How to have a green Christmas without being a scrooge!

South Bucks District Council is encouraging residents to reduce their waste as much as possible this Christmas, without reducing any of the festive fun.

This Christmas an estimated three million tonnes of waste will be created in the UK, but with a little bit of thought it’s easy to limit the impact you have on the environment this Christmas and still have a great time. Cutting down on waste not only means you are doing your bit to save the planet but you could save yourself a few pennies too.

As you prepare yourself for Christmas this year, see if you can improve your waste habits and make a resolution for a greener 2010 by following the tips below:

• Make a shopping list before you dash to the shops and forget what it is you came out for! Check your cupboards and fridge before you go out, you might end up saving yourself some money by making sure you don’t buy 3 extra jars of cranberry sauce!
• If entertaining, buy drinks in large containers rather than lots of smaller ones. One large bottle results in less waste and it’s often much cheaper too.
• Avoid using disposable plates and cutlery if entertaining. They create a lot of additional waste and are an added expense during the festive season.
• If you’re not sure what to buy someone why not try gift vouchers? They are a great way of letting people choose something they want for themselves, saving on packaging and any unwanted gifts being thrown away!
• Make room for the children’s new toys and clothes by having a clear out before Christmas Day and taking any unwanted items to the local charity shop or textile bank.
• More than one billion cards will be sent this Christmas, which could end up in landfill if not properly recycled. Why not consider sending an electronic Christmas card to friends and family? You won’t have to pay for postage, and it will reduce transport emissions, a much more environmentally friendly way of saying Merry Christmas!
• After all the presents have been opened, instead of reaching for the black bin liner stop and think what could be recycled – it only take a few moments to rinse tins and jars and separate your waste, but it makes a big difference.
• Instead of throwing away leftover turkey and fruit and veg, visit www.lovefoodhatewaste.com for ideas on how to best use leftovers, making healthy meals and snacks for the new year

South Bucks District Councillor Bill Lidgate, Portfolio Holder for the Environment, says, ‘Christmas is a time for families and celebrations, but a lot of extra waste is created at this time of year. South Bucks residents already take an active role in reducing their waste, and can recycle paper, card, glass and cans using their recycling boxes at home and mini recycling centres in flats. Plastic bottles can be taken to any of our recycling sites in the district, and a wide range of materials including waste electrical and electronic items can be taken to Household Waste Recycling Centres’.

Changes to collections over Christmas

Your collection day will change for three weeks over Christmas and New Year.

Please ensure that your refuse, recycling and green waste is at your property boundary by 7am and no earlier than the night before even when your collection day is different.