Recycling
The festive season is probably fast becoming a distant memory but look around your home and you'll probably see the trail of unwanted Christmas gifts and waste it has left behind.
It's not surprising given we produce more waste at Christmas than at any other time of the year. However, it's good to know that much more of this waste can be recycled than you might think and it couldn't be simpler to do your bit.
Recycling is one of the Scottish Government's 10 steps aiming to encourage people to make small changes to their everyday behaviour to help contribute to a greener Scotland. Creating less waste and recycling can save you money and is better for the environment.
So why not get your 2009 off to a greener start by recycling items such as your Christmas tree, cards, unwanted gifts and wrapping paper?
It's more or less inevitable some of the gifts you and your family have received this Christmas are perhaps, lets say, not to your taste. Even if you can't find a use for your unwanted present, there is undoubtedly someone out there who can.
There are many ways to recycle items including clothes, books, and mobile phones, by donating them to charity shops or taking them to recycling points. Charities all help provide support to worthy causes and they will be delighted to take your present and offer someone else the opportunity to enjoy it.
Hundreds of thousands of Christmas cards are binned every year but it couldn't be easier to recycle yours.
From Monday, 5th January, you can take your cards to be recycled at your local branch of WH Smith, Tesco, TK Maxx or Marks & Spencer. The Christmas card recycling scheme, run by the Woodland Trust, is free, easy, and you can feel good that you're doing your bit to help the environment.
Instead of throwing all your rubbish into the bin, separate out paper, plastic and glass for your local authority to recycle. This will create less waste and will save the energy required to make new materials.
You can recycle your Christmas tree the same as other waste – it can be turned into woodchips or composted to help feed other trees. Check with your local council for details of recycling schemes in your area.
There are now 3,366 places across Scotland where you can take items to be recycled and kerbside recycling is now available to 75% of Scottish houses.
The Scottish Government's 10 steps are:
- Recycle household waste using locally-provided facilities.
- Turn the tap off when brushing your teeth
- Switch to using energy-saving light bulbs
- Leave the car at home and walk, cycle, car share or use public transport at least once a week.
- Use rechargeable batteries instead of disposable ones
- Re-use carrier bags when you shop
- Buy more seasonal and unpackaged food
- Hang your washing up to dry rather than using a tumbler dryer
- Organise or volunteer in an environmental project in your local community
- Avoid flying where there's a suitable alternative, and pay back the environmental impact of any flights you have to take.
Visit the Go Greener website and you can benefit from fantastic offers and giveaways from a range of partners who are giving their support to the campaign. To sign up to the 10 steps and to see some of Mr Earth's green tips and offers, go to www.infoscotland.com/gogreener
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