Christmas Waste Reduction Tips

(sugestões "R" proferidas numa cerimónia da Semana Europeia Eco-Escolas - Nov/2011)

· Consider giving nonmaterial gifts which can leave a bigger impression, example gift vouchers, tickets to movies etc. Otherwise opt to buy durable gifts made from recycled material.

· Avoid useless wrapping. You can decorate an unwrapped gift by reusing used ribbon while any gift wrap can be reused next year. Always remember that wrapping paper is produced with a lot of chemical dyes that contribute to water pollution.

· Choose decorations that can be reused from year to year. Moreover, decorations can be produced by reusing material which is considered as waste such as aluminium foils, old household ornaments and used ribbon.

· Encourage children to make their own gift tags from old greetings cards during their crafts lesson.

· Buy an artificial Christmas tree which can be used for many years and reuse past decorations.

· Reuse shoeboxes instead of buying new gift boxes.

· Discourage students to give out cards to each other. Instead, the backside of used charts can be used to cover a notice board where all students can write their greetings to each other.

· Ban the use of disposables during school parties and make sure not to order excessive food and drinks.