Planet Ark are urging Logan residents to take part in the The 12 dos of Christmas recycling and rubbish campaign.
The awareness campaign includes tips for reducing food waste and excess packaging, more environmentally friendly choices when buying gifts and recycling items like wrapping paper, foil, cartons, drink containers, plastic and cards as well as electronics and batteries.
Planet Ark Recycling Programs Manager Ryan Collins said christmas was a time where residents spend, eat and party more than normal, so planning meals and present buying is essential to keep a budget.
“It’s no wonder that councils report dramatic waste spikes over the festive season and everyone’s credit card bills skyrocket,” he said.
“It’s easy to get carried away with the excitement and buy too much.
“When you throw food in the bin it’s pretty much like throwing money away.
“It also represents a waste of the water, fuel and resources it took to get the food from the paddock to your plate.
“Meal planning, sticking to a list and buying presents in plenty of time avoids those last-minute panic buys, saving you money and lessening the environmental impact of Christmas.”
Electronic waste is also a big theme at Christmas as people receive new electronic items like mobiles, tablets and computers or and toys as gifts, which are often battery-heavy.
As electronics include non-renewable and toxic materials, it’s important to make sure that old ones are re-homed or responsibly recycled.
“Checking RecyclingNearYou or downloading the free recycling app is the best way to avoid arguments over what goes in the recycling,” Mr Collins said.
The interactive app draws data from the RecyclingNearYou site for every Australian council and allows users to easily search for information about how to recycle over 170 household items.
Logan residents can visit http://recyclingnearyou.com.au/council/LoganQLD for more information about the where to recycle.
Planet Ark’s 12 dos of Christmas
- Buy good quality decorations that can be reused year after year, or make your own.
- Set up a recycling station for your workplace Christmas party.
- Give thoughtful gifts.
- Choose reusable or recyclable wrapping, like paper. For extra points, use recycled content paper.
- Go digital and download the free RecycleSmart App for all the information you need to recycle at Christmas and through the year.
- Prevent food waste by planning ahead, only opening what you need and using leftovers. Compost or worm farm any unavoidable food scraps.
- Most food and drink packaging is recyclable. Sort and flatten it to fit as much as possible in your bin.
- Recycle old mobile phones, printer cartridges, computers and tablets that get replaced.
- If you’re giving a battery-operated gift, include a battery recharger and rechargeable batteries too.
- Reduce the impact of your holiday travelling and fuel costs by making sure your tyres are inflated to the correct pressure and your engine is tuned. Remember to recycle old car oil, tyres and batteries.
- De-clutter the house - recycle from the yard, garage and attic.
- If you choose a live Christmas tree, ask your council if they have a special collection or a mulching service, or if you can take the tree to your local recycling facility.
