Environmental organisation WRAP explores how to have a sustainable Christmas

For Day 2 of Bdaily’s Twelve Days of Christmas News, we look at environmental organisation WRAP’s report detailing the ways in which Christmas impacts the environment, and how everyone can give a gift to the Earth this year.

The statement issued by WRAP reads: “45 per cent of the UK’s greenhouse gas emissions come from the way we consume; so by making small changes this Christmas to the things we buy, the clothes we wear, the food we eat and how we dispose of products, we are making a great contribution to both tackling climate change and living in harmony with Nature.”

For example, for every two tonnes of food produced globally, one tonne goes to waste. In the UK, 70 per cent of food waste comes from our homes with a value of around £14 billion a year, and a cost of 25 million tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions. Therefore, the country wastes 4.5 million tonnes of food annually.

Another highlight from the report establishes that, every year, an estimated 336,000 tonnes of used clothing is thrown away by people living in the UK. Over 50 per cent of the UK public are “concerned about the environmental impact of their clothes”.

Shoppers are said to now be looking for inventive new retail options that prolong the life of clothes including vouchers for clothing exchanges (46 per cent), and pre-loved clothes (41 per cent).

Marcus Gover, CEO, WRAP said: “2021 saw the climate crisis grab global attention with COP26 focused on the large international commitments on issues like methane, coal and forests. Individuals may feel removed from the climate action on this scale and even question what difference they can personally make in the face of such challenges.

“Yet nearly half of all greenhouse gas emissions are associated with the food and products we buy so the choices we make in our daily lives really are critical for protecting our planet. Our tips show how you can make a real difference while still enjoying a great Christmas.”

Resources and waste minister, Jo Churchill, added: “It is incredibly important that we understand how we can do our own bit to have a more sustainable Christmas. From buying gifts at local shops to using food leftovers and recycling wrapping paper, we can all take simple steps to enjoy the festive period in an environmentally friendly way.”

WRAP will continue its work via Love Food Hate Waste, Recycle Now and Love Your Clothes throughout 2022. The second Food Waste Action Week will run from March 7 - 13, and the annual Recycle Week is back from September 19 - 25, 2022.

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