Donegal County Council is urging residents to make this Christmas both joyful and eco-friendly by practicing responsible recycling as part of its Christmas Climate Action Campaign.
Christmas is a time of giving, but it often brings a surge in waste, especially from packaging and food. To help combat this, the council encourages everyone to follow the simple steps of Refuse, Rethink, Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle. By adopting these practices, we can all contribute to a greener future.
Cllr Paul Canning, Cathaoirleach of Donegal County Council, emphasized the importance of public participation in waste reduction. “By recycling correctly this Christmas, every household can help cut emissions and protect our environment,” he said.
Residents are reminded to keep their recycling clean, dry, and loose. They can also use the Re-turn Deposit Return Scheme for drink containers, reuse decorations, and steer clear of single-use plastics.
This year, Donegal County Council is collaborating with the Loughs Agency to bring back a unique initiative. Old natural Christmas trees can be recycled to support local rivers and waterways. Last year’s program was a success, with trees now helping to reinforce the banks of the River Cummirk, preventing erosion and creating habitats for wildlife.
Ciarán McGonigle from Loughs Agency shared his excitement about the program, saying, “We’re thrilled to partner with Donegal County Council again. Last year’s trees are improving the water quality in the Cummirk River, home to vital species like Atlantic salmon.”
Lorraine Arbuckle, Climate Action Co-ordinator at Donegal County Council, noted how recycling trees benefits nature. “This initiative shows how simple actions can lead to positive outcomes. Recycling your tree helps protect our rivers, boost biodiversity, and build climate resilience in Donegal.”
Residents can drop off their Christmas trees for free at designated locations until January 24, making recycling easy and accessible. This effort aligns with the Donegal Climate Action Plan 2024–2029, aiming for climate neutrality by 2050. Small actions like recycling packaging and returning bottles can significantly contribute to this goal.
According to a recent study by the Environmental Protection Agency, about 25% more waste is produced during the holiday season compared to the rest of the year. Engaging in sustainable practices during this festive time not only helps our environment but also fosters a sense of community and responsibility.
So this Christmas, let’s celebrate by giving back to nature and our local ecosystems. By recycling and being mindful of waste, we can all play a part in building a greener Donegal.
