Energy & Climate
Behind the Christmas lights
Family quiz fodder or just good to know – here are 12 festive facts from National Grid.
25 December 2024
The festive season is here – a time for joy, generosity, and celebration. However, it’s also a time when waste levels skyrocket, putting strain on our environment.
Data from an industry-leading waste management company reveal the UK discards 263,000 turkeys and 7.5 million mince pies at Christmas – and that 30% more waste is produced during Christmas compared with the rest of the year.
Waste Managed is calling on households and communities across the UK to embrace sustainable practices this Christmas to reduce the environmental impact of the holidays.
Waste Managed has shared some eye-opening statistics on the true impact of Christmas.
Over 160,000 tonnes of Christmas trees are discarded annually, emitting over 100,000 tonnes of methane when left to rot.
Festive packaging generates immense waste, with 114,000 tonnes of recyclable materials wrongly binned.
Additionally, food waste is also a major issue, with Brits throwing away 263,000 turkeys, 7.5 million mince pies, enough gravy to fill an Olympic-sized swimming pool, over 10 million carrots and 11.5 million potatoes.
These excesses come at a financial cost; £26 million is spent on disposing of Christmas waste in the UK each year.
Households spend an average of £400 on food, drink, and decorations, much of which goes to waste.
Unwanted gifts, totalling £700 million, often end up in landfill within months.
‘This Christmas, let’s celebrate the season of giving in a way that also gives back to our planet.
‘Every small action makes a difference. Whether it’s reusing gift bags, composting your Christmas tree, or planning meals to avoid food waste, these changes add up to a big impact. Christmas is a time for joy and giving, and we believe that by adopting more sustainable practices, we can give something back to the planet too.’STEVE TRAVISS
Sustainability expert at Waste Managed
Family quiz fodder or just good to know – here are 12 festive facts from National Grid.
Follow these tips to avoid food waste and improve recycling this Christmas.
An estimated 25 million Christmas toys are neglected by UK children by the end of January.
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