- 5 top tips on saving energy, money and the planet
Dorset’s multi award winning Dorset Energy Advice Centre (DEAC) are often asked ways in which we can all help the environment around Christmas time, so that the Christmas Tree is not the only thing that’s Green this year!
Christmas is renowned as being a joyous time for family and friends to spend time together, more so than any other time of the year. But it also creates a huge proportion of the years unnecessary waste, according to DEAC.
Phil Neale, Director of DEAC says “We all love Christmas, there’s no doubt about it. But shockingly it’s been recently reported that over 750 million extra wine bottles are to be disposed over during the Christmas week as well as enough Christmas wrapping paper to cover the island of Guernsey! And in 2001, 7.5 million Christmas trees were bought, but only 1.2 million recycled – that’s the equivalent of enough trees to fill the Albert Hall three times being unnecessarily sent to landfill! So here at DEAC we’ve put together a list of 5 top tips on how to save the environment over Christmas whilst still having a great time! So here goes…”
5. Source your Christmas Tree from an ecologically sustainable supplier, and make sure the roots are still on the tree which will ensure you can replant it in the garden after the festivities are over. If you’re buying an artificial one make sure it’s made of recycled material.
4. Choose ethically sourced presents as much as possible. Gifts such as DVD players and coffee makers generated 780,000 tonnes of greenhouse gases last year, even before they were unwrapped, due to fuel consumption during production, transportation and raw materials alone. Use a website such as www.goodgifts.org.uk or Nigels Eco Store where you can buy ethical gifts for loved ones.
3. Naturally made decorations such as holly and mistletoe will give your home a traditional festive feel, and can be composted in January.
When it comes to Christmas lights in your garden and around the exterior of your house, why not give your neighbours a break and leave them off this year? It will make you significant savings on your energy bills and allow your naturally made and traditional decorations to shine.
2. Buy recycled wrapping paper. When you’re wrapping presents, only use as much paper as you need, and wrap using pretty coloured ribbon instead of sellotape. This makes re-using the paper much easier, and the ribbon can be used again too.
1. Christmas is a time of year when we’re more likely to use more energy in our homes than at other times – but it doesn’t have to be that way. Here are a few pointers:
- Turn your Christmas lights off during the day and when you go to bed
- If your Christmas lights are on, turn off your main room lights
- Extra activity and people in your home will mean it is easier to keep warm – turn your thermostat down a degree or two
- Turn your heating off when you’re cooking the Christmas dinner – heat from the kitchen will keep surrounding areas warm.
Phil Neale finishes off by adding “Please do have a fantastic Christmas, but whatever you do please also consider the environment and saving energy – it’s about saving money to the benefit of your pocket too! And do keep warm, and if anybody wants any help and advice during the cold weather we’re always here to offer help and advice.”
For more information contact DEAC on 01202 469907 or 0800 975 0166 or visit www.deac.co.uk.
