Council promotes Green Christmas campaign

CLARE County Council is launching its annual Green Christmas campaign at a special event in Áras Contae an Chláir this Thursday from 10am to 2.30pm.
Local food and crafts producers will illustrate the importance of purchasing goods locally and the knock-on positive effects for the environment. Participating local traders will include The Clare Jam Company, Seoda na Boirne (Jewels of the Burren), Cratloe Hills Sheep’s Cheese, Ray Forde Native Irish Hard Woods and Burren Perfumery.
Talks on upcycling will also demonstrate to the public who attend the many benefits by providing new ideas for customised, sustainable Christmas gifts.
Meanwhile, the council’s environment section will host an information stand promoting the importance of upcycling, recycling and waste prevention during the festive period.
The event coincides with European Week for Waste Reduction (EWWR), a European-wide project aimed at promoting sustainable waste reduction actions in member states.
Meanwhile, pre-Christmas tips being promoted by the local authority include buying presents that do not require excessive packaging, wrapping presents with recycled paper, sending festive e-cards to cut down on packaging, supporting local and fair trade producers, recycling shopping bags and composting food waste.
Householders are also being urged to recycle all packaging and take empty bottles and tins to one of Clare’s many bring banks.
According to Joan Tarmey, Clare environmental awareness officer, “One of the main objectives of the campaign is to inspire people to add a twist to their Christmas gifts this year by upcycling. Upcycling is the latest trend and it’s all about being creative and reusing everyday items to make creative and truly original items.
“We all love customised gifts, so if you’re looking for original gift ideas, drop into the 30-minute upcycling talks starting at 1pm in Aras Contae an Chláir in Ennis. There will be some sample ideas there to inspire you.”
She continued, “We all needlessly produce extra waste over the Christmas period. The coming festive period provides us all with an ideal opportunity to redress our waste habits.
“So whether it’s reusing items to customise our gifts or decorate our Christmas dinner table, there are many ways to keep the festive season fun while caring for our environment. We are urging everyone to buy local and upcycle where possible this Christmas.”