Earth Today | Ridding Christmas of rubbish

FROM GIFT wrapping to party favours and single-use containers, Christmas can be tough on the environment.

But if the Jamaica Environment Trust (JET) has its way, things could be different this year. On Monday, the entity jump started its 'Nuh Dutty Up Jamaica: 12 days of Christmas' campaign, presenting 12 tips for better garbage management this season.

The tips will be featured between December 11 and 23, on TVJ's Smile Jamaica, and on the 'Nuh Dutty Up Jamaica' social media network using the hashtag #nuhduttyupchristmas.

The campaign encourages Jamaicans to reduce the amount of garbage they produce during the holidays season by, among other things, switching to reusable plates, cups and cutlery at Christmas parties, using alternatives to gift wrapping paper, and giving thoughtful, personal and unique gifts, which do not generate much waste.

It rounds off JET's 'Nuh Dutty Up Jamaica' activities for 2017, including:

- the launch of a 'Nuh Dutty Up MoBay' spin-off campaign;

- the announcement of a new ambassador, Olympic gold medallist Elaine Thompson;

- the distribution of 300 bins in three model communities; and

- a road code campaign featuring ambassador Bella Blair.

'Nuh Dutty Up Jamaica' is a public-education campaign that aims to improve citizens knowledge about the impact of poorly handled waste on public health and the environment, while encouraging personal responsibility for the generation and disposal of waste.

It is one component of the Clean Coasts project, led by JET, with the support of the Tourism Enhancement Fund and the Wisynco Group.