Top tips for 'Green Christmas' this festive season from Scotland's anti-waste experts

Planning ahead, recycling and making the most of leftovers are all ways Scots can enjoy a “Green Christmas” this year, waste experts have said. The festive season is a notoriously wasteful time of year, with mountains of food waste, wrapping paper and packaging piling up.

But experts at Zero Waste Scotland have now offered some tips for people to reduce their rubbish footprint, from sustainable gifts and wrapping to efficient food shopping and leftover recipe ideas. They say our economy’s “take, make, waste” approach - where we produce, consume, and throw away products and materials after use – often leads to excess waste and environmental damage.

In Scotland alone, our economy requires the equivalent of 22 tons of materials per person per year – almost three times the sustainable consumption level established by scientists. Zero Waste Scotland said this Christmas is a great opportunity to try out more sustainable ways of doing things.

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Chief executive Iain Gulland said: “Christmas is the time of year when we can show how much we care not just for our loved ones, but for the planet we all share. Small, thoughtful changes can make a big difference in reducing waste and fighting climate change, all while keeping the joy of the season alive.

“You don’t have to sacrifice tradition to make an impact. From choosing pre-loved or experience-based gifts, to planning meals that minimise food waste, there are so many ways to celebrate sustainably.”

Zero Waste Scotland’s top tips for a Green Christmas - with more to be found on their website - include:

• Mindful seasonal shopping

If you’re heading to the shops for some last-minute Christmas gifts, make sure you bring reusable shopping bags. This saves unnecessary costs, while also being eco-friendly.

Are the toys in your basket battery-powered? Opting for rechargeable batteries rather than disposable not only minimises waste, but also means your gift will go on and on…

If you use regular batteries, it’s important to dispose of them responsibly. Most supermarkets and electrical stores have battery recycling bins.

With more and more Scots turning to online shopping, that usually means lots of packaging. Make sure you separate out different materials - cardboard packaging can be recycled but bubble wrap and polystyrene can’t.

Do you need to buy new, or could you gift differently this Christmas? Shopping pre-loved, personalising gifts, or even gifting experiences - like concert tickets or a spa day - are great ways of showing someone what they mean to you without costing the planet.

After Christmas, donate, swap, sell or regift any unwanted presents. Don’t let perfectly good items go to waste.

• Christmas wrapped… sustainably

Choosing recyclable wrapping paper is a simple, sustainable, switch that you can make this festive season. Already got your wrapping paper? After the frenzy of unwrapping, make sure you do a simple scrunch test to find out whether it goes in the recycling or in the bin.

If it stays in a ball, it’s recyclable. Glittery or foil paper? That belongs in the bin.

• Make a shopping list and check it twice

If you take the time to make a food shopping list ahead of the big day, you’ll save on time, food waste, and even money. Just make sure you check that list twice!

• Get creative with leftovers

Are you tired of the traditional turkey sandwich or bored of brussels sprouts? There are lots of quick and easy recipes you can do with your leftovers to minimise food waste this Christmas.

Curries, stews, and soups are just a few delicious ways to make the most of what you’ve got in your fridge. Zero Waste Scotland has some delectable dishes on its website using classic festive leftover ingredients.

• Your freezer is your friend

Freezing the food you have left from your Christmas feast could not only save you food waste but cash too. The good news is there’s a huge variety of foods that are freezable - just make sure to freeze within two days and eat within three months.

• Count on your caddy

Even with the best of planning and full use of your freezer, there may still be food waste, and your food caddy wants it all. From turkey bones to brussels sprout trees, potato peelings to prawn tails, make sure all your unavoidable food waste and morsels that aren’t made into something else go into the food caddy.

• Be wise with your waste

Remember that bin collection days may vary over the festive season so keep a note of any updates from your local council. You can make space in your wheelie bins by recycling everything that you can, flattening cardboard and squashing plastics and metals.

And if you need to visit a household waste recycling centre, you should check opening hours and find out if a booking process is currently in place to save you any unnecessary trips.

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