Keeping it clean and green this Christmas

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is urging everyone in Clare to have a very merry green Christmas, a time when there will be more waste generated than at any other time during the year.
The EPA wants to remind households in Clare to reduce, reuse and recycle and jingle all the way to their green bin, the local recycling centre or a compost heap. The agency has some handy tips for households to maximise their options as Jonathan Derham from the EPA points out.
“We’d like to remind people that by keeping some useful waste prevention ideas in mind, we can all make cost savings and give to each other without giving to landfills this season. By following these tips from the EPA over the Christmas period and by making these habits part of our new year’s resolutions, we can all contribute to a greener future. This is not just about recycling – it is about preventing waste across a range of activities. By not generating waste, we eliminate the need to handle, transport, treat and dispose of it,” he explained.
Over Christmas, Irish households produce more than 65,000 tonnes of used packaging – enough to fill 2.5 million green bins and so to reduce these figures the EPA advises that we recycle used wrapping paper.
“If any sticky tape is stuck on the paper, don’t worry, it is recyclable. Alternatively, you can actually iron out any creases in wrapping paper and keep it for next year. Get children involved by getting them to turn last year’s cards into this year’s gift tags. This is fun, environmentally friendly and cost effective. Electronic cards are also a great, easy way to get in touch with loved ones, either in other countries or close to home,” he added.
The EPA welcomes the use of real Christmas trees as they are biodegradable but advises people in Clare to get in touch with Clare County Council for details of local Christmas tree recycling facilities when it’s time to take down the tree.
In addition, the EPA notes the average Irish family throws out €700 worth of food each year, which not only has a negative effect on personal finances but also the environment.
“Food waste increases substantially over Christmas; with more food thrown out during the festive season than at any other time of the year due to over-buying. The EPA’s Stop Food Waste Programme recommends checking what items you already have in stock before going shopping as well as thinking back to last year and identifying which items remained unused at the end of the season either because they were unpopular or purchased in too large a quantity,” Mr Derham stated.    
He also advises in the run-up to Christmas to defrost your household freezer to ensure it will work more efficiently and create more space to store leftover food. “For leftovers, Stop Food Waste and Wicklow County Council have developed a wonderful recipe guide for the 12 days of Christmas on their website www.stopfoodwaste.ie,” he advised.
There is a warning too about electrical items that are often replaced over the Christmas with newer versions.
“Lots of these electronic goods contain hazardous materials that can cause serious environmental damage and are dangerous to human health. Retailers are required by law to take back waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) from householders on a one-for-one basis. This service is free of charge. Alternatively, old mobile phones can be donated to The Jack & Jill Foundation at www.jackandjill.ie,” he continued. 
Meanwhile, used batteries are toxic to the environment and can be recycled by taking them to any retail outlet selling equivalent type batteries or to your local authority civic amenity sites.
“Over 80,000 tons of old clothes will be thrown away around Christmas so if you receive some new items for your wardrobe, make sure you donate your old clothes to a local charity shop.
“While doing your gift and grocery shopping, try to buy produce locally to support small suppliers and your local community, while minimising your carbon footprint.
“Finally, it’s great to have a warm, cosy house at Christmas so keep curtains closed and doors shut; this keeps heat in, saves energy and money. Furthermore, with lots of people in the house over the festive season, turn down the thermostat by 1Cº, this saves money and reduces your carbon footprint, while providing a great excuse to get everyone wearing a special Christmas jumper,” the EPA spokesperson concluded.
For more information about recycling facilities or tips, contact Clare County Council on 065 6821616 or visit www.repak.ie/recycling_facilities.php for a list of bring banks and recycling centres.