22nd December 2006

Cllr Martin Whiteside, the Green party's Parliamentary spokesperson for Stroud, today urged the County to ‘think before they bin’ this Christmas! In less than two hours the UK produces enough waste to fill the Albert Hall, and that’s not including the wrapping paper, decorations and empty bottles generated during the festive season!

Photo: What a waste - Copyrighted photo reprinted here with permission of Seattle-based photographer Chris Jordan. See more photos.

Martin Whiteside, who is also a Stroud District councillor, said "This time of year can be one of the most wasteful seasons but with doorstop collections, bottle banks and other recycling centres, there really is no excuse for us not to reuse and recycle resources. It really is quite simple for everyone to make a difference and ensure this festive season is the Greenest ever."

Just one recycled can saves enough energy to run a TV set for three hours and recycling one bottle will power a 100 watt light bulb for almost 1 hour! As much as 83 km of wrapping paper, that’s enough to cover an area larger than Guernsey, will be sent to the rubbish bin over Christmas so its vital that when unwrapping gifts we remember to recycle as much as possible. Recycling just one glass bottle saves enough energy to power a washing machine for 10 minutes.

Martin Whiteside said "Climate change grows more serious every day and we simply can not afford to ignore this over the festive season. By thinking before we throw we can all look forward to a greener 2007."

And don't forget after Christmas for those in Stroud District: 

Stroud District Council's usual recycling collection service for Christmas Trees will be in operation between Friday 29th December and Monday 15th January 2007. Large skips will be located throughout the District. Trees will be taken away for shredding and composted locally. Skips will be removed from Monday 15th January 2007

Christmas cards can be taken to Tesco and W.H. Smith from 1st January.

And don't forget the kerbside recycling service includes the collection of household non-rechargeable batteries, please bag separately at top of box. 

Banks for the recycling of cardboard are located at Council Car park Cainscross and in Cam.

  Recycling Helpline:  01453 754424