Reducing waste at Christmas
Real Christmas trees
Donate and recycle with Saint Francis Hospice.
Book a home collection for a voluntary donation. Call 01708 753319 or visit the Saint Francis Hospice website. Bookings close at 8am on Monday 8 January 2024.
You can take your tree to Gerpins Lane Reuse and Recycling Centre.
Garden waste service customer? Cut your tree in half and place it in your green bin with the lid closed on your collection day.
Wrapping paper
Chose simple designs without the ‘sparkles’.
Foil or paper wrap covered with glitter or metallic ink can’t always be recycled.
Choose the more simple traditional prints so they can go into your orange recycling sack.
Try to use just a little less sticky tape as any wrapping paper or cardboard heavily covered in tape can’t be recycled.
Ditch the packaging. Give gifts with no or minimal packaging such as soaps, books or plants.
Wrap with love. Instead of wrapping paper, try reusing old gift bags or boxes, ribbons, string, magazines, newspaper, or fabric.
Presents – Something different this year
Gift memories, not things. Try gifting a membership, subscription or an online course or workshop.
The greatest gift of all is your time. Make a special visit to someone who is on their own or in need.
Make or bake a gift to show you care. It’s also a great way to learn new skills.
Buy pre-loved. Consider buying second-hand to find unique gifts that are built to last. This can also help to support a local charity or someone in your community.
Try an ‘Eco Gift’ such as a compost bin, water butt, re-usable straws, beeswax wraps or package free cosmetics and toiletries.
Christmas cards
Again keep it simple. Cards decorated/printed with glitter, foil or metallic designs are difficult to recycle.
Make a memory and phone a loved one instead of sending a card.
Unwanted gifts
Re-gift or swap those unwanted items (just remember not to give them back to the person who gave them to you).
Donate quality items to a local school, church group or charity shop.
Try Havering Freegle, Gumtree or Facebook Market Place so your gift can go to someone new.
Food – Turkey overload?
Try some top tips on how to avoid food waste by planning ahead or following mouth-watering ideas for leftovers.
Check out the Love Food Hate Waste advent calendar, tips on cooking for fewer, and food life hacks. You may never look at a brussels sprout in the same way again!
Just visit Love Food Hate Waste.