Have a greener Christmas...
...to help cut impact on the environment – says Cllr Adam McVey
THE COUNCIL’S NEW Green Christmas campaign encourages Edinburgh folk to consider their impact on the environment by having a less wasteful Christmas.
The recent COP26 climate conference in Glasgow brought to our attention just how much of an impact the climate crisis will have on our everyday lives– from the food we eat and the buildings we use, to our health and wellbeing.
Our new ‘Green Christmas’ campaign will build on the interest in climate action and momentum gathered by COP26 by encouraging people in every part of Edinburgh to buy more responsibly and avoid waste where possible over the festive season.
And, with four out of five people in Edinburgh agreeing that we all have a responsibility to cut down on waste this Christmas, there’s lots we can all do to make a difference from choosing local suppliers and products, asking for pre-loved or homemade gifts and cutting down on food waste.
The Edinburgh Reuse Map, which was developed in partnership with Changeworks is also a fantastic way to discover where items can be sourced second hand, or for free, fixed, donated or even upcycled – helping to cut down on waste.
And then there’s the questions we can all stop and ask ourselves such as; How sustainable is this item? Can I find this second hand? How long will it be loved for? And, do I really need it? All of which will help to make sure that any purchase we make is good for the planet.
These changes do add up, and, as well as being good for the environment, can often save you time and money too. For example, planning your meals ahead of time, so you only buy the food you need can help save you up to £437 a year.
So why is this important to the city? Edinburgh was the first city in Scotland to declare a climate emergency in 2019, and has set a goal to become net zero by 2030.
It’s a really ambitious target, and one which will benefit our health and wellbeing, reduce the impact that our every day actions have on the environment and help us play our part in tackling the climate crisis. And the message is clear – there’s lots to do and we all have a part to play in helping create a cleaner, greener city for future generations.
Look out for the billboards, the bus shelter ads, the Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and Nextdoor content about this – there will be lots to see in the next few weeks.
There’s also helpful information and tips available on our website including details on recycling and Christmas tree uplifts, plastic free and second-hand shops across the city and inspiration on how to buy less, choose well and make things last. And, to all of you who do choose to make these positive changes and cut down on your waste over the Christmas period, thank you. Together we can make a difference.