Green Christmas
Put sustainability on the top of this year's wish list as we try to do our bit to celebrate a green Christmas!
Christmas trees
Choose a live tree that can be replanted, if you can
Alternatively if you cannot replant your tree, real Christmas trees can be recycled with us for free. We will be collecting real tress from 6-27 January at:
- Civic Amenity Westlink Business Park, Athlone Road, Longford, Co. Longford, N39 EE36
- Civic Amenity Cloonaugh, Drumlish, Co. Longford, N39 E4F4
Tis the season to recycle
Bring banks across Longford accept bottles and cans throughout the festive season. They are due to be serviced between 22-29 December to ensure capacity for your items. However, if you come at a time when they are full, please call back with your waste. Do not leave your waste on the ground as this may result in a littering fine.
Over the Christmas period you can also recycle at:
- Civic Amenity Westlink Business Park, Athlone Road, Longford, Co. Longford, N39 EE36
- Civic Amenity Cloonaugh, Drumlish, Co. Longford, N39 E4F4
Find their opening hours on Mulleadys.com/ChristmasOpeningHours.
Other recycling tips include to:
- Remember to keep all items clean, dry and loose when putting things in your recycle bin
- Think ahead by choosing recyclable batteries for children's toys and other gifts this year
Festive food waste
Prevent food waste at Christmas by planning ahead, knowing what you already have and only buying what you need - making a list really helps!
Consider your portions. It is easy to pile the food high at Christmas but it can lead to a lot of waste (and a waste of money!)
Use your leftovers for easy-to-make meals and snacks throughout the days of Christmas. Don't forget to use your freezer to extend the shelf-life of your food.
Find out more how to prevent festive food waste at StopFoodWaste.ie.
Give a low-waste gift
Gift an experience or something handmade or made locally - these gifts can allow us to spend time with loved ones and be much more personal. They are also much are less likely to become waste - a win-win!
Locally-bought gifts also have the added benefit of less packaging than online orders and helping our local economy.
Avoid novelty gifts as they are more likely to turn in to waste more quickly.
Avoid wrapping gifts where possible or choose homemade or fully-recyclable paper. You can even think ahead by saving this year's wrapping paper for next year.
If you didn't get something your want this year, consider giving it to someone would like it - there is no shame in re-gifting! You can also donate to your local charity shop or sell second hand.
Deck the halls with less plastic
Deck the halls with what you have already or buy second hand. You can create a festive atmosphere at home by foraging foliage and displaying natural decorations like pine cones, holly, fruits and nuts. There are also great reusable plastic alternatives to tinsel, like colourful paper bunting.
Millions of Christmas crackers are pulled each year. They are full of plastic and go in the bin after being used for only a few hours. Avoid them where possible or find a reusable option.
Further information
Find out more on MyWaste.ie or on StopFoodWaste.ie.
