ECO CAMBRIDGE
“Food waste is a huge contribution to climate change and the Christmas holiday season is a peak time as we overfill our fridges and cupboards,” states Kelly. “Food takes a lot of resources to produce, grow and transport to our plates, and wasted food releases a lot of greenhouse gases as it breaks down. To avoid overbuying and wasting food, try writing and sticking to a shopping list or meal plan, find new recipes to use up leftovers and freeze food that can be incorporated into other meals. You can also contact your local food bank to see what may be donated.” FOOD, GLORIOUS FOOD
Deck the halls
Decorating one’s home is undoubtedly a highlight of Christmas, but not all that glitters is gold: try to reuse tinsel each year to avoid encouraging more production of this environmental foe, and use what you already have or upcycle decorations rather than buying new ones. Paper chains, dried orange slices and foliage wreaths make great festive, eco-friendly options. Keep an eye out for decoration workshops taking place around Cambridge throughout the month; these include wreath-making workshops at Gastrono-me on 2 December, Wandlebury Country Park on 3 and 4 December, Turing Locke on 6 December, plus Station Tavern on 7 and 10 December.
SPRUCING THINGS UP When it comes to the Christmas tree, real spruces are the way to go. Artificial trees are made from non-sustainable, petroleum-derived plastics and need to be kept for over ten years to be more energy-efficient than a real tree. While cutting down trees isn’t good for the environment either, it’s worth noting that Christmas trees are grown as a crop and provide natural habitats for wildlife, absorbing carbon dioxide as they mature. After the festivities, recycle your tree rather than taking it to the tip – where it releases methane as it decomposes. Go to a recycling point, or sign up to schemes run by the Cambridge Christmas Tree Company or Arthur Rank Hospice Charity.
Dress to impress Part of the fun of the holiday season is dressing up for parties, from work dos and Christmas shindigs with friends to New Year’s Eve celebrations. The draw towards shiny, sparkly materials is undeniable – but while they look amazing, they often aren’t so dazzling for the planet.
Sequins are one of the worst culprits: made of PVC plastic, which generates lots of plastic waste in production, sequins contain chemicals called phthalates that can disrupt hormonal systems in animals and humans if they enter the food chain. This happens all too easily, since sequins often become detached in the wash, ending up in the soil and waterways where they are mistakenly consumed by animals. That doesn’t mean you can’t look spectacular at Christmas. If you already have sequinned items, reuse or pass them on to those seeking some sparkle for their NYE party. The same goes for the rest of your festive fashion; rather than buying new, re-wear an outfit, accessorise to give it a new look, swap outfits with a friend – or head to a charity/vintage shop for a pre-loved bargain. Some of our favourites in Cambridge include Scope on Burleigh Street and The Serpentine Swap on Norfolk Street!
A growing trend is to rent a Christmas tree, which involves returning the tree to the supplier in the new year to be replanted – so there’s no waste involved!
CAMBSEDITION.CO.UK DECEMBER 2022 73
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