Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê×ÊÁÏͼ¿â

Chocolate advent calendars are great but create waste from the cardboard box, foil, and plastic packaging.

Instead, you could consider making your own. If you create something reusable you can avoid generating waste. Alternatively, you can repurpose everyday items from around your home and recycle them afterward.

See below for ideas, some might need adjustments to be fully eco-friendly, but they provide a good starting point.

• odd sock calendar - take some odd socks, number them and hang them up with gifts inside

Please note: clicking the links above will take you to external websites. These ideas are just suggestions and are not an endorsement of any particular product, company, or person by Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê×ÊÁÏͼ¿â County Council.

In the UK every Christmas we throw away 227,000 miles of wrapping paper. 

Here is a short video with alternatives to using wrapping paper:

Here is a tutorial on how to use fabric for wrapping presents:

Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê×ÊÁÏͼ¿âpaper is another option, although it can be messy. This video shows how you can use newspaper to wrap presents:

If you still want to opt for wrapping paper, pick ones that aren’t shiny and don’t have a metallic look or feel as this usually means it isn't suitable for recycling.

Another way to cut down on wrapping waste is to avoid using bows and ribbons. If you do use them, save them to reuse next year. 

Standard Christmas cards can be recycled unless they have glitter or ribbons on.

However, why not eliminate that waste completely by sending an electronic Christmas card this year or perhaps a video message on social media. 

If you're buying an electrical gadget for yourself or as a gift, and your old one is still in good condition, consider:

• selling it online
• giving it to a friend or family member
• donating it to charity
• using sites like or

You can take items like televisions, fridges, freezers, and mobile phones to most Household Recycling Centres. Some centres also accept smaller electrical items.

Don't forget, the cardboard packaging can also be recycled, cut it into smaller pieces or flatten it to fit in your green bin. Plastic or polystyrene packing can't be recycled and should go in your black bin.