Have a sustainable festive season
Published on 26 November 2024
Save money and waste less this festive season!
Here are a few ideas to help celebrate sustainably:
Rethink Your Wrapping
Did you know that much of the wrapping paper we buy for our Christmas gifts is not recyclable? If it is shiny, or looks like foil or cellophane, it contains plastic and needs to be re-used or disposed of in your general rubbish bin - red lid.
Instead, why not give the gift of less waste this Christmas by choosing eco-friendly wrapping options! Swap single-use wrapping paper for reusable gift bags, fabric wraps, or even newspaper with a touch of ribbon.
Sustainable Decorating
As Christmas time rolls around, the likelihood of our bins filling up increases, with more celebrations meaning more rubbish going into our bins. There are so many ways we can reduce Christmas waste, and every little bit counts. Sustainable decorations can be gorgeous and very easy to make – think ivy wreaths, native flower bunches, origami ornaments, and dried orange garlands. LED Christmas lights not only use less energy but also last longer, meaning fewer replacements and less waste over the years.
Sustainable Feasting
Reduce food waste this Christmas by planning meals carefully and using up leftovers creatively. Love your leftovers by turning them into a snack or meal on Boxing Day, maybe making some ‘bubble and squeak’ or pea and ham soup! What you can’t use can be composted or put into the general rubbish bin - red lid – remember to keep food and paper serviettes out of the mixed recycling bin - yellow lid.
Recycle Right
Remember to recycle holiday waste properly to divert precious resources from landfill. Bottles, paper and cardboard can go in the mixed recycling bin - yellow lid – except shiny wrapping paper, which should go in the general rubbish bin - red lid, as it contains soft plastic and cannot be recycled.
Batteries and E-waste can be dropped off at your local Resource Recovery Centre and other battery drop-off locations. Please never place food, soft plastics, toys, clothes or Christmas decorations in your mixed recycling bin - yellow lid!