Waste Free Christmas

Overflowing bins and extra bags of rubbish are a common sight over the festive period. In Clackmannanshire we create an estimated 1,500 tonnes of waste over Christmas and the New Year, but cutting down does not mean being a Scrooge! Here are some simple suggestions to follow:-

Shopping for presents

Avoid buying items that need batteries. Use rechargeable batteries and a solar powered charger.
Buy Recycled! Look out for gifts made from recycled materials. Many environmental organisations source ethically produced products that are detailed in their Christmas catalogues. Alternatively visit the Waste Aware Scotland website at where there are links to organisations selling waste aware products.
Give gift vouchers, book /record tokens, garden centre or gift experience vouchers.
Sponsor a good cause for a present that lasts all year by contacting a conservation charity.
Buy presents that are long lasting and won't end up in the bin on Boxing Day!
Visit your local charity shop for an excellent source of good quality presents especially toys and books. Look out for items donated that have never been used.
Say no to unnecessary shopping bags. Use a reusable shopping bag or reuse plastic bags.

Food & Drink

Look out for food and drink packaged in materials that can be recycled in your area i.e. paper and glass.
Avoid goods that are over packaged.
Buy soft drinks in large bottles rather than a lot of small ones.
Don't buy too much and end up being wasteful.

Decorations, wrapping, cards, trees and unwanted mail

Make your own decorations and cards from scrap materials - great for keeping children occupied!
Make home made gift tags from old greetings cards.
send email Christmas cards instead of paper.
Look out for recycled wrapping paper and use string/wool rather than sticky tape to tie - both of which can be reused and are attractive.
Buy real home-grown Christmas tree with roots, so it can be planted out or kept in the pot for next year.
Reduce unwanted mail by contacting the mailing preference service at www.mpsonline.org.uk

Remember

Christmas trees can be taken to Forthbank Recycling Centre, Bowhouse Road, Alloa or to Glenochil Nursery, near Menstrie free of charge where they will be chipped and used for mulching round plants.

Christmas Cards can be recycled in your blue box or at your nearest Tesco, WH Smith, TK Max and Marks and Spencer as part of the Woodland Trust Appeal to help raise money to buy trees for growing throughout the UK.