Have a Green Christmas
With the festive season fast approaching, Torridge District Council is encouraging residents to think ahead and make choices that reduce waste this Christmas. By planning early and shopping smart, we can all do our bit and even save money along the way!
Over the next few weeks, the Council will be sharing practical tips and advice for a greener holiday period. Taking time to consider how and what we buy can not only help reduce the amount of waste produced but also save you money! With Black Friday just around the corner, many of us will be tempted by seasonal sales. But with increased spending comes increased waste. In the UK alone, over 114,000 tonnes of plastic packaging are thrown away at Christmas, and the surge in online shopping adds millions of extra parcels and packaging.*
Small changes can make a big difference - here are a few simple tips to keep in mind:
- Shop locally - Support community businesses and help cut down on unnecessary packaging.
- Choose sustainable wrapping - Use recycled or recyclable cards, wrapping paper, and reusable gift bags. Avoid glitter, foil, bows, and ribbons as these can't be recycled and should therefore go in your black bag.
- Plan your meals - Around 4.5 million Christmas dinners are wasted every year in the UK.* Careful planning helps prevent overbuying and ensures leftovers are enjoyed. For creative recipe ideas, check out Have Your Food And Eat It Recipe Book - Recycle Devon.
- Recycle packaging - Items like plastic advent calendar trays, cream pots, brandy sauce pots, pudding basins, sweet tubs, and mince pie trays can all be recycled.
- Rehome Unwanted Gifts - If you don't receive what you want this Christmas, consider donating any unwanted items to a charity shop or pass them on through local Facebook groups.
Councillor Chris Leather, Lead Member for Operational Services, said:
"The amount of waste that builds up over the festive season is staggering, but if we all do our bit, we can make a real difference. By buying only what we need and considering how products are packaged, produced, and bought, we can help reduce waste and even save money. Simple actions like shopping locally and planning meals carefully all add up. If everyone makes a few small changes, we can all enjoy a greener, more sustainable Christmas."
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