my best to go as plant-based as possible the whole year round, and this year I've pushed myself a little further. This year, I've made a bit of a resolution to myself that I will try my hardest for all of my skincare and cosmetics to be vegan and plant-based. I know Veganuary is usually aimed at thinking about plant-based food alternatives (and I did give two sets of lovely vegan friends vegan feasts in January, which was lots of fun!), but I want to jump from January into the rest of the year with a vegan resolution beyond my plate. I am going vegan with all of my cosmetics and those that I use on my son Finn, too. And I think it's totally possible to make them vegan AND plastic-free too.
Here's a lovely example - an award-winning shampoo for all the family. Vegan, plant-based, plastic-free and DELIGHTFUL!
Or try this lovely plastic-free baby oil, which could also be used for stretch marks for mum too - all natural and GORGEOUS!
Plastic-Free Chinese Year of the Tiger / Lunar New Year
This year, 1st February marks the beginning of the Year of the Tiger!
And... that's right.... I've found a plastic-free tiger toy for the occasion! Hurrah. This tiger, as part of a bigger set, is made from natural rubber, and it's lightweight and totally safe for babies and toddlers. They will have so much fun playing with this natural rubber tiger toy, and the other animals from the jungle - my son uses them loads at bath time, and for small world playtime!
Imbolc / St Brigid's Day / Candlemas
A bunch of beautiful celebrations to mark the coming of Spring, the budding flowers in gardens, the increase in birdsong and the lengthening of days. It marks the halfway point between the shortest day and the Spring Equinox.
This is a good time to celebrate LIGHT! I plan to bake a cake with my son for Candlemas, and pop candles on top, and light the candles together in celebration of finding strength in the light on dark days. A nice little family-friendly plastic-free activity to mark the coming of longer and lighter days together.
What will you do with your family to celebrate? Maybe start a new tradition. I'd love to hear what you get up to.
Plastic-Free Valentine's Day
I think increasingly that St Valentine's Day is being used as an excuse to express our love and gratitude to the special people around us, to include (but not limited to!) those with romantic ties to us :-).
I'll be celebrating with a 'Gal-entines' date with friends, and I plan to go on a date night with my son too! What are you planning?
For those of us who want to send someone we love a real reminder of our enduring love (without any enduring single-use plastic involved!) I've created a plastic-free Valentine's gift set. Have a heart this Valentine's Day... give a gift from your heart which is also eco friendly and plastic free. Give a thoughtful little present for your loved one which doesn't cost the Earth. This is a gender neutral Valentine's Gift Set is the perfect surprise for your eco minded partner. It is also totally vegan friendly too!
Self-love is also important! Have a lovely hot bath on your own if time allows, and maybe buy yourself a little something to help you feel at one with yourself - this 'unconditional love bracelet' is made from Rose Quartz stone which is said to help deepen relationships and embrace kindness, compassion, tenderness, and love toward yourself and those around you.
Do let me know how you'll be celebrating all of these special days with your families.
Warm wishes,
Laura, Plastic Free Baby founder