Reduce at Christmas

Christmas is on our doorstep and while we are all having great fun we do need to be conscious of the extra waste that Christmas can create. Why not make a difference this year....Change your habit..

Christmas Outfits

This year why not try to wear items of clothes that you already own http://www.recyclingexpert.co.uk/TheFourthRRepair.html
Buy a few accessories to jazz up your outfits rather than new outfits
Mend or repair clothes that you like rather than throwing them in the bin
http://myzerowaste.com/2010/02/how-to-recycle-clothes-textiles/

Christmas tree and decorations

This year why not save a tree
Buy a real tree with roots that can be planted outdoors after Christmas. http://www.greenusesforwaste.co.uk/great-tip-reducing-reusing-christmas-time.html
Remember if you keep your decorations in good order that they will last longer
Sometimes less is more. Go for the simple minimalistic elegant look.
Revamp old decorations. http://www.ehow.com/christmas-decorations/
It might be useful to try and reduce the need to buy new decorations every year

Christmas Cards

This year why not try e-cards. For free e-cards see:- http://www.wasteawarenesswales.org.uk/e-cards/index.html
Emailing and Texting on Christmas Day is fun and lets your love ones know you share the day with them.
Try reducing by sending 1 card per family, reduce individual cards, save money and focus on family.

Christmas Wrapping

Try Japanese furoshiki style present wrapping http://www.recyclenow.com/what_can_i_do_today/furoshiki_japanese_w.html
Use gift bags instead of wrapping paper. http://www.recyclethis.co.uk/20100823/how-can-i-reuse-or-recycle-wine-gift-bags

Christmas Food

It pays to plan for Christmas. http://lovefoodhatewasteni.org/
Plan meals in advance to use the food you already have bought http://myzerowaste.com/2009/09/tips-reducing-food-waste/
Check foods in the cupboards before heading to the shops
Check foods in the fridge before buying new goods
Check foods in the fruit bowl/vegetable box before shopping
Listing and buying exactly what is needed can save £s of unnecessary waste. http://www.belfastcity.gov.uk/foodsafety/labelling.asp
Bring your own shopping bag or re-use a bag http://www.wasteawarescotland.org.uk/bagsReuse.asp
Say “no” to plastic bags!http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/gallery/2008/feb/29/plasticbags.waste