Holiday Waste Initiatives

We can afford it

In the wake of climate change, one organization that deals first-hand with waste and pollution is urging citizens to give the gift of time this Christmas, not stuff.

Berlin’s rubbish collection service recently launched an advertising campaign that discusses the impact of shopping less, eating leftovers rather than tossing them out and helping out a neighbor in need. The campaign asks viewers to avoid single-use plastic cups "when ceramic ones will do," pointing out the 20,000 disposable cups thrown out every hour in Berlin.

It suggests people who want to give an actual gift can make their own such as making chutney or knitting a scarf, wrapping the present in upcycled newspapers rather than plastic packaging. The waste management firm concludes: “Help us make this a rubbish-reduced Christmas.”