Excited about Christmas, but want to be environmentally friendly at the same time?  Let Save Our World give a few practical tips on how to be eco friendly this holiday season.

1. Use recyclable wrapping paper – avoid coated, glittery and shiny papers if you can. Perform the ‘scrunch test’. If the paper scrunches easily it’s more likely to be recyclable.  

If you can wrap with recycled paper or fabric that’s even better. Remember that shiny ribbons, strings and bows are not recyclable.  Recycling machinery is not able to cope with plastic or foil-coated papers, and sticky tape, bows, and ribbons could possibly damage the machinery. 

2. Recycle electronics- remember that your old electronics can be e-recycled and there are already several e-recycling bins around the city. Some recycling companies will also come to your house to collect the old electronic items, so collect all the old ones you can and have them all recycled at the same time. The good thing about e-recycling facilities is that all the data will be wiped properly before the e-recycling process begins. Of course, if you can pass your old items onto others that’s even better. Old Fairy lights and old battery operated toys  can also be e-recycled along with other household electronics.

3. Dispose of Batteries Properly – these could be kept in a little jar or container somewhere until it needs to be emptied. Most supermarkets do battery recycling if you don’t know where to put them or store them up and bring them to your school in the New Year if you are really lazy, as many schools and offices already do battery recycling although you might not always know.

4. Reduce Food Waste- Cutting down on the amount of food you buy or prepare is a good place to start. However, you can always give excess food to neighbors or friends or workers nearby.  It’s a lovely gesture and most people will be grateful. Freeze small portions of leftovers for lunches or dinners and anything else can be composted or fermented easily. (It’s not as complicated as you think and there are plenty of easy options in Dubai these days). 

5. Shop locally and support small businesses- by supporting small businesses, you are reducing your carbon footprint ( e.g. reduced transportation and storage cost) and helping the local economy which in turn helps us all. Think globally and shop locally. 

Christmas doesn’t have to be a time of excessive waste – instead, it can be a great opportunity to learn more about recycling and teach our children about the environment.

Have an Awesome Christmas,