“The amount of waste we produce and our main methods of disposal are currently not sustainable” says David Jacobs, a leading expert in ecology. The production, treatment and disposal of waste can all harm the environment. This is not just because of the problems with landfill, incineration or other disposal options – it is because we use new resources to replace ones we have thrown out. It is estimated that for every tonne of waste produced in our homes, five tonnes has already been produced in manufacturing and 10 tonnes at the point where the raw materials were extracted. About 600 million tonnes of raw resources are used in the UK per year, 570 million tonnes of which ends up as waste losses through energy, water, solid wastes as well as other emissions. How much energy has REALLY been wasted when you throw your old things away?
Another way in which we see that Christmas is too wasteful is how much electrical energy is wasted at this time of year. About 90% of household electrical appliances will end up in a landfill site, where they will lay dormant for almost 10,000 years. 70% of all electrical items in the average house will be left on standby for days on end during the Christmas period. This will not only cost the homeowner and ‘bill payer’, but highly polluting the atmosphere with deadly Carbon Dioxide gas. These gases are contributing to global warming, a worldwide crisis caused by a higher output of gases by power stations to meet the demands of the public. The amount of waste we produce can ultimately affect the future. All we must simply do is switch things off after using. Are you going to let the next generation down by ruining their planet?
One of the most wasted things during Christmas is food. Around the world, and in our country itself, there are people living outside with no food or shelter. Yet the amount of food wasted is ridiculous. This is arguably the worst luxury to put to waste. Shops are said to be selling over 16 million turkeys, 12 million jars of pickle and over 830 million sprouts, 5,700 tonnes of which are eaten and 8,500 tonnes thrown away. What’s even more shocking is that altogether, up to 40% of all food bought in the UK at Christmas will be thrown away. How can you take something like food for granted?
Though it may not seem it, a lot of money can be put forward into something else. The average family spends over £900 on gifts, decorations and food. Christmas should be celebrated by all, yet the simple truth is that only a few of us are fortunate enough to have a real Christmas and loved ones to spend it with. Money can go to charities that prepare a Christmas for homeless and poor people as well as countries abroad where your money can go towards food and livestock for families. Just £6 is enough to pay for 100 children’s school meals in Africa for one day. So image what millions altogether can do. Would you give a few pounds to save lives and give a deserving child a real Christmas?
Christmas has recently become too materialistic and the reality remains that, at the current rate, the disposal and costs we incur are not sustainable. Action needs to be taken. So make this year count. Save money. Save the environment. Are you willing to have a green Christmas?
