The Edinburgh Reporter December 2021

10 NEWS
ADVERTORIAL
Have a greener Christmas...
...to help cut impact on the environment – says Cllr Adam McVey
THE COUNCIL’S NEW Green Christmas
campaign encourages Edinburgh folk to
consider their impact on the environment by
having a less wasteful Christmas.
The recent COP26 climate conference in
Glasgow brought to our attention just how
much of an impact the climate crisis will
have on our everyday lives– from the food
we eat and the buildings we use, to our
health and wellbeing.
Our new ‘Green Christmas’ campaign will
build on the interest in climate action and
momentum gathered by COP26 by
encouraging people in every part of
Edinburgh to buy more responsibly and
avoid waste where possible over the
festive season.
And, with four out of five people in
Edinburgh agreeing that we all have a
responsibility to cut down on waste this
Christmas, there’s lots we can all do to make
a difference from choosing local suppliers
and products, asking for pre-loved or
homemade gifts and cutting down
on food waste.
The Edinburgh Reuse Map, which was
developed in partnership with Changeworks
is also a fantastic way to discover where
items can be sourced second hand, or for
free, fixed, donated or even upcycled –
helping to cut down on waste.
And then there’s the questions we can all
stop and ask ourselves such as; How
sustainable is this item? Can I find this
second hand? How long will it be loved for?
And, do I really need it? All of which will help
to make sure that any purchase we make is
good for the planet.
These changes do add up, and, as well as
being good for the environment, can often
save you time and money too. For example,
planning your meals ahead of time, so you
only buy the food you need can help save
you up to £437 a year.
Cllr Adam
McVey, Leader
of The City of
Edinburgh Council
So why is this important to the city?
Edinburgh was the first city in Scotland to
declare a climate emergency in 2019, and
has set a goal to become net zero by 2030.
It’s a really ambitious target, and one which
will benefit our health and wellbeing, reduce
the impact that our every day actions have
on the environment and help us play our
part in tackling the climate crisis. And the
message is clear – there’s lots to do and we
all have a part to play in helping create a
cleaner, greener city for future generations.
Look out for the billboards, the bus shelter
ads, the Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and
Nextdoor content about this – there will be
lots to see in the next few weeks.
There’s also helpful information and tips
available on our website including details on
recycling and Christmas tree uplifts, plastic
free and second-hand shops across the city
and inspiration on how to buy less, choose
well and make things last. And, to all of you
who do choose to make these positive
changes and cut down on your waste over
the Christmas period, thank you. Together
we can make a difference.