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.
- 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 a 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 free of charge where they will be chipped and used for mulching round plants.
See also
Page & Site Tools
Contact information
For further information about this page please contact:
Waste Services
Kilncraigs, Greenside Street, Alloa, FK10 1EB
Tel: 01259 450000
Email: wasteservices@clacks.gov.uk
Or use the on-line contact form
