Midlands: The West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) is encouraging everyone across the region to look at ways of cutting their carbon footprint to make this Christmas, in the year of the UK hosting COP26, the most sustainable yet.
The handy guide featuring a dozen top tips helps people make a positive impact on the environment and save money.
The top tips, which are being featured on the WMCA’s social media channels and website are designed to help people play their part in supporting the ambitious #WM2041 target to make the West Midlands a net zero region within the next 20 years.
Some of the tips for a sustainable Christmas include:
- Reusing wrapping paper or buying 100% recycled wrapping paper where possible.
- Introducing some vegetarian or vegan items into your Christmas dinner.
- Using up all the Christmas dinner left-overs. There is a massive selection of zero-waste festive ideas from the Soil Association.
- Supporting West Midlands businesses by buying from independent sellers, donating to local food banks, or choosing a nearby click and collect option rather than delivery.
- Getting involved in the growing trend of renting your clothes. Outfits from high street retailers can be rented from https://www.hirestreetuk.com/ to save space in your wardrobe and ensure clothes get used an appropriate amount.
Cllr Ian Courts, leader of Solihull Council and WMCA portfolio holder for the environment, said “Christmas is just around the corner and I do hope, with everything that is going on, a good time can be had by all. It is important for us to consider the environmental impact of the festive period, and by making just a few small changes to regular festive activities, we can make a big difference.
“Whether it be a making a choice to ‘go local’ by purchasing gifts and produce from local traders, reusing or recycling our wrapping paper, or thinking smarter about our food waste, every little choice helps towards the greater good.”
To see the full list of top tips for a sustainable Christmas, visit the WMCA’s social media channels or click visit our dedicated webpage here.
