*Dreaming of a Green Christmas are Clare County Council Greener Clare team – (l-r) Norah Murphy, Environmental Patrol Warden; Kieran Burke, Community Warden; Terence McDonald, Community Warden; Maria Carey, Executive Engineer; Karen Foley, Environmental Awareness Officer. Photo Eamon Ward.
WASTE GENERATION spikes during the Christmas which has prompted Clare County Council to urge the county’s residents to embrace sustainability over the festive season.
Preventing waste, reusing resources and recycling responsibly can see the Clare public adopt a more environmentally sustainable approach.
Environmental Awareness Officer with Clare County Council, Karen Foley outlined the importance of adopting a more circular approach. “Christmas is a time when waste generation spikes. We need to transition from the traditional linear model of making, using, and disposing to a circular model that prioritises reuse, repair, upcycling, and recycling. By embracing circular living, we can reduce our carbon footprint and preserve our planet’s finite natural resources”.
For items that cannot be reused or upcycled, recycling is the next best step. Ms Foley recommending visiting www.mywaste.ie for guidance on what can and cannot be recycled. Clare’s five recycling centres, located in Ballyduffbeg (Inagh), Lisdeen, Shannon, Scarriff and Ennis, offer affordable drop-off options, with a carload of recyclables costing as little as €5. Details on locations, opening hours, and costs are available at www.clarecoco.ie.
Pat Baker, Executive Engineer with the Waste Management Team in the Council encouraged use of the free bring banks for glass bottles and aluminium cans, “Please help us keep bring bank sites clean by only depositing bottles and cans. Boxes, bags, and other materials should not be left at these sites. If a bank is full, please use an alternative location. We appreciate your cooperation during this busy season”.
Maria Carey, Executive Engineer with the Waste Enforcement Team reminded those enjoying Clare’s natural amenities to ‘leave no trace’. She said, “Dispose of litter responsibly by either binning it or bringing it home. If you encounter littering or illegal dumping, please contact our Waste Enforcement Team at 1800-606706 / 065-6846331 or via email at enviroff@clarecoco.ie”.
Tips for a Sustainable and Circular Christmas
1: Shop Locally and Sustainably:
- Buy locally produced gifts and food to support local businesses and reduce transport miles.
- Visit www.visitclare.ie for unique gift experiences available in the county.
2: Reduce Waste:
- Purchase second-hand items from charity shops to support good causes and reduce consumption.
- Avoid gifts that require batteries or opt for rechargeable ones.
3: Eco-Friendly Gifting:
- Consider giving upcycled decorations, native tree vouchers, or energy-saving products like LED bulbs.
- Use alternative wrapping materials, such as newspaper, fabric, or reusable gift bags.
4: Prevent Food Waste:
- Make a shopping list to avoid overbuying and wasting food.
- Find tips and recipes for using leftovers at www.stopfoodwaste.ie.
5: Recycle Right:
- Use your recycling and food waste collections properly. Ensure recyclables are clean, dry, and loose. Visit www.mywaste.ie to learn more.
- Recycle batteries and electrical waste for free. Visit https://erp-recycling.org/ie/ for more information.
- By adopting these practices, Clare residents can enjoy a greener, more sustainable Christmas while contributing to Sustainable Development Goals.
