Dear sir,
As we approach Christmas, I thought I’d have a little research on how to be more eco-friendly and what resources are in our town to help people that may be struggling.
I’ve noticed a few study days where people can access ideas on waste reduction, plastic reduction, money saving tips and craft ideas.
The first is Thursday 24th November at the Railway Inn, Mossley 7-9pm. Hosted by Congleton Climate Action group. The event is completely free. It will be a relaxed evening where people can share ideas and practical tips on how you can reduce your impact and save money. The group will also show you how to make an upcycled Christmas decoration. Everyone is welcome. You can find and book your place on Facebook or Eventbrite.
HerSpace are hosting a Christmas wrapping workshop where you can learn about eco friendly ways of reusing paper, making your own tags and using other materials you have around the house to wrap presents. HerSpace is a local business that arranges events for local ladies to get to know each other. Head over to the HerSpace website for more details on how to join. The night is hosted by local company ‘Curious Crafts’ who are an amazing Congleton based company that teach arts and crafts that are eco-friendly. They are also hosting a Foraged Xmas Wreaths workshops. These can be found on their website.
The Old Saw Mill is hosting a Christmas decoration making workshop on Wednesday 23rd November 11-4pm. You can learn how to make sourdough decorations.
Food waste can also be a huge issue around Christmas time. Cheshire wildlife Trust have shared ideas on how to reduce your food waste;
Plan your meals around using up food that has a short shelf life. If there is a sad looking broccoli at the back of the fridge then maybe it's time for soup
Freeze it. If you're not going to eat it in the next few days, stick it in the freezer. This can make a big difference with items like bread, cake, milk and much more. Just check the label
If you have leftovers from dinner stick them in the freezer or have them for lunch the next day.
Only buy what you need. Plan your meals so that you're not buying food you won't get around to eating.
Compost leftover veg scraps. There is a local composting group called ‘Cheshire east composting and wormery’ Facebook page that shares lot of tips on how to compost at home.
Don't have the space for compost? Make stock with your leftover bits of veg!
Store food correctly. Bananas, avocados and tomatoes produce a gas that encourages other fruit to ripen. So, if you don't want an overipe fruit bowl, keep those bananas separate.
Preserve food. Drying, fermenting and pickling are great ways to make things last.
Save the seeds from your fruit and veg and plant them out in the spring.
Pick ugly fruit and veg. It all tastes the same but a lot of this is thrown away. You can also sign up for a local veg box scheme. I highly recommend Gaz Lewis, based on Edinburgh Road for locally sourced veg boxes.
Use reusable advent calendars instead of shop brought ones that end up in landfill.
Reducing how much food you throw away will save you money and encourage you to eat healthier. Food waste generates about 8% of global greenhouse gas emissions.
Unwanted gifts are often a part of Christmas Day. Martin Lewis recently released a good clip around the exchanging of unwanted and usually expensive gifts that get people into money troubles at Christmas.
He recommended banning the unnecessary Christmas gifts, by simply telling friends not to purchase anything, which he describes as ‘tit for tat’ giving. He described it as ‘we need to get off this gift giving treadmill, sometimes the best gift is removing the obligation of purchasing unwanted gifts, especially for the ever expanding list of friends, cousins, teachers.’
He also recommended giving ‘useful’ gifts such as experiences. Cheshire wildlife trust, the Woodland Trust and Plantlife allow you to gift a years membership.
Many people now also stop sending excess Christmas cards and instead donate to charities. There are many local charities that are struggling due to the cost of living crisis and huge energy bills, so any donation to a local charity would always be of huge benefit, no matter how small the donation.
If anyone is struggling to afford children’s toys this year, join the Facebook page of ‘Congleton Toy recycling scheme’ where all toys are completely free. This massive reduces the expense as well as the packaging issues with brand new toys. If you have anything to donate it would be gratefully received.
Congleton and Alsager churches are both doing a gift service at the beginning of December. Donations go to a variety of places including the David Lewis centre, Crewe women’s refuge and local food banks to be shared with children in need.
Congleton children and baby library are looking for donations that they can use to loan out to families. They provide an excellent loan service where you can borrow toys and items that are in great condition.
Sharon and Stuart Nield, owners of Congleton Radio are also advertising NSPCC Christmas gift project. Head to their Facebook page to see where gifts can be donated for children and teenagers that are in need.
If you are an individual in need, Congleton has the Inclosure Trust where people can apply for a grant. The website is : https://www.congletoninclosuretrust.org.uk/ to see if you are eligible.
Many thanks
Lisa Miller
Green Party
Comentários