People in Clare are being urged to think ‘circular’ this Christmas
PREVENT waste this Christmas by reusing, repairing and recycling, asks Clare County Council.
This Christmas, the council is urging people to support a sustainable Christmas by preventing waste, reusing things that we have and recycling what we no longer use, or reuse.
Saying that Christmas is a time that “generates a lot of waste”, Karen Foley, environmental awareness officer for Clare County Council, explained what a circular model of thinking is.
“We all need to move away from the linear model of making, using, consuming, and disposing of our stuff and move to a circular model of keeping things in use for as long as possible through reusing, repairing, upcycling, and sharing, and recycling more this Christmas,” said Ms Foley.
“By supporting circular living, we reduce our carbon footprint and help preserve our earth’s limited natural resources - whatever cannot be shared, reused or upcycled, much of this can be recycled.”
Clare has five recycling centres and transfer stations. A carload of recyclable waste brought to Ballyduffbeg, Lisdeen, Shannon, Scariff and Ennis have opening times and costs are available online.
“Householders can also bring bottles and aluminium cans to our bring banks located around Clare for free,” said Pat Baker, Executive Engineer, Waste Management Team.
“It is important to remember to keep these bring bank sites clean and tidy by depositing only bottles and aluminium cans into the banks during the festive season. Boxes, bags or other materials used to carry recyclables should not be disposed of at the bring bank. Bring banks are serviced regularly. Where bring banks are full, alternative sites should be used.”
Some tips on how we can all support the global goals and have a sustainable and circular Christmas:
* Buy locally produced gifts, you’re supporting local jobs and helping the environment by reducing transport miles.
* Buy experiences rather than gifts!
* Purchase presents second hand from charity shops.
* Shop for locally produced food or fair trade labels and shop locally in your local town or village.
* Avoid gifts which require batteries
* Try alternative wrappings like newspaper, old material and string or ribbon that can be reused.
* 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.