SHOP LOCAL this Christmas

Many of us are looking for creative ways to feel the festive cheer without costing the earth. Herts WasteAware are sharing suggestions for low-cost gift buying (https://www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/services/recycling-wasteand-environment/recycling-and-waste/wasteaware-campaigns/shop-local.aspx) whilst supporting local makers, bakers and businesses. Buying from small independent businesses puts money back into local communities while you receive unique, locally produced gifts and food.

mean no further purchases of disposable wipes are needed. To buy these and other reusable items, visit one of the many refill and zero waste shops (https://www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/services/ recycling-waste-and-environment/recyclingand-waste/wasteaware-campaigns/ reusables.aspx) around the county where you can also fill up or buy packaging free ingredients, gifts and more.

Our guide to minimising waste (https://www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/ media-library/documents/waste/ christmas-waste-leaflet-pdf-1.2mb.pdf) at Christmas is choc-full of ideas, tips and suggestions to help us all be big on giving yet small on our environmental impact. Check our Christmas webpage (https://www.hertfordshire.gov. uk/services/recycling-waste-andenvironment/recycling-and-waste/ wasteaware-campaigns/christmas/ recycle-this-christmas.aspx) for how to reduce waste this festive season, and try Pinterest for ideas-a-plenty on homemade goodies for loved ones.

With the climate cost also increasingly on our minds, our webpage shares options for local experiences and making memories without accumulating physical items. Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals might seem too good to be true, but often it’s only a good deal if you were planning to buy the item anyway. Many articles confirm that better deals are available throughout the year, and that many purchases are never even used. Avoid impulse buy which might just mean spending money you otherwise wouldn’t be.

The wider cost is also clear: Ethical Consumer reports that in 2021, sales from this one weekend of online shopping alone were predicted to release nearly 390,000 tonnes carbon, equivalent of 215 flights between London and Sydney!

Sometimes, by spending a little more up front, you can radically reduce ongoing costs. Gifting reusable make-up wipes for example

Keep in touch

Buying new isn’t the only option. A visit to one of the county council’s Reuse Shops (https://www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/services/ recycling-waste-and-environment/recyclingand-waste/where-can-i-recycle/reuse.aspx) could see you pick up a green bargain instead. There are four reuse shops around the county, inside the Ware, Waterdale, Stevenage and Harpenden recycling centres (https://www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/ services/recycling-waste-and-environment/ recycling-and-waste/where-can-i-recycle/ household-waste-recycling-centres/ household-waste-recycling-centres-localtips.aspx) selling furniture, toys, bikes, DVDs, mirrors and more. If you’re clearing out before Christmas, unwanted items in good condition can be put in dedicated reuse containers at any recycling centre.

Christmas can be a stressful time and this year might be more stressful than ever for some. The county council and its partners are Here For You this winter

(https://www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/services/ adult-social-services/news-and-campaigns/ here-for-you-this-winter.aspx) with a dedicated webpage to find support including money advice, warm spaces and support for your health and wellbeing. For advice on how to make a fantastic Christmas meal without the waste, the interactive ‘portion planner’ calculator (https://www.lovefoodhatewaste. com/foods-and-recipes/food-portioncalculator-your-guide-perfect-portion-sizes) from Love Food Hate Waste is excellent, and their ultimate guide to Christmas food planning (https://www.lovefoodhatewaste. com/blog/ultimate-guide-christmas-foodplanning) is worth a read too.

We’d love to hear ways that you make changes at Christmas to feel festive while being mindful of the impact our celebrations can have on our finances and environment.

Sign up to our monthly e-bulletin https://www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/updateme/ @HertsWasteAware @HertsWasteAware www.wasteaware.org.uk