According to an RSPCA poll, more than two-thirds of people are planning to avoid single-use plastics this festive season.
As part of plans for a kinder Christmas for animals, 69% of shoppers said they would try to cut down on single use plastics like straws or carrier bags. 
A further 38% said they would choose gifts with less packaging, both steps which could help prevent our Christmas waste damaging wildlife.
The RSPCA has received more than 600 calls so far this year about animals which involved plastic, which included a fox wandering near traffic with a crisp bag stuck on its head in Essex and a bird trapped inside a plastic drinks bottle in West Yorkshire.
RSPCA Assistant Director of the Inspectorate, Dermot Murphy, said: “Sadly we see all too many animals coming into our centres sick and suffering due to the litter we throw away. It’s great news that shoppers are planning to be kinder to animals this Christmas in the choices they make, and this could make a real difference to whether the animals around us also stay happy and healthy this festive season.
“Whether it’s reducing packaging, leaving food out for wildlife in the colder weather, volunteering or donating to an animal charity or shopping at a charity shop, there are lots of things you can do to be kinder to animals this Christmas.”
The poll by the RSPCA also revealed:
- Six out of ten people (62%) will be choosing cosmetics which haven’t been tested on animals.
- Half (53%) will be buying gifts from charities – like the RPSCA.
- A third of people (33%) will be buying eco-friendly gifts.
- Almost half of animal lovers (47%) will be taking a present or donation to an animal rescue centre.
- A third (34%) will be buying higher welfare meat like RSPCA Assured labelled products.
The RSPCA 2018 Christmas appeal asks animal lovers to Stock the Sleigh with vital items to make the festive season happy, health and safe for thousands of animals.
Last year during the festive season (1-31 Dec), the RSPCA answered more than 43,000 calls, many reporting neglected, abused or suffering animals.
They also took in nearly 5.500 animals and gave them a warm bed, food, veterinary care and the care and attention they desperately needed, as well as continuing to look after thousands of animals already in their care.
