Ho, ho, ho but no, no, no to waste

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Public Services is gearing up for one of the busiest periods in the recycling calendar.

This year, as well as laying on extra facilities and collections at all the main recycling sites, the Department is also hoping islanders can look to reduce some of the traditional Christmas waste. It has come up with lots of festive suggestions to make a difference to people’s bins, and to their wallets.

They include money saving tips to reduce food waste, such as planning Christmas grocery shopping and lots of tasty leftover recipes, plus some great gift ideas that will not require lots of packaging or wrapping.

Public Services Recycling Officer Tina Norman-Ross said that the hope was for islanders to find their own creative ways to reduce their impact this Christmas.

“Our Facebook and Twitter pages will have lots of creative ideas and advice, but we would love islanders to get involved and share their own tips. We still want everyone to have a great time, but if there is anything we can do to help them waste less, that’s what we are here for,” she said.

“There are so many ways to help reduce excess waste during this period while being creative and giving presents a personal touch at the same time!”

Islanders can also help in practical ways, said Mrs Norman-Ross.

“Islanders are fantastic at taking their ‘bags for life’ to the supermarket, but how many of us think to take them with us when we are shopping for Christmas presents at late night shopping, or when we go to a toy shop to buy gifts? This might save you from being given several bags that you can’t recycle,” she said.

“Also, anyone having a clear out to make room for lots of wonderful gifts should think before throwing stuff away. Lots of unwanted household items can be taken to Longue Hougue, and either given a new lease of life or recycled.

“Plus with New Year coming up, we’d love islanders to be thinking about making their resolution to find that ‘one more thing’ they could be recycling.”

Public Services will also once again be providing several options for recycling Christmas trees between 27 December and the end of January 2014. These can be dropped off at Earlswood, Queux Patio Plants and Le Friquet garden centres; Burnt Lane, St Martin’s; and the Longue Hougue Waste Recycling Facility.