8 steps to a more sustainable Christmas
The negative impact that our modern civilization is having on Earth requires us to find concrete actions to transform our routines, dynamics and consumption habits, and allow us to move towards other, more sustainable models of inhabiting this planet. An excellent time to take steps in that direction is Christmas, precisely because it is the season where our consumption levels increase the most.
Although the figures vary according to each country and region, it is estimated that During Christmas, waste generation increases between 25% and 30%. In the context of Ecuador, according to figures from the EMASEO of the Municipality of Quito in 2017, 26,000 tons of waste were generated in the first half of December of that year, and for the same month, it was estimated that in the second fortnight this figure would increase up to 60 thousand tons! (and this was in 2017, imagine where the numbers are going until 2023).
We know that the numbers can be alarming. That's why the ReciVeci team thought of 10 tips to get through this Christmas in the most sustainable way we can, one step at a time.
1. Gift Wrapping: Avoid these types of paper and bags
We know that the topic of gifts is a pleasure for many and a torture for others, but it is undoubtedly one of the most difficult parts to avoid at this time.
If you choose to wrap your gifts, keep in mind that traditional wrapping papers can be recycled. We recommend that you avoid metallized papers, as well as bags that are metallized, plasticized or contain glitter/glitter (a material that has already proven to be a threat to the oceans, No for nothing is it already banned in the European Union). None of these materials are recycled and only generate more waste.
You can decorate your gifts with kraft paper, jute ribbon or even natural flowers and plants.
2. Avoid latex, plastic or paper balloons (better avoid balloons in general)
Balloon materials are not biodegradable and in fact, many of them are highly polluting. In This article and This other, you can see in more detail what chemicals are most composed of. In the first link, you will also find an experiment where they found that a single balloon traveled up to 16,970 km! without degrading (to give you an idea, take into account that it is 8,746.08 km from Quito to Spain).
After our momentary satisfaction, this material travels through skies and seas deceiving birds, fish, turtles and more animals that mistake them for food. We recommend that you look for other materials to decorate spaces or make your New Year's intentions.
3. Glass bottles, which to use and which not?
The bottles that are recycled are those for beverages and food containers that are transparent, green and amber. Beverages such as water, soft drinks, wine or beer, as well as the packaging of some food products, are 100% recyclable. Remember that glass is the only material that can be recycled in its entirety and infinitely, which contributes to the conservation of natural resources.
The glass that is not recycled and the one that we recommend you avoid, is that made of painted bottles. The paint layer hinders the recycling process, so they are only discarded to normal waste. Lee This blog that we are dedicated to the recycling of glass.
If you are in Ecuador or Peru, remember that you can directly deliver the glass to your trusted recycler, and if you are in Quito, we invite you to deliver it to our Glass Hub, the center that connects all the players in the glass management chain in the central-north region of the country.
4. Take advantage of excess material to recycle it
Cardboard boxes such as those from Panettone or where gifts come from, they can be recycled as long as they are not containing excess food or fat. They are also recycled aluminum trays such as those used to prepare turkey. Wash it and deliver it directly to a basic recycler so you can recycle it.
Avoid expanded polystyrene trays (or flex foam), which are not recyclable.
5. Choose sustainable toys for children
Did you know that most plastics in children's toys? It is not recycled? Instead, we recommend choosing other options such as wooden toys, second-hand toys or gifts made by local artisans, products that are not only unique and special, but also contribute to reducing your carbon footprint, since they are produced in your community. Another option is to give away experiences instead of objects.
6. Candy wrappers: Look for bulk options
The Christmas season often goes hand in hand with the consumption of candies and candies, many of which come in packages that are difficult to recycle and that contribute to the problem of plastic waste, also giving off microplastics that remain in the environment, landfills and ecosystems.
To reduce this impact, consider searching bulk candies. This choice not only reduces the amount of plastic wrappers that are discarded, but it also allows you to enjoy a greater diversity of candies without compromising the environment.
7. Donate what you no longer use
On the path of recycling, you learn that every material that exists has a value even if it is no longer useful to us, so another of the tips we offer you is donate and rotate things that you no longer use. Always remember to deliver clothes, toys, household items, etc., in good condition and washed. Thus, you help each material to continue to have a useful life and you contribute to its circularity.
8. Recycle with ReciVici We recover your recyclable material this holiday season with ReciFestividades!
This December at ReciveCi we launched our line ReciFestivities, the collection service for the collection of recyclable material generated at dinners and family or corporate parties, to be collected by basic recyclers. For this reason, we will organize collection routes and facilitate everything so that more material can be recovered and returned to the recycling chains.
Only during December 2023 will this service be completely free thanks to the sponsorship of Latitude R.
At ReciVeci we connect all the actors in the waste management chain, and we link everything to the work of those who recover this material, that is, basic recyclers. When they are given clean, dry and classified material, a lot of time in their lives is saved between having to mine in the garbage to get it, and then washing and sorting it. Remember that 100% of the profits go to your pockets, and that at ReciveCi we do not profit from the sale of this material.
Whether you choose our ReciFestivities service or if you decide to recycle through the ReciApp This Christmas, we invite you to reduce the amount of packaging, plastics and unnecessary and non-recyclable material that end up in landfills and oceans.
Thank you for reading! and from ReciVeci we wish you beautiful parties.
Sources:
- EMASEO - Christmas season increases waste generation.
- World Bank Report: Global Waste Will Grow by 70% by 2050, Unless Urgent Measures Are Taken
- Telesur: Christmas and its impact on the environment
- National Geographic: the ban on microplastics in the EU puts an end to glitter
- The Natural Wheel: the least fun part of balloons
- Green Ecology: Do balloons pollute?
