Don’t let Christmas cost the earth with plastic-free campaign

Gloucestershire Recycles, which represents the county council and district councils, is aiming to show people that they can help the environment as well as save money with the ‘plastic-free festivities’ campaign.

It will focus on plastic reduction, as using less plastic is even better for the environment than recycling. Using less plastic means a reduction in energy use, water consumption and carbon emissions, as they all feature in the production process for plastics. The quality of plastics also reduces each time they are recycled so they can’t be endlessly recycled, whereas alternatives like metal and glass can be recycled indefinitely.

Residents will be provided with information, ideas and top tips for reducing plastic over the festive period through three main themes of decorations, food and gifts.

Decorations:

·    The average family spends £185 on decorations each year – to save money, try re-using decorations, swap with friends/family or buy second hand

·    Recycled baubles – you can find many baubles made from 100 per cent recycled glass that look just as good, if not better, than standard baubles

·    Wooden Christmas tree decorations – wood is a sustainable material and often recyclable, so consider making or buying wooden rather than plastic decorations for your tree

·    Paper chains – a fun, easy and eco-friendly way to decorate the table and you can recycle the paper when finished

Food:

·    Use aluminium foil instead of clingfilm – it can be recycled at kerbside, or use beeswax wraps

·    Bake your own Christmas cookies or treats instead of buying them, as they often come wrapped in plastic

·    Swap fresh for frozen items at the supermarket if they come with less packaging

·    Swap plastic bottles, tubs and vacuum packs for cans or jars when you are shopping

·    Plan meals carefully to avoid overbuying food, as much of it goes to waste

Gifts:

·    Over half of UK adults say they have received gifts they don’t want at Christmas; try to buy thoughtfully so they will be well received and last a long time

·    Give people edible homemade gifts, like festive chocolate bark, biscuits or gingerbread men

·    Give an experience – you could buy tickets to shows, concerts or events

·    Use string instead of plastic tape when wrapping your presents

Cllr David Gray, cabinet member for environment and planning, said: “Christmas is a magical time for children and families, but it can come at a cost to our environment with large amounts of plastic being used in decorations, gifts and packaging and a lot of food going to waste.

“By following these simple tips, whether it’s using sustainable decorations or avoiding unwanted presents and surplus food, we can all help the environment and save money.”

More information on the campaign can be found at: https://www.gloucestershirerecycles.com/reduce/seasonal-waste/christmas/