How we can enjoy the 12 Rs of Christmas

Here’s a chance to think about how we can enjoy a greener, more sustainable Christmas!

REDUCE – Use less. The most important R word, conserving precious resources and saving money, whilst still having fun.

REFUSE – Say no thanks to excess packaging; use your own bags.

RESEARCH – Use Ecosia search engine - they plant free trees! Avoid advertising pressure. ‘Which?’ found 85 per cent of items checked were the same price or less before Black Friday 2019!

RECONSIDER - the impacts of how you shop. Buy Fairtrade and support local businesses.

REFLECT – An uplifting experience or gift in kind is special. Share lists to reduce unwanted gifts. Choose pre-loved gifts from charities or third-party gifts - anything from a goat to toilet or bin twinning! www. bintwinning.org

RE-ENERGISE - When replacing Christmas lights, choose LEDs to save energy. Switch to clean renewable energy and save money. It takes a few minutes with your latest electricity and gas bills at https:// BigCleanSwitch.org/sussexgreen

REDUCE FOOD WASTE – Use Horsham Community Fridge. Be realistic about how much food you need. Store leftovers in reusable lidded containers or covered with an upturned plate.

REPURPOSE – Wrap presents with fabric, scarves or pillowcases tied with ribbon or string. Reuse cards to make gift tags, customised cards and decorations. Reuse Advent calendars, gift bags, paper and decorations.

RENT – a responsibly sourced Christmas tree! Real trees can be potted and reused or composted if cut. Reuse an artificial tree and buy second hand.

RECREATION – Make your own crackers, decorations and home baked goodies.

Horsham Churches Together invites us to spread Christmas joy by creating stars for windows and doorstep carol singing. #HorshamShines2020 http://horshamct. org.uk/events/

RECYCLE – Having reduced and reused what you can, see our Recycling Zone to find out what can go in your household recycling bin and other recycling schemes including single use plastics, crisp and biscuit packets, ink cartridges, toothpaste tubes, pens, textiles and so much more: https:// sussexgreenliving.co.uk/recycling-zone

RECONNECT to nature, spot wildlife and signs of new life. Christmas will be very different this year, let’s bring comfort and joy to others by celebrating Christmas in quieter more thoughtful ways and looking forward to Spring.

Look out for 24 Greener Instagram posts by Horsham Youth Eco Forum on www. instagram.com/horshamyouthecoforum and www.facebook.com/ SussexGreenLiving