Donegal County Council is encouraging residents to enjoy a joyful and eco-friendly Christmas this year. With the holiday season often leading to a surge in waste, it’s important to recycle responsibly and make choices that benefit our planet.
“Christmas brings joy, but it can also mean more packaging and food waste,” said Paul Canning, Cathaoirleach of Donegal County Council. The council emphasizes the importance of following simple principles: Refuse, Rethink, Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle. Each small step can help create a more sustainable future for everyone.
As part of its Christmas Climate Action Campaign, Donegal aims to engage the community in waste reduction. The council reminds residents to keep all recycling clean, dry, and loose. Using the Re-turn Deposit Return Scheme for drinks containers, reusing decorations, and avoiding single-use plastics can significantly cut down on waste.
This year, residents can also recycle their natural Christmas trees, which will be repurposed to benefit local rivers and wildlife. Trees collected through this initiative will help stabilize riverbanks and provide habitats for various species, enhancing our local ecosystem. Ciarán McGonigle from the Loughs Agency highlights the success of last year’s pilot program, noting that trees have already aided the River Cummirk, a vital area for Atlantic salmon.
“Recycling your Christmas tree is a simple way to give back to nature,” said Lorraine Arbuckle, Climate Action Coordinator at Donegal County Council. “These actions help strengthen biodiversity and support our climate goals.”
Residents can recycle trees for free at designated locations throughout Donegal until January 24. Such initiatives align with the Donegal Climate Action Plan 2024–2029, which outlines 139 actions aimed at reducing emissions and fostering a circular economy.
With the goal of achieving climate neutrality by 2050, Donegal County is working to make a difference. This Christmas, let’s all be conscious of our choices. For more details on tree recycling locations, check out Donegal County Council’s website.
As we embrace this festive spirit, remember that every little bit helps. Recycling and being mindful of our waste can lead to meaningful change for our environment.
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