We’re feeling the festive energy at Bristol Energy Co-op after being out and about spreading the word about our #OwnIt share and bond offer. We thought we’d share a few tips on how to reduce waste, save money and still have fun this Christmas.What about the Christmas tree?
Most of the estimated six million Christmas trees bought in the UK this year will be thrown out as waste just weeks later. It’s a little late for this year but a good option is to grown your own tree and replant it after Christmas. Or you could follow eco blogger, Jen Gale’s lead and make a DIY tree.
Whilst we’re on the subject of trees… have you heard about the One Tree Per Child Initiative to mark Bristol 2015’s European Green Capital legacy?
Save energy
For lots of useful energy saving tips, check out the Centre for Sustainable Energy and @energy4bristol who have been crowdsourcing top #energysavingtips
Love leftovers
We love Foodcycle’s tip for Boxing Day. “Two words: Christmas. Sandwich.” We’re sold. Lots more food waste busting ideas on their website.
There are also lots of ideas on Love Food Hate Waste, including useful tips on portion sizes and your festive feast, helping you to make your budget go further too.
It’s a wrap
Beautifully wrapped presents under the tree are such Christmas tradition but they do come at a cost to the environment. There is 25% more landfill waste than usual over the festive period. Try to come up with alternative wrapping ideas such as using remnants or old maps to decorate your presents.
It’s also easy to reuse or recycle wrapping paper that you receive. Check out this blog from Bristol 2015 for lots of creative ideas.
How to deal with unwanted gifts
You’ve done your ‘gift face’ but you still don’t like that present from your well-meaning relative. Instead of leaving it unloved in the back of the cupboard, donate it to the charity shop, or even re-gift (just remember who gave you it!) It may even be time to put a stop to disposable presents and do something different. Why not cook a meal as a gift or donate to your friend’s favourite charity?
Last minute xmas present?
When buying your gifts, we advise going local. It keeps more money in the local economy which is good for your community and you’ll usually end up with something a little bit different. And if you’re lucky enough to live in Bristol, use your Bristol Pounds – up to four times more of the currency stays in the city than pounds sterling. For last minute eco Christmas gifts check out Ecojam Bristol and Bath’s top finds.
And as solar is close to our hearts, why not give someone a gift voucher for a “build your own” solar charger workshop? Find out more at Demand Energy Equality.
A gift for the future – not just for Christmas
Our new solar projects are our gift to the future – owned locally with investors and the local community sharing in the benefits. They will provide more clean energy, help reduce energy costs for 20 community buildings, and give investors a return. For only £50, you can buy a piece of a better future. And remember our #OwnIt fund-raise is not just for Christmas!
Find out how to invest in our #OwnIt fundraise:
Investment decisions must only be made on the basis of the share and bond offer documents. Your original investment capital may be at risk and any return on your investment depends on the success of Bristol Energy Cooperative’s business as a whole. You should read the offer documents in full, including the risk factors set out in the offer documents, and the terms and conditions regarding this offer at ethex.org.uk before investing. You should consider taking appropriate financial and other advice before making any investment decision.
