Reducing Waste and Recycling at Christmas

Brussel sprouts aren’t the only thing to go to waste each Christmas. Millions of trees, jumpers and gift wraps will end up in UK landfills this year.

We understand that these items are part of what makes Christmas so joyful, but it’s also important to be mindful of our waste. In this month’s article, we detail how to get the most out of Christmas while leaving the least behind.

Recycling and Reusing Christmas Jumpers – They contain plastic!

Around 12 million Christmas jumpers are set for purchase this year, many of which will be replacing last year’s ensemble after a mere handful of uses.

Christmas jumpers are one of the worst offenders of fast fashion. Every year, millions are sent to landfill, adding to the UK’s growing waste crisis.

In addition, many consumers are unaware that the majority of Christmas jumpers contain plastic. A study has shown that of the Christmas jumpers analysed from 11 of the top high street shops and online retailers, 95% contained some form of plastic material. With every wash, microfibres from Christmas jumpers are finding their way into the ocean, where they are harming and killing millions of aquatic animals.

What can we do about Christmas jumpers & plastic?

We recommend the following tips for Christmas jumpers:

If you wish to wear a Christmas jumper, try and find one that doesn’t contain plastic. Try to avoid jumpers embellished with novelty add-ons, such as lights, speakers and bells. Subtle designs are more likely to be plastic-free, and they’re also less likely to fall out of fashion as the years progress.
Instead of purchasing a brand new jumper, consider swapping with friends or buying second-hand.
Re-wearing your Christmas jumper is the best way to get the most use without increasing waste.

Recycling Christmas Trees

Every year, around 8 million Christmas trees are purchased in the UK. Of these, around 7 million end up in landfill.

The average 6ft organic tree has a carbon footprint of 16kg. Trees left to die in landfill will also release methane, a gas that has a destructive effect on our ozone layer.

A plastic tree pollutes the environment through plastic waste. The plastic does not break down, but rather finds its way into oceans where it damages aquatic life and pollutes our drinking water.

What can we do with our Christmas Tree?

We recommend the following tips for Christmas trees:

Rent a Christmas tree instead of buying one. Companies in select UK cities will deliver a tree to your door and collect it once Christmas is over, ready to reuse next December.
If you do wish to buy, look for a tree with the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) logo. This certifies that the tree has been grown in accordance with stringent environmental guidelines.
If you are using a plastic tree, keep and reuse it. Plastic trees don’t decay, so can be used every year with no waste. If you’re desperate for a new one, consider donating your old one rather than throwing it away.
Look out for local council Christmas tree schemes. Some councils will collect your Christmas tree and shred it for use in community projects, such as line paths for local parks.

Recycling Wrapping Paper

Consumers in the UK use 227,000 miles of wrapping paper every Christmas — that’s enough to go around the world 22 times!

Despite its name, not all wrapping paper is 100% paper. In fact, there are many additives that make wrapping paper tricky to recycle. This includes dyes and shiny embellishments. Wrapping paper may also be rejected by recycling facilities if any sticky tape is attached.

What can we do to recycle & reuse wrapping paper?

We recommend the following tips for wrapping paper:

Before recycling, remove any tape, ribbons or decorations.
Try to purchase wrapping paper without any embellishments.
Do the scrunch test — scrunch your wrapping paper up, if it remains scrunched it can be recycled; if it springs back, it will end up in landfill.
Reuse wrapping paper as much as you can.

Other Christmas recycling tips to reduce Christmas waste –

Purchase eco-friendly Christmas cracker kits online
If you wish to use glitter, try using an eco-friendly variety, such as glitter made from cellulose.
Avoid plastic decorations and reuse your decorations where possible.
Recycle old Christmas cards and their envelopes at household recycling points.

Envriocraft Waste Solutions are one of the UK’s leading independent providers of recycling and waste management solutions. We’re passionate about the environment. Our services aim to reduce the amount of waste going to landfill by offering a range of disposal and recycling services, including WEEE recycling and hazardous waste disposal. Whether a small household or a large business, we can help you reduce your carbon footprint and create a greener tomorrow. Get in touch to find out more about our services. We serve customers nationwide.