FROM miles of wrapping paper to tables groaning with food, there is no doubt Christmas can be the most indulgent – and wasteful – time of the year.
The festive season usually does little to help tackle the nation’s throwaway culture. Figures from not-for-profit environmental organisation Zero Waste Scotland (ZWS) show the average Scot consumes around 18.4 tonnes of waste each year – more than double the eight tonnes which experts say would be a more sustainable amount.
With the recent hosting of COP26 in Glasgow shining the spotlight on environmental threats to the planet, experts say there are ways to celebrate Christmas in a greener way.
Jenny Fraser, communications consultant for campaigns at ZWS, which is funded by the Scottish Government and European Regional Development Fund, said: “Tis the season to be jolly – spending quality time with family and friends, enjoying scrumptious food, and exchanging gifts with loved ones.
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“And after another challenging year, it feels like some Christmas cheer is needed more than ever.
“But as we look to buy in all the best bits of Christmas, we need to be careful that it doesn’t cost the earth.
“As a nation, Scotland is simply consuming too much.”
She added: “Christmas is a time of year known for over-indulgence – but, perhaps this year, we could all try to enjoy a greener holiday.”
From artificial versus real trees to how to deal with mounds of leftover turkey, here ZWS gives some tips on how to enjoy a more sustainable Christmas.
The Great Christmas Tree Debate
Some love the scent of pine needles in our homes, while others prefer a less messy artificial version – but which one is better for the environment?
Real or “natural” trees are more environmentally friendly on a one-off basis, if disposed of responsibly. However, an artificial tree that is well looked after, and used year after year, can offset its higher carbon footprint.
The products we buy and use have embedded carbon emissions as a result of how they are produced and transported to the customer. So, real trees that are locally grown will have fewer associated emissions than one imported from abroad.
Once Christmas is over, the key is to dispose of your real tree responsibly. Ideally, plant it. Trees that do well in the garden can be used again next Christmas, when they will be even bigger and better.
If planting it isn’t an option, compost where possible, or take it to your local household recycling centre. Some councils offer a designated Christmas tree uplift – check your local authority’s website for up-to-date information.
Flytipping or dumping your Christmas tree is never a good idea. Not only is it illegal and an eyesore, when natural materials like wood, end up in landfill, they emit methane – a powerful greenhouse gas. Recycle or replant is best.
Plan ahead for recycling
A common mistake to make is “wishcycling” – putting items in the wrong bin thinking they can be recycled. Check what’s on your local area’s “naughty and nice” recycling list through the ZWS Recycling Sorter at recyclingsorter.scot, which gives advice on which items go in which bin in your local area based on your postcode.
The bin collection days may change over the festive season, so remember to keep a note of any updates from your local council.
A simple trick to make space in your wheelie bins is to flatten cardboard and squash plastics and metals. Give empty cans, jars and tubs a quick rinse before popping them in the recycling bin to keep your bin as clean as possible.
Wrap it. Rip it. Recycle it?
No matter how prepared we think we are, most of us still end up with mountains of materials, like card and paper, to deal with on Christmas Day.
Scots are expected to use upwards of 19,000 miles of wrapping paper this festive season – enough to wrap the coast of mainland Scotland more than two and a half times.
When it comes to wrapping paper, try the scrunch test. If you can scrunch it and it stays scrunched, you can recycle this material after removing any ribbons, sticky tape or gift tags. If it begins unravelling, that’s a sign the wrapping paper you used contains plastic and can’t be recycled.
As glitter is a microplastic, it can’t be recycled so try to avoid it where possible. The same goes for foil and sparkles on Christmas cards and wrapping paper.
Don’t forget about the wrapping paper tubes, as they can also be recycled.
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Tackle food waste
No one likes wasting food, especially when there are so many people in need over Christmas. Around 50,000 tonnes of food and drink is thrown away from Scottish homes in December alone. Avoiding just 10% of that waste would save nearly 5000 tonnes of carbon – the equivalent of taking 2600 cars off the road in the UK for a year.
Plan ahead by figuring out the portion sizes for your Christmas meal then check your cupboards before heading out to the shops. Try taking a “shelfie” so you know what you already have in the fridge, or cupboard, to save you accidentally doubling up. The simple trick of writing a shopping list can help prevent food waste and save money.
Edible leftovers can be put in the freezer – who doesn’t love Christmas dinner again and again? Get creative with the leftovers and incorporate them into meals after Christmas Day. Zero Waste Scotland’s Love Food Hate Waste Scotland has lots of creative recipes if you’re bored of turkey sandwiches.
Even with the best planning there may still be unavoidable food waste. From turkey bones to vegetable peelings, brussel sprouts trees to seafood shells, tangerine peels, nutshells and, of course, tea bags and coffee grounds – make sure it all goes into the food caddy for recycling.
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