Christmas is the time of year that we produce a lot of waste. This is the season for indulgence, and it’s a great time to stuff yourself silly with turkey and chocolates. It’s very easy to be wasteful if you don’t pay attention. Here are some ways to reduce waste and help the environment after Christmas.

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Plan Ahead

How many of us have made a Christmas list, but then added to it until the list grew bigger and larger? When we go shopping, we can get carried away. We think we haven’t got enough and are drawn to deals and offers that make us purchase more than we planned. Avoid making impulse purchases as they will not be used or appreciated. Keep your list short and to the point. Don’t add to it.

Consider a different choice of wrapping paper

Consider what you will use to wrap your presents this year. Some of our favourite wrapping paper designs are made with metallics or foil, which makes them unrecyclable. You should look for wrapping paper made of recyclable materials or 100% paper. This will do less harm to the planet. Choose something quirky this year like old magazines, comics or brown paper. These can be decorated with stickers, bows and stamps.

You may have saved bows, tags, and other items from the Christmas presents you received in order to reuse them. Save them if you haven’t already. You will not have to buy them again next year, and it is better for the environment. Consider renting decorations that can be reused. For Professional Christmas Decorators, contact https://www.christmasmakers.co.uk/

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After Christmas

Do not throw away your Christmas tree. Check with your local council to see if they have a recycling programme for trees. Find out if someone else can use your old Christmas decorations. Donate unwanted gifts to charity, or sell them online on Gumtree and eBay.