Britain will provide clean water, food, medical care and blankets to millions of Syrians, including those who have fled Aleppo, been caught up in the current fighting and displaced in neighbouring Jordan, International Development Secretary Priti Patel announced yesterday. Continue reading More UK aid heading to Aleppo
Make this Christmas waste-free
Zero Waste Scotland is calling on Scots to make this Christmas memorable with pre-loved presents and personal style.
Christmas may be the time when most of us put on a few pounds around the middle and lose quite a few from our wallets. While perhaps we may resign ourselves to the first, there is a way to make the second a little less painful – or less wasteful at least.
According to figures from Zero Waste Scotland, Scots are expected to send more than 95 million Christmas cards this year; that’s enough to fill over 13,000 wheelie bins. Meanwhile around 19,000 miles of wrapping paper will be used across the country – enough to wrap the coast of mainland Scotland more than two and a half times. And that’s not even including food waste, with more than 50,000 tonnes of food and drink expected to be binned in Scotland during the month of December alone.
Scots are being encouraged to make Christmas 2016 a waste-conscious one by taking into account simple considerations when doing their shopping – thinking about how they will use up excess food and considering whether the cards and wrapping they buy can be recycled or re-used.
When it comes to gifts, buying trends are edging towards waste-free alternatives. The popularity of gift experiences continues to grow, with practical presents such as upcycling, sewing classes and repair skills appealing as equally as adventure gifts and spa days to those keen for a more meaningful gesture. Meanwhile new leasing and borrowing options are emerging, with trendy presents such as leasing Lego and tool library memberships providing unique and useful gifts for a wide range of ages and interests.
Iain Gulland, Chief Executive of Zero Waste Scotland, said: “Giving Christmas presents is such an enjoyable thing to do, and no-one likes the idea of them going to waste. Scotland is really leading the way on growing the circular economy, so it’s fantastic to see gift options emerging that let people give more meaningful presents that are unique and better for the environment.”
For inspiration on finding waste-free or waste reducing gifts this Christmas, see our 10 tips below:
Buy pre-loved
Visit second-hand shops to find unique gifts that are built to last. Check out our list of Revolve certified stores – Scotland’s national re-use quality standard for retailers
Make memories
Go for an experience – like gig tickets, a fancy meal out, a hot air balloon trip or spa day – rather than material things for an unforgettable gift.
Add a personal touch
Tailor your wrapping paper by personality and give your gifts some flair. Wrap your fashionable friend’s gift using an old copy of Vogue, for example, or re-use old comics to wrap kids’ Christmas presents.
Make things last
Cut down on paper waste by sending e-cards or buying cards made from recycled paper.
Add value
Give someone the gift that keeps on giving. Memberships or courses, such as sewing, upholstery or bike maintenance, give people the chance to develop a skill as well as indulging in a hobby or passion.
Pay it forward
Received a gift you don’t need but don’t want to ask for the receipt? Return it for an exchange, re-gift it if someone else would love it, sell it online or feel great and donate it to charity.
Combine and conquer
Have fun, save money and get a gift you actually want with a friends and family Secret Santa. Put names in a hat along with a hint of what you would like.
Make your own
Get creative and give someone a one of a kind gift. Are you a keen cook? Cakes, jams and chutneys can make useful and thoughtful presents, and cut down on food waste.
Shop smart
Plan your meals before you go food shopping. Writing a list makes sure you don’t overbuy saves you money and prevents food waste.
Be green
Opt for solar power outdoor lights where possible and remember to turn your Christmas lights off when you’re out or in bed.
For more inspiration on unusual eco-friendly gifts, from a remanufactured Polaroid camera to leasing Lego, visit the Zero Waste Scotland website.
The Scottish Government has hosted an energy summit with representatives from the ‘Big Six’ energy companies looking at ways to help low income households living in fuel poverty. Continue reading Big Six summit addresses fuel poverty
Historic Environment Scotland (HES) are asking members of the public to help commemorate unrepresented figures from the country’s past. Continue reading Your chance to rewrite history!
Residents at a sheltered and owner occupied housing complex in Comely Bank were treated to a special lunch to celebrate a major anniversary in the history of the site recently. Continue reading Celebrations at Carlyle Court
An internationally-important seat of learning from the Scottish Enlightenment which fell into dereliction and was painstakingly dismantled to be reconstructed two miles across the ity has received the royal seal of approval. It’s both the oldest and the newest building at the Botanics, and the magnificent Botanic Cottage was officially opened by Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal yesterday.
Saved by a community campaign, the Georgian cottage was reconstructed with the express intention of nurturing public engagement so it was appropriate that those welcoming Her Royal Highness included school pupils and community groups.
Volunteers from the Edible Gardening Project were on hand, as were the community activists who fought for the building to be saved, those involved with the reconstruction and RBGE staff who had roles to play in the venture. Main funders, including representatives of the Heritage Lottery Fund were also introduced.
Lucy Casot, Head of the Heritage Lottery Fund in Scotland, said: “Thanks to players of the National Lottery, Botanic Cottage has a new lease of life. It will be a lively, welcoming hub where young and old, many with more challenges in life than others, can be inspired by these wonderful gardens and collections. We are delighted to have played our part in this project and look forward to seeing Botanic Cottage blossom.”
The Princess was hosted by Regius Keeper Simon Milne MBE who introduced her to key people in the building’s recent history, from its rescue on Leith Walk in 2008 through the wholesale move and traditional rebuild to those who have established it as a new centre for community and education work at the Garden’s Inverleith site.
Mr Milne commented: “The completion of the Botanic Cottage is such a wonderful achievement for everyone involved in getting the building from Leith to Inverleith and bringing it back to life as a focus for education and community work. Today has provided well-deserved recognition to the team and we were all delighted to have had the opportunity to welcome The Princess Royal.”
Finance Secretary Derek Mackay has unveiled a ‘budget for growth and public services’ as he announced new investment in healthcare, education and local services, combined with support for jobs through lower business rates. However opposition parties are less than impressed with the SNP plans and it’s likely that the government will have to rely on the support of the Greens to get their budget passed.
Continue reading A budget for ‘growth and public services’ – or a ‘massive con’?
Scotland’s social enterprises can add to their £1.68 billion economic value by accessing global markets, Communities and Equalities Secretary Angela Constance has said. Continue reading Social enterprises ‘can drive inclusive growth’
It’s the blame game. Local government blames Holyrood for cuts to services. Holyrood blames Westminster. Westminster says it’s Holyrood’s fault – and so the cycle goes on. And on. And on. And while the various democratic structures pass the buck, communities continue to suffer – and, as ever, the poorest communities suffer most …
COSLA President Councillor David O’Neill said that Council Leaders had given COSLA a very clear message over the course of the last week that the Scottish Government have to treat local government fairly in tomorrow’s settlement announcement. Continue reading COSLA: give us a break
