DON’T HAVE A ‘RUBBISH’ CHRISTMAS, GET COMPOSTING!

DON’T HAVE A ‘RUBBISH’ CHRISTMAS, GET COMPOSTING!

Christmas is almost upon us and as always it’s a great excuse to over indulge ourselves with great food, the joys of present giving and partying into the night!

However, the morning after can leave you with more than a headache when you look around you at the debris and waste that the festivities have created. Rather than overfill the dustbin and pile it up for the post Christmas collection, why not take the environmentally friendly option and compost it. On average over 30% of domestic waste is compostable and this percentage rises over the Christmas period.

Home composting reduces the amount of waste sent to landfill, so to encourage households to give it a go the councils of Shropshire are offering cut-price compost bins from only £16.98 (RRP £39) plus £5.49 delivery.  For more details call 0844 571 4444 or look online at www.shropshire.getcomposting.com   

CHRISTMAS  COMPOSTING TIPS

If you already compost your organic waste here are some great tips to help you keep a good thing going over the Christmas period. You’ll be surprised how many Christmas items can be composted.

*        Make your compost mixture more a-peel-ing! At Christmas we always eat much more and produce more food waste than at any other time of the year. Your compost bin will really appreciate the peelings from your tasty winter vegetables and festive fruits such as Satsuma’s and Clementine’s

*        Warm up your worms! Wood ash from open fires can be put into your compost bin; Let it cool right down first though, you don’t want to cook the worms and other little critters working hard to produce compost for your spring veg.

*        Give your mix a Christmas present! Plain wrapping paper (non metallic/glossy/plastic/waxy) and gift tags can be scrunched up and added to the mix, but if you do, make sure you add it gradually and mix with your fruit and veg peelings to get the right balance. Cardboard packaging from Christmas toys and gifts will add fibre and structure to your bin, as well as paper napkins, Christmas crackers, inners and party hats! (But again, be careful not to include anything metallic/glittery or made from plastic film).

*        Wish your Compost bin a Happy New Year! The remnants of your New Years Eve party will also be a welcome addition to your compost bin. Nut shells, wooden cocktail sticks, paper plates and some party food packaging. Natural corks can also be added but will take longer to break down.

*        Twelfth Night! When the festivities have drawn to a close for another year, if there is any room left in your compost bin you can add those natural home made decorations, the holly and the ivy, mistletoe, paper chains and other compostable decorations.

For more information visit www.getcomposting.com