HOW TO MANAGE PACKAGING MADNESS
Drowning in Christmas packaging? We spoke with the Sustainable Spa Association’s Lucy Brialey for tips and information on managing the packaging madness over Christmas.
‘I think it is fair to admit that most of us, after the fun has died down, are exclaiming about the paper or packaging clear up, the food waste and the expense. Could there be a better way? Does a zero waste Christmas exist?
As a spa and a retailer there are ways, we can help our guests make more environmental choices without compromising on luxury. Our advice would be to try to discourage anything that is single use. Try to wrap gifts in a way that encourage further zero waste or re-use. some great examples would be’
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Drowning in Christmas packaging? We spoke with the Sustainable Spa Association’s Lucy Brialey for tips and information on managing the packaging madness over Christmas.
TSC: How we can manage excess packaging over the festive period in spas
LB: We love Christmas. We love the excess and the frivolity and the way we are can take life less seriously for a few days! But, of course this always comes at a price. The waste!
I think it is fair to admit that most of us, after the fun has died down, are exclaiming about the paper or packaging clear up, the food waste and the expense. Could there be a better way? Does a zero waste Christmas exist?
As a spa and a retailer there are ways we can help, or guests make more environmental choices without compromising on luxury. Our advice would be to try to discourage anything that is single use. Try to wrap gifts in a way that encourage further zero waste or re-use - some great examples would be
· Use a wrapping cloth that can be used again as a scarf or be used to re-wrap. This is even better if it is spa branded.
· Re-usable fabric gift bags or recycled cardboard gift boxes. Both these items can be attractive to use for other purposes or to re-gift.
· Recycled or compostable wrapping paper, we would advise checking the label as not all paper is compostable, especially if it has glitter or a shine finish. Hemp and Bees wrap is also popular as it is quite robust and can be used multiple times. Design has become much better in these options; it is no longer the piece of brown paper you dread that used to come with eco-friendly choices but quite often beautifully coloured or patterned with dyes that are also environmentally friendly.
TSC: How do we elevate the understanding of each spa's involvement in sustainable thinking.
LB: Sustainable thinking around packaging is often one of the first steps a spa can or will take and this is a great place to start. It is easy to identify, measure and reduce.
Beside Christmas, for the longer term, spa operators can start the 'packaging' conversation with their suppliers to either reduce waste or use packaging that is not harmful to the environment. Some suppliers are one step ahead and are already bringing in better practices in their materials, others, well they may need a nudge in the right direction, but your spa will be part of that positive change and you can feel proud.
It is important to understand the different types of packaging. Not all plastics are the same, not all paper and card are the same. Once you take a little time to identify the ones that are the most harmful, it is easy to refuse them.
This can also be positively reflected in your decisions for your guests. Encouraging guests to resist single use packaging of any material is a great ethos to have in a well-being establishment. Telling your guests about your values brings trust and assurance that you care. Feel confident to promote healthy choices.
TSC: What are some positive things our industry can do is encourage a 'No waste Christmas’.
Quotes from the Sustainable Spa Association Board
"Only take what you need or better still give back"
"Often meaningful is better than plentiful"
TSC: Any other suggestions for a Sustainable Christmas?
LB’s Top Tips:
Trees
· Choose an Eco tree made from cardboard or driftwood
· Decorate a living tree in the grounds or buy one that can be potted and used every year.
· Plant a tree or more! For £12 you could plant 100 trees in Madagascar, Mozambique or Nicaragua, and get updates on how your mini woodland is doing.
· Why not encourage a 'give back tree' for the local community - ask your guests to hang a little note with offers of help that can be distributed to those in need during or after Christmas.
Reducing waste
· How about - no wrap - The long-lasting gift of spa experience - it seems obvious, but taking the materialism out of gift-giving and instead making memories with your loved ones or for them in the now or in the future can be the best way to embrace the Christmas spirit. You are the present ;)
A little motivation to rethink our Sustainable Initiatives next year:
Packaging waste facts Christmas 2019 UK
8 Million natural Christmas trees are bought each year in the UK alone and then discarded
13,350 tonnes of wrapping paper
4000 tonnes of tin foil
45,000 tonnes of extra food packaging
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