It’s Christmas Eve and our last blog about having a Zero Waste Christmas looks at what to do after the big day, re-using, recycling and using up those leftovers.
Re-use
Once all the new presents have been opened you might find that you have some old items which have now been replaced. If you got a new bike, coat or phone, you probably won’t need your old ones anymore. But don’t throw them in the bin. If they’re in a good condition there’s lots of opportunities for passing them on. The local Charity shops on Dunbar High St take clothing and household items, Dunbar Garden Centre has a tools collection point for reuse through the Tools Shed Charity, the local Re-use organisation Recycling First can collect furniture and a variety of other items, and several national charities collect old phones for recycling. So when the wrapping has been cleared have a think before you throw any replaced items away.
You can also re-use some of your wrapping paper and Christmas cards by turning them into decorations or gift tags and bows for next year’s presents. Here are a few examples of how you can get creative with your old Christmas cards and wrapping paper:
Recycling
Get ready for the post present opening clear up to maximise your re-use and recycling. Let your fellow present openers know if you want to keep any wrapping beforehand and have separate bags or boxes ready for re-use, recycling & general waste so it’s easy to split them when you’re clearing up.
Most of your Christmas cards, paper wrapping and cardboard from the presents can be recycled in your normal household collection. But there may be changes to collection days over the festive period so check your collection calendar on the East Lothian Council website.
When it comes time to take the decorations down, don’t forget about recycling your Christmas Tree. There are three ways East Lothian Council can collect real Christmas trees for composting:
- If you have a brown bin present the tree beside it on your collection day;
- Contact 01875 824 305 to arrange an uplift; or
- Take it to one of East Lothian’s Recycling Centres.
Check out the East Lothian Council website for more information.
Leftovers
Studies have shown that the average family in Scotland throws away a fifth of the food that we buy, worth around £470 every year. Love Food Hate Waste, a national campaign to reduce food waste at home, has lots of delicious recipes for leftovers and tips and tricks for making our food last longer. Here’s some of our favourite Christmas leftover recipes:
- Christmas Pudding Strudel
- Turkey Tomato Gratin
- Cranberry Turkey Pasties
- Sweet and Sour Potatoes and Sprouts
Visit www.lovefoodhatewaste.com to check out more recipes and download the free App.
We hope you all have a fantastic Christmas and wonderful start to the New Year.
Merry Christmas from Zero Waste Dunbar.