As this festive season gets underway and waste levels spike by 30 per cent compared to the rest of the year, children in North Yorkshire are learning how to do their bit to save the planet with the help of a new interactive board game.

The game called Rescue Me has been developed under the Waste Resources Action Plan (WRAP) and is being used by our waste prevention and recycling officers to form part of a workshop to inspire children to become recycling heroes.

The game, aimed at pupils aged seven to 11, introduces players to a lively cast of characters, each representing common recyclable materials that often end up being thrown away and not recycled.

Yogi the yogurt pot, Fitz the perfume bottle, Rey the trigger spray, Hube the toilet roll tube, and Dee Dee the deodorant take the children on an educational journey around the board where success is determined by recycling achievements.

Our waste prevention officers, Michelle Bailes and Ariane Heap, who have started delivering the workshops across the county, say the initial feedback from schools has been “overwhelmingly positive”.

Michelle said: “The children absolutely love it. They’re learning so much without even realising it because they’re having so much fun.”

Inspired by the classic Snakes and Ladders, the game includes twists where good choices propel players toward “recycling heaven”, while missed opportunities send them tumbling into the rubbish bin. The experience is enhanced with extras like stickers, word searches, and a “rescue log” for tracking recyclable items saved along the way.

Teachers have also praised the game for capturing children’s imaginations. Cayton Primary School near Scarborough was the first school to host the workshop.

Assistant headteacher, Mark Vasey, said: “The workshop and in particular the “Rescue Me” board game has been a fantastic addition to our lessons. It’s fun, educational and helps the children understand that small actions taken today can make a big difference for their future.”

Beyond the classroom, volunteers are working tirelessly to redistribute pre-loved toys to families in need.

The Reuse Santa appeal, now in its sixth year, has once again brought communities together to spread festive cheer while promoting sustainability.

Organised by the Yorwaste waste management company in partnership with us and the City of York Council, the campaign aims to help provide families who are struggling with the cost of living.

Last year, a record 5,000 items, or 30-van loads, were donated for children and teenagers, who otherwise may not have received a gift at Christmas.

During two weeks in November, residents were able to drop off donations at Household Waste Recycling Centres across the region.

Those donations are now being sorted, cleaned and distributed to local organisations and charities including Early Help, No Wrong Door, Ryedale Special Families, Colburn Hub and Community Café and the British Heart Foundation.

Our head of early help, Barbara Merrygold, whose colleagues are helping redistribute the donations, said: “We are being enticed to buy the latest gadgets and toys and so many things that could be passed on.

“It is wonderful for my team to be involved in this project as supporting others at this special time of year also brings happiness to everyone involved in the redistribution of gifts.“

The festive season also brings opportunities for households to adopt more sustainable practices.

Food waste is one of the biggest contributors to holiday waste. In the UK, an estimated £444 million worth of food is thrown away each Christmas.

Simple steps like planning meals carefully and buying only what is necessary can make a big difference.

Leftovers can also be creatively repurposed into soups, stews, and other dishes, helping to extend the life of holiday meals and reduce unnecessary waste.

Love Food Hate Waste has lots of recipe ideas.

Wrapping paper is another major source of seasonal waste and the “scrunch test” is an easy way to identify recyclable options as long as it’s not foil or plastic based. If the paper stays crumpled when squeezed, it’s likely recyclable.

Choosing recyclable wrapping paper or looking for labels indicating recyclability can help reduce waste in a meaningful way as well as ensuring all boxes are flattened as much as possible and kept clean and dry when putting them out for collection.

If you’re a fan of having a real Christmas tree, why not opt for a potted festive tree? This can go back outside after the festive period and brought back in next year.

Alternatively, if you have a real Christmas tree and you want to recycle it after the festive period, you can take it to any one of the household waste recycling centres, chop it up and put it in your garden waste wheelie bin for collection in March, or you might find a local charity willing to collect it for a small fee.

With waste collection schedules changing during the holiday period, checking collection dates online helps avoid missed pickups and keeps waste under control during this busy season.

Collection dates maybe slightly different over the festive period. Check your bin or recycling collection day

And don’t forget, please ensure your waste or recycling is out for collection at 6am.

Our household waste recycling centres are also open 8.30am to 4pm every day except Wednesdays, Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day.

These small actions, when taken collectively, can significantly reduce the environmental impact of the festive season.

Our executive member for waste management, Cllr Greg White, said: “Whether its teaching children about recycling through games, giving toys a second life, or adopting greener habits during the holidays, everyone has a role to play. Together, these efforts create a powerful ripple effect, helping to protect our environment and build a more sustainable future.”

The “Rescue me” workshops are free to book, ensuring accessibility for all, and can be arranged by contacting waste.campaigns@northyorks.gov.uk.