Welcome to another episode of Ours To Protect, as we take a closer look at biodiversity and sustainability in Co Clare.
Today we’re going to hear about what it means to have a sustainable Christmas.
The Environment Office of Clare County Council endeavours each year to ensure we enjoy Christmas in the most sustainable way possible.
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Reducing our consumption, being more environmentally conscious with our choices and supporting local producers is not only kinder to the environment, but also to our pockets.
There is so much we can do to ensure our Christmas is more sustainable.
Pat Flynn has been speaking with Karen Foley, who is the Environmental Awareness Officer with Clare County Council.
Tips:
- Buy locally produced gifts, you’re supporting local jobs and helping the environment by reducing transport miles.
- Buy experiences rather than gifts! Visit www.visitclare.ie for lots of ideas from around the county.
- Purchase presents second hand from charity shops. This supports worthwhile charities while also reducing consumption.
- Shop for locally produced food or fair trade labels. Challenge yourself to make dinner entirely from locally produced produce.
- Shop locally in your local town or village. Not only does this benefit our environment it also supports local businesses and local jobs that help sustain our local communities.
- Other great gift ideas include upcycled Christmas tree decorations, native tree vouchers, solar powered radios and torches, energy saving light bulbs.
- Avoid gifts which require batteries, or purchase a battery recharger and rechargeable batteries. Remember batteries and all waste electrical equipment can be recycled for free – https://erp-recycling.org/ie/
- Try alternative wrappings like newspaper, old material and string or ribbon that can be reused. Or consider gift bags as they can be reused over and over.
- Bring your own reusable bags when shopping. Say no to excess packaging.
- Make a shopping list so you’re not tempted to buy things you don’t really need or want.
- At least 30% of all the food we buy is thrown out! Visit www.stopfoodwaste.ie for inspiring ideas on how to shop smarter for food over the festive period as well as recipes for what to do with leftovers.
- Remember to use your dry recyclable and food waste collection provided by your waste collector. If unsure what can be recycled visit www.mywaste.ie. To prevent contamination in the household recycling bin it is important to ensure that items being placed in this bin are clean, dry and loose. You can also use your local bottle bank and/or recycling centre. Our recycling centre locations, opening times and recycling costs are available at www.clarecoco.ie
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