Page 14 - Oundle Life December 2021

GREENER
CHRISTMAS
Great tips for a greener Christmas
This Christmas is shaping up to be a bit different to those of recent years, but it maybe gives us a chance to trim the excess and focus on the simplicity of looking after ourselves, each other and the environment.
It is estimated that waste and recycling increase by 30% over the Christmas period. Here are a few ideas from Oundle Waste Less to maximise festive fun whilst keeping others and the environment in mind.
1. Make a list – a list helps to reduce panicked
present buying and makes it more likely you’ll give people what they really want, no matter how small or practical. List making also helps to avoid over-catering. Sites like LoveFoodHateWaste.com suggest brilliant ways to transform leftovers or use the OLIO app to give away unwanted purchases.
2. Shop local – the Oundle area is packed with fantastic independent businesses. Buying from them keeps pounds in the local economy, reduces packaging use and car journeys, as well as making returns or
exchanges easier (many items returned through online retailers never make it back onto the ‘shop shelves’ – what a waste!).
3. Make cards count – buy cards from charities or send a festive email and donate to charity instead.
4. Give twice with each gift – buy presents which benefit a charity, are made with
the environment in mind or which create memories (like spa vouchers, an annual membership or similar). Alternatively giving your time to help someone is a good waste-free gift!
5. Reuse, make, regift or repair – many shops in Oundle sell as-good-as-new pre-loved items (such as Lilly’s, Harpurs and Green Man Antiques and the charity shops). Alternatively make presents, regift something given to you, or get a broken treasure repaired for a loved one. The Eco Oundle map in google maps shows shops offering repairs, selling second hand or eco products and more.
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