We need to make this a Green Christmas
This Christmas, Ruby Wadmore urges us all to consider the environment when we're choosing what to buy and how to wrap it
With the Christmas holidays fast approaching, new traditions are waiting to be discovered - ones that embrace the joy of giving whilst also being mindful of our planet. In a world that is becoming increasingly conscious of its environmental impact, transforming your Christmas celebrations into an eco-friendly and sustainable affair will make a positive impact on both your loved ones and the environment.
A recent survey conducted by Go Ultra Low revealed that 72% of UK respondents are keen to reduce their household’s plastic waste this Christmas. An important issue, considering the UK alone generates a staggering 125,000 tonnes of plastic packaging during the festive period.
However, the impact doesn't stop at plastic waste. Approximately 8 million Christmas trees purchased in the UK for the festive period generate twelve thousand tonnes of waste, and according to WRAP, the UK discards a shocking 160,000 tonnes of trees each January. Furthermore, The Carbon Trust estimates that an average 2 metre Christmas tree has a carbon footprint of 16 kg CO2 if it ends up in landfill and an equivalent artificial tree has a carbon footprint of 40 kg CO2 plus typically cannot be recycled.
Environmental repercussions of Christmas packaging in the UK are immense, with a whopping 300,000 tonnes of card used – enough to cover Big Ben 260,000 times. In addition, 114,000 tonnes of plastic packaging find their way into landfills as a result of the festive celebrations. The urgency for a collective action is highlighted by these holidays - especially when considering details such as the fact that merely one out of every four Christmas cards is recycled.
Recycling plays a crucial role in reducing our environmental impact, and following proper recycling practices these holidays can make a significant difference. There are a multitude of ways you can contribute this year in terms of reducing your own environmental impact, and being mindful about waste. For example, when it comes to preparing recyclables, it's important to ensure that all materials are placed loosely in the recycling bin. Avoid using plastic bags, as they can hinder the recycling process and flatten cardboard boxes to maximise space in the recycling bin and allow for efficient processing.
However, not all materials are suitable for recycling. Items like polystyrene packaging and plastic wrapping should be placed in the black bin, as they cannot be recycled. Being mindful of what goes into each bin helps rationalise the recycling process and prevents contamination.
It's essential to be aware of what Christmas-specific items can and cannot be recycled. Materials such as cardboard boxes, Christmas cards, glass bottles, plastic bottles, tins, and cans are all recyclable. Specific items like Christmas pudding tubs, gift tags, and non-glitter or plastic wrapping paper can also be recycled.
However, glass baubles, especially if broken, should be wrapped and disposed of in the general waste along with tinsel and plastic baubles, often made from non-recyclable plastics and covered in glitter, which should be placed in the black bin. When it comes to wrapping paper, a simple test can determine whether or not it is suitable to be recycled. If you can scrunch the paper into a tight ball and it stays scrunched, it can be recycled. However, laminated and glittery papers should be excluded from recycling efforts.
In conclusion, an eco-friendly Christmas is more than a trend; it's a commitment to sustainable living. By adopting practices like avoiding plastic baubles, recycling thoughtfully, and composting food waste, we can celebrate the season responsibly and cheerfully. Choosing eco-friendly options aligns with the Christmas spirit of giving by giving back to the world we live in by looking after it - and contributes to new traditions of sustainability for generations to come.
Ruby Wadmore, Year 12
Source for statistics: https://www.gwp.co.uk/guides/christmas-packaging-facts/
With the Christmas holidays fast approaching, new traditions are waiting to be discovered - ones that embrace the joy of giving whilst also being mindful of our planet. In a world that is becoming increasingly conscious of its environmental impact, transforming your Christmas celebrations into an eco-friendly and sustainable affair will make a positive impact on both your loved ones and the environment.
A recent survey conducted by Go Ultra Low revealed that 72% of UK respondents are keen to reduce their household’s plastic waste this Christmas. An important issue, considering the UK alone generates a staggering 125,000 tonnes of plastic packaging during the festive period.
However, the impact doesn't stop at plastic waste. Approximately 8 million Christmas trees purchased in the UK for the festive period generate twelve thousand tonnes of waste, and according to WRAP, the UK discards a shocking 160,000 tonnes of trees each January. Furthermore, The Carbon Trust estimates that an average 2 metre Christmas tree has a carbon footprint of 16 kg CO2 if it ends up in landfill and an equivalent artificial tree has a carbon footprint of 40 kg CO2 plus typically cannot be recycled.
Environmental repercussions of Christmas packaging in the UK are immense, with a whopping 300,000 tonnes of card used – enough to cover Big Ben 260,000 times. In addition, 114,000 tonnes of plastic packaging find their way into landfills as a result of the festive celebrations. The urgency for a collective action is highlighted by these holidays - especially when considering details such as the fact that merely one out of every four Christmas cards is recycled.
Recycling plays a crucial role in reducing our environmental impact, and following proper recycling practices these holidays can make a significant difference. There are a multitude of ways you can contribute this year in terms of reducing your own environmental impact, and being mindful about waste. For example, when it comes to preparing recyclables, it's important to ensure that all materials are placed loosely in the recycling bin. Avoid using plastic bags, as they can hinder the recycling process and flatten cardboard boxes to maximise space in the recycling bin and allow for efficient processing.
However, not all materials are suitable for recycling. Items like polystyrene packaging and plastic wrapping should be placed in the black bin, as they cannot be recycled. Being mindful of what goes into each bin helps rationalise the recycling process and prevents contamination.
It's essential to be aware of what Christmas-specific items can and cannot be recycled. Materials such as cardboard boxes, Christmas cards, glass bottles, plastic bottles, tins, and cans are all recyclable. Specific items like Christmas pudding tubs, gift tags, and non-glitter or plastic wrapping paper can also be recycled.
However, glass baubles, especially if broken, should be wrapped and disposed of in the general waste along with tinsel and plastic baubles, often made from non-recyclable plastics and covered in glitter, which should be placed in the black bin. When it comes to wrapping paper, a simple test can determine whether or not it is suitable to be recycled. If you can scrunch the paper into a tight ball and it stays scrunched, it can be recycled. However, laminated and glittery papers should be excluded from recycling efforts.
In conclusion, an eco-friendly Christmas is more than a trend; it's a commitment to sustainable living. By adopting practices like avoiding plastic baubles, recycling thoughtfully, and composting food waste, we can celebrate the season responsibly and cheerfully. Choosing eco-friendly options aligns with the Christmas spirit of giving by giving back to the world we live in by looking after it - and contributes to new traditions of sustainability for generations to come.
Ruby Wadmore, Year 12
Source for statistics: https://www.gwp.co.uk/guides/christmas-packaging-facts/