The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA ) is urging everyone in Mayo to ‘Go Green in 2016’ and to make environmental awareness your top New Year’s resolution. Over the festive season households in Mayo are set to produce almost 1,500 tonnes of waste — that is equivalent to 1,500 small family cars. The EPA is appealing to residents to take action and make a New Year’s resolution to reduce, reuse, and recycle.
Commenting on the environmental awareness campaign, Dr Jonathan Derham, EPA, said: “The New Year presents the perfect opportunity to start afresh and re-think our attitude towards sustainable living. We can all contribute to a greener future by keeping some useful waste prevention ideas in mind. Mayo residents can all save money and cut down on the pressure placed on our environment in 2016 to incorporate and increase recycling as part of their New Year’s routine. Remember - by not generating waste, we eliminate the need to handle, transport, treat and dispose of it.”
Green tips for the festive season
(1 ) A Christmas tree is an essential part of the festive season in many homes and real trees are biodegradable, recyclable, and help to remove carbon from the atmosphere while they are growing. Check with Mayo County Council in the New Year for details of local Christmas tree recycling facilities.
(2 ) Recycle used wrapping paper and packaging, and by doing so you will help to protect the environment and support jobs.
(3 ) If you are replacing or receiving any new electronic gifts, remember you can bring old batteries back to shops where they are sold. These products have high value metals which can be reused again and again – but only if you recycle them.
(4 ) Start your New Year with a walk in your community and countryside. It is not only healthy, but it is good to remind ourselves what we are all trying to protect and enhance.
(5 ) Check out the Christmas cooking recipes prepared by well-known chefs on how to tastefully use those leftovers, and also how to shop in a way that prevents wastage of food, www.stopfoodwaste.ie
(6 ) Everyone loves a warm house at Christmas but remember to keep your curtains closed and doors shut; this will keep heat in and save energy. Also did you know; by turning your thermostat down by one degree Celsius, you not only save money but reduce your carbon footprint too.
(7 ) Bring your unused clothes, books, and toys that you may have received/gathered over the festive season to a charity shop.
(8 ) Protect your family from toxic radon gas by testing your home from radon.
Mayo County Council can direct you to your nearest recycling facilities, or check out http://www.repak.ie/recycling_facilities.php for a list of bring banks and recycling centres.
