It’s CHRISTMAAASSSSS!
…Yes indeed, and time for the obligatory ‘How to have a Green Christmas’ article. I know I did this last year but it’s more about a gentle nudge for myself and for you if you want it.
Okay, so top tips…
Christmas Tree – Real trees Vs Artificial… this always starts a debate. Research suggests that a natural tree is best simply because it is naturally produced and bio-degrades. An artificial one on the other hand, uses toxic materials and petrochemicals in its plastics, takes a lot of energy to make and has often travelled thousands of miles to be sold in the UK… the final decision comes down to you.
Remember; if you’re a Winchester District resident with a real tree this Christmas then we can collect it and recycle it for you! All you need to do is remove the pot and decorations and put it out with your green bin collection in January.
Fairy lights – Try to use LED lights. We’ve changed all the fairy lights in our house to LEDs in an effort to save electricity and as a result, money. Also, don’t forget to turn off your fairy lights when you go out or to bed!
Christmas cards – as lovely as it is to receive a Christmas card it’s important to consider the following facts: An estimated 1.7 billon cards are sent each year, that’s the equivalent of 200,000 trees, of these about 1 million cards are thrown away. So what can you do to help if you still want to send cards? Well you can buy recycled Christmas cards; there is a great range out there. Christmas card alternatives are fairly simple: send a text message, an eCard via email, or even a Facebook message. After Christmas one of the best things you can do is make sure you recycle your cards, take them to a Woodland Trust recycling point in branches of TK Maxx or Marks and Spencer
Wrapping Paper – keep an eye out for recycled wrapping paper. An estimated 83 sq km of wrapping paper ends up in rubbish bins each Christmas, which is actually enough to wrap up the whole of Guernsey! Large sheets are perfect to reuse and if you want to try something different and eco then swap sticky tape for string or ribbon (it’s also prettier!)
Decorations – go natural and try using alternative decorations this Christmas… holly, mistletoe and pine cones are all very decorative; jars with candles inside make for cute little lanterns; wooden letters to spell out ‘christmas’, ‘joy’ add to the festive feeling.
Christmas Dinner Scraps – There are only so many turkey sandwiches one person can eat in the days after Christmas so for left-over recipe inspiration check out www.lovefoodhatewaste.com
Buy Local – with so many fantastic local businesses, shops and markets in the Winchester District there is a great opportunity to ‘buy local’ this year – both presents and the all important Christmas dinner. What are the benefits, I hear you cry – Oo I feel a list coming on…
- Local food & produce is fresher, which means it’s generally more nutritious
- Reduce Food miles – 13% of the UK’s total fuel consumption goes on packaging and transporting food
- Reduces packaging – no need to transportation packaging
- Supports the local economy
- Helping the environment – local food production helps ensure that local land is put to good use, maintains the quality and frankly, helps the land look luscious and beautiful!
Unwanted Presents – what ever you do don’t throw them out! You can take them to a charity show (find your nearest with the Charity Shop Locator) or re-gift using Freecycle
Christmas Bin Collections & Recycling – Check out revised rubbish and recycling collections on the Winchester City Council website.
That’s all from me this side of Christmas, have a good one! Sarah
