Listen
Top tips for a Greener Christmas
12/12/2008
With less than a fortnight to go until Christmas, Scots are being reminded that going green over the festive period can save them money and help them do their bit for the environment into the bargain.
Around 20 per cent more waste is created over the festive season but simple greener steps can help the planet:
- Reuse carrier bags when doing all that extra shopping
- Use environmentally-friendly LED lights on Christmas trees
- Buy rechargeable batteries for toys and other battery-operated gifts
- Recycle Christmas trees, cards and wrapping paper
- Buy local produce where possible to cut food miles
Environment Minister Michael Russell said:
"Unless we take the right actions now to protect our stunning surroundings then what we have will be permanently damaged. Instead of handing down our wonderful heritage, we will have to explain to our children why we ruined it.
"A few small steps will make a huge difference. For example, rechargeable batteries have up to 28 times less impact on climate change than disposable ones, as well as cutting the amount of waste batteries sent to landfill, and LED Christmas tree lights cut power use by 80 per cent.
"And as we do some last-minute Christmas shopping and prepare for the January sales it's worth remembering the importance of reusing carrier bags wherever possible.
"Retailers have already committed to reduce the number of carrier bags in Scotland by 50 per cent by Spring 2009. This will reduce the amount of bags which go to landfill by 4,000 tonnes each year and help tackle a major blight on Scotland's landscape - but we too can do our bit.
"And why not put more local produce in those bags when buying your Christmas food? It will help reduce your carbon footprint and your dinner might taste even better knowing that you didn't rely on foods which have been flown thousands of miles to reach your plate.
"Finally don't forget to recycle. It's encouraging to note that we are recycling more and using locally-provided facilties to do so, and with so much wrapping paper, packaging and cards around at this time of year it's more important than ever to keep it up.
"And recycling doesn't have to stop there - discarded Christmas trees can be turned into woodchips or composted to help feed other trees.
"This isn't about being a Scrooge. Doing your bit for the environment is about making important changes to the way you live. If we all take action it will make a real and lasting difference locally and globally. "