Sustainable Christmas at the Organic Centre

Over the festive season the Irish public is in danger of producing more waste relative to any other time of the year, including excess food, packaging and wrapping. Ireland in 2022 was believed to generate 97,000 tonnes of packaging waste according to ‘Repak Ireland’. Their survey of 2,653 shoppers examined attitudes towards sustainability at Christmas. They revealed that 93% received gifts that they didn't use. Yet many people still planned to buy multiple gifts, 29% buying between 6-9 and 31% between 10-15 presents. Every Irish family throws away €700 worth of good food each year according to ‘My Waste Ireland’. Luckily they help with tips to reduce waste including suggesting planning meals and freezing any excess food, reusing packaging and even decking the halls with natural rather than plastic decorations!

With this in mind international volunteers from the Organic Centre in Leitrim have been making Christmas decorations from natural materials, including acorns, drift wood and upcycled materials. A Christmas tree was made from an upcycled wooden pallet, paper snowflakes hang from the ceiling, garlands made from willow, holly and dried fruit,  reindeers and animals from foraged debris and foliage. 

The volunteers who come from different countries in Europe say that a lot of the work they have been doing was dear to their hearts as it's often inspired from their own cultures.  

Sonja Martin from Switzerland said ‘It's great fun to make Christmas decorations from natural materials. It reminds us of our childhood in Switzerland, Germany and Belgium. 

She added 

"We don't need to use plastic decorations, natural ones look even better. We've been enjoying working together.  It's a great way to spend time with friends and family.’

The decorations, fruits of their labour, have become so popular that following requests from the public the young teenagers have decided to produce some more of their handmade garlands for the Organic Centre shop. 

Families can also get a chance to make their own craft creations at The Organic Centres Green Christmas Market on Sunday December 10th from 11am-5pm. The event has over 20 stalls packed with an array of local and sustainable gifts, ideas  and foods. A special free sustainable Santa will be there from 12-3 for the children. Chef Matt Cater from the Grass Roof cafe will be cooking up a seasonal feast  of Christmas delights in the kitchen. There will be a host of musical entertainment as well as being joined by writer Gerry Bohan who will be doing a reading from new book The Clainings Tree, featured in this year's Leitrim Guardian. 

Dervilla Keegan Communications and Policy Officer at the Organic Centre said 

‘We've been inspired by the work of our volunteers. We're all trying to find ways to reduce our waste and consumption, especially at this risky time. Whether that's not buying those multiples gifts, and moving away from that expectation especially now when times are tough, reusing wrapping, planning meals and freezing/storing food. Often buying experiences like a course or gift vouchers can help.  Something you make as a gift can be more meaningful or the shared experience of making natural decorations rather than buying plastic. We are so delighted too, to support local and sustainable gifts at our market on the 10th. '