Torridge District Council is encouraging residents to plan for a greener Christmas

With Christmas just around the corner, Torridge District Council is asking residents to think ahead and to do all they can to reduce waste this Christmas.

Over the next six weeks, in the run-up to the Christmas and New Year celebrations, the Council will be sharing its tips and advice for a greener Christmas.  Taking a few moments to think about how and what we buy, can help reduce the amount of Christmas waste produced and could even help you to save money too!

The amount of waste increases significantly immediately after the Christmas period, for example:

• General refuse increases by 18 per cent, from an average monthly tonnage* of 921 tonnes compared to 1089 tonnes in January.
• Food waste increases by 33 per cent, from an average monthly tonnage* of 201 tonnes compared to 268 tonnes in January.
• Recycling (not including Food Waste) increases by 26 per cent, from an average monthly tonnage* of 394 tonnes compared to 497 tonnes in January.

However, by taking a few small steps, there are lots of ways we can all make a big difference.  Some things to consider include:

• Buying local so you're not only supporting local businesses but cutting down on packaging.

• Avoid wasting food: plan your food shop carefully and maybe try a new recipe using leftovers. There are lots of great ideas at www.recycledevon.org/.

• Re-gift unwanted items that are in good condition to others, donate them to charity shops or sell/ give them away through local Facebook groups.

• Use recycled (and recyclable) Christmas cards, wrapping paper and reusable gift bags - take care to avoid glitter, shiny foil, bows and ribbons as these can't be recycled.
• Recycle your Christmas food packaging, such as plastic advent calendar trays; cream pots; brandy sauce pots; Christmas pudding basins; sweet tubs and mince pie trays.

Councillor Chris Leather, Lead Member for Operational Services, said:

"The amount of waste we generate at this time of year is quite staggering, but if we all do our bit, we can make a difference.  Our teams do a fantastic job of collecting the waste and recycling in the aftermath of Christmas, ensuring that almost 50 per cent of waste collected is either recycled or reused in some way.  The remaining residual household waste is sent to an EFW (energy from waste) plant to be processed and converted into Green Energy. 

"By thinking about what we need and buy and how those things are packaged and produced, we can not only make a positive environmental impact but can help to manage the Christmas budget too!  Over the next few weeks, we will be sharing lots of tips and advice, so please check our website and social media pages for more details."

Nov 24