Ten top tips for an eco-friendly Christmas
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Every year, we make more waste than we need to over the holidays. Scots are expected to send more than 95 million Christmas cards this year – that’s enough to fill more than 13,000 wheelie bins.
Meanwhile around 19,000 miles of wrapping paper will be used across the country – enough to wrap the coast of mainland Scotland more than two-and-a-half times.
That’s not even including food waste, with more than 50,000 tonnes of food and drink expected to be binned in Scotland during December alone.
If you’re dreaming of a waste-free Christmas, then Zero Waste Scotland has 10 top tips to get you into the eco-festive spirit.
1 Presents that protect the planet
Are you a keen cook? Why not whip up some cakes, jams or chutneys? Or, give someone the gift that keeps on giving. Memberships or experiences give people the chance to indulge in a hobby or passion while saving the planet.
Battery-operated toys can also prove difficult to recycle, so opt for rechargeable instead. Not only are they good for the environment, but also cheaper in the long run.
2 Plan ahead
Many household items can be recycled while others can’t. To check what’s on the naughty and nice list where you live, go to your local council’s website.
Wrapping paper, for example, can only be recycled in some parts of Scotland. Remember, keep a note of seasonal bin changes and collection times over the holidays.
3 Love your Christmas tree
Artificial trees cannot be recycled so, like those dodgy Christmas jumpers, bring them out of the cupboard again and again.
If natural is more your style, organise a pick-up with the local council instead of dumping it. In both cases, re-use the decorations or let your little elves create new ones from old Christmas cards.
4 Shop smart
Have sustainability in the bag when you hit the shops this Christmas. By taking re-usable shopping bags, you can cut down on plastic waste and save money.
Also, plan your meals before you go food shopping. Writing a list makes sure you don’t overbuy, saves you money and prevents food waste.
5 Send season’s greetings the eco way
Cards – we all love them and us Scots will send more than 95 million this year. Cut down on overflowing bins by sending e-cards or ones made of recycled paper – or why not re-use them as shopping lists by tearing the cards in half, then later recycling them?
Don’t forget to recycle envelopes. Many retailers also offer Christmas card recycling services in their stores.
6 Get real
From plastic plates to cups, don’t be a party pooper this year – go for real crockery instead. Single-use plastic cups can be easily swapped for mugs or glasses while extra plates can be borrowed from neighbours or friends or your local Revolve certified second-hand shop.
You can even hire crockery if you’re planning a big bash! Visit www.partykitnetwork.uk to find your local supplier.
7 Chill on food waste
Extra food waste is inevitable over the holidays, from vegetable peelings to turkey bones, so make sure you use your food waste bin and pop edible leftovers in the freezer. Who wouldn’t love Christmas dinner again and again?
8 Don’t bottle it
Hic hic hooray: we all know Christmas is a time to get merry with a glass of Bucks Fizz or two. Glass bottles left over from the holidays can be deposited in the bottle bank or in some places by household recycling collection.
9 Gifts that keep on giving
Not only is donating unwanted gifts a great way of clearing out space, but it’ll also reduce your impact on the planet. Take a trip to the charity store or sell them on to stop perfectly good items ending up going to waste.
10 Tackle the wrap mountain
Mounds of unwanted wrapping paper, bags and boxes are inevitable on Boxing Day. Here’s a top tip for wrapping paper – if you can scrunch it, you can recycle it. Wrapping paper that can be recycled will stay scrunched up in a ball while non-recyclable paper will go back to its normal shape.
As for the rest, gift bags, boxes and wrapping paper are easy to re-use – unwrap carefully, remove tape and tags, and keep them give to different friends or family next year. No-one will ever know.
When out at the shops, avoid foil or sparkly paper or get your little elves involved and use their old paintings and drawings as wrapping.
