As a local church, we aim to take the practical steps necessary to realise the Fifth Mark of Mission, which is “to strive to safeguard the integrity of creation and to sustain the life of the earth”.
What can we all do this Christmas time?
Christmas can be the season of over indulgence, but how can we have a more sustainable Christmas?
Christmas is a joyful time for many, but there’s a lingering environmental impact that isn’t often considered.
It’s estimated that we produce 30% more waste each Christmas.
Millions of Christmas trees will be disposed of as the festive period comes to an end. Real Christmas trees are recyclable. Cut it into small pieces and put in your brown garden waste bin (please note that garden waste collection is a paid subscription service).
Alternatively if it has roots you can replant it, meaning you can enjoy your tree for years to come!
Artificial Christmas trees sadly can't be recycled, so we encourage you to use them over and over again. If you chose to buy an artificial tree, try and choose one with recycled plastic content. If the tree has come to the end of its life and you are crafty, you can take your fake tree apart and turn it into new Christmas décor. If all else fails – take to a Household Waste Recycling Centre.
It is estimated that 227,000 miles of wrapping paper is used each year in the UK alone.
When recycling:
If plain – with no glitter or foil –pop in your purple-lidded bin. Take off what tape you can.
Glitter, embellishments, plastic film, or foiled designs are non-recyclable. Put in the black bin where it will be made into electricity.
Ribbons, tags, string: reuse wherever you can or put in the black bin.
Check for the FSC logo to ensure the materials are from sustainable source.
We all enjoy some festive treats, but research shows more than 50% of food purchased in ‘the big shop’ ends up in the bin.
What can I recycle?:
Sweet wrappers: clean tinfoil-type wrappers can go in your green-lidded bin.
Make sure soft plastic wrappers go in the black bin only!
Sweet tubs: plastic tubs can go in your green-lidded bin, as can metal tins.
Sweet bags and pouches: must go to soft plastic collection points or in your black bin only.
Selection boxes and advent calendars: The cardboard sleeve can go in your purple-lidded bin clean and dry.
The plastic tray goes in your green-lidded bin, unless it is brown or black plastic in which case it must go in the black bin.
Reusing your existing festive decor is both sustainable and a money saver. Instead of investing in more baubles, have a crafty session updating your old ones and making them new again.. You can make it a family activity and turn your bauble refresh and create lots of new memories.
Sometimes, just putting favourite pieces in different spots or remixing the colours on the tree can make the old seem new.
Old wrapping paper and cards can also be turned into paper chain decorations.
In 2025, we will be repurposing old Christmas cards and turning them into great gift tags, gift bags can be used this way too.
Remember: repurpose - recycle - donate
For further information, please feel free to contact us. We'll be glad to assist you!
please note our administrator is part time, so the phone is not manned 24/7
St Michael's Church is covered by CCTV for the protection of our staff and congregation.
Copyright © All Rights Reserved
