Think recycle in Easter egg scramble

WE are spending billions on the banks so what’s €23 million on Easter eggs? We need a bit of comfort-eating in these dark days.

According to Repak, last year Ireland’s consumption of Easter eggs increased 9% and we forked out a whopping €23m.

The group is calling on people to recycle some of the 35,000 tonnes of used packaging that will be generated over the holiday period, most of which is non-egg related.

In fact, according to Repak, to mark President Obama’s stop off in Ireland in May, 170 Statues of Liberty could be made with all of the household packaging generated over Easter.

Those feeling a bit too old for the Easter egg marathon can console themselves with the fact that 5.7 million litres of wine are also expected to be imbibed over Easter along with 67 million litres of beer.

Commenting on the Easter splurge of chocolate and drink, chief executive of Repak Andrew Hetherington urged people to recycle their packaging after the festivities.

“Easter is a time for celebration and this celebration results in 500 tonnes of used Easter packaging alone. However, this is not all of the packaging produced.

“Yet we are delighted to report most manufacturers have reduced the Easter egg packaging by up to 35% over the last number of years while increasing their recyclability.

“We would remind people not only to recycle their Easter gift packaging but also all the other packaging that the festivities will generate such wine, beer bottles and cans,” he said.

So when you sit down to open your Easter Eggs this Easter, just remember that over 35,000 tonnes of household used packaging will be generated over this period.

Last year, Repak helped to recycle 15,300 tonnes of mixed packaging from households over the Easter period.