Eco Club promotes sustainable Christmas

December 7th 2020

Pipers Eco Club, named HOPE (Helping Others Protect the Environment) have launched a Christmas message this year, encouraging everyone to "remember the environment this Christmas".

The students, with the help of our Environmentalist-in-Residence Mr Williams, have made the following eco-friendly suggestions.

FOOD
Buy locally grown and produced UK food and support British Farmers. Last year we wasted £62,000,000 of edible food on Christmas day alone. Please don’t waste food and remember to compost all your food preparation waste.

LEFT OVER CHRISTMAS FOODS
There are some excellent recipes for using left over Christmas foods.

CHRISTMAS TREES
If you have a live tree please make sure it was grown locally and buy one that can be transplanted outside. If your tree cannot be replanted please remember to use your local council tree recycling centre.

PRESENTS
When buying presents look at environmental and socially responsible products such as: Fairtrade, Oxfam, CAFOD, WWF (UK) there are many other responsible charities and groups.

CLOTHING
Check that any clothing bought is produced ethically and is not 'Fast Fashion' that exploits regions of the world including using child labour.

CHRISTMAS CARDS
Glitter on cards and wrapping means they cannot be recycled. Why not use e-cards or buy cards only made from recycled or reused material.

WRAPPING PAPER
Try to cut down on the amount of wrapping paper you use. Try using reusable bags.

UNUSUAL SOCIALLY RESPONSIBLE GIFTS
Why not give a special present such as sponsoring an acre of Tropical Rainforest to protect it from deforestation. A worthwhile charity being Rainforest Concern. There are also other rainforest charities.

Why not sponsor a Orangutan through WWF (UK) or sponsor a toilet for people in Africa? You can also donate to a special UK charity such as the Salvation Army.

ENVIRONMENTAL PLEDGE
Earlier this year, HOPE asked families connected to Pipers School to make an environmental pledge - one change that would make life in their homes more environmentally friendly. They were very grateful that so many took part, with many telling HOPE they would reduce their family's use of single-use plastics. They would love to hear more about your pledges - please email [email protected].

In January, students can look out for an invite to take part in the 2021 pledge scheme.

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