The festive season has always been a time for community, celebration, and togetherness. However, in recent years, there has been a growing awareness of the environmental impact of traditional holiday practices. Addressing this concern, the Seven Kings Light Up event, organised by Our Streets Redbridge on Friday, 29th November, brought a fresh and sustainable spin to festive traditions. Held at Seven Kings Tube Station, this unique community gathering shed light on sustainable Christmas practices, engaging locals through fun, informative, and interactive activities.
The Mont Rose College (MRC) team, represented by Student Services’ Vasilita Golban, Business Marketing Lecturer Sunanda Dola, and Marketing Department representative Noreen Malik, actively supported this inspiring community initiative. Here’s a closer look at the event’s highlights and why it resonated with attendees.
Sustainability Takes Center Stage at Seven Kings Light Up
At its core, this event encouraged residents of Redbridge to “Celebrate sustainably this Christmas with Our Streets Redbridge!”—a fitting slogan that summarised the spirit of the occasion. In collaboration with Redbridge Council’s Our Streets team, the organisers aimed to tackle pressing environmental concerns during this time of indulgence and waste.
The focus lay on promoting eco-friendly alternatives to age-old festive practices, educating attendees on how small but intentional changes can create a meaningful impact. From food waste reduction to green gifting ideas, the initiatives highlighted during the event aligned perfectly with the borough’s emphasis on sustainability.
Key Event Highlights
Here are some of the most notable activities that lit up the Seven Kings festivities:
- Food Waste Awareness Sessions
These engaging and thought-provoking sessions addressed one of the most significant areas of concern during Christmas—food waste. Tips for reducing waste, sensible meal planning, and creative ways to repurpose leftovers were shared, offering visitors practical tools to adopt sustainable practices during the holidays and beyond.
- Eco-friendly Gifting and Wrapping Ideas
The event introduced innovative methods for gift-giving, focused on reducing material waste while keeping holiday exchanges heartfelt and meaningful. Suggestions like reusable wrapping cloths and upcycled decorations inspired attendees to think outside the (gift) box.
- Meat-free and Plant-based Recipe Tips
Promoting meat-free Christmases, the event shared nutritious and delicious plant-based recipes that benefit the environment and cater to modern dietary preferences. These ideas encouraged visitors to make healthier and more planet-friendly food choices.
- Interactive Children’s Theatre
For the youngest attendees, an interactive theatre performance brought sustainability to life creatively and engagingly. Children and families left the event entertained and inspired to take small steps toward sustainable habits.
- Visit from Deputy Mayor Cllr John Howard
Deputy Mayor Cllr John Howard lent his presence and support to this significant community initiative, further underscoring its importance. His visit reinforced the commitment of local leadership towards creating a more sustainable future.
The Role of Mont Rose College in Celebrating Sustainability
Mont Rose College actively embraces opportunities to participate in community events; this occasion was no exception. The presence of representatives from MRC, including Vasilita Golban, Sunanda Dola, and Noreen Malik, exemplified their dedication to promoting educational and ethical principles. The team engaged with attendees, spreading awareness about sustainable practices and sharing actionable ideas.
MRC’s involvement in this initiative stems from its commitment to fostering holistic learning beyond academic excellence. By contributing to local events like Seven Kings Light Up, the institution strengthens its ties within the community. It aligns with its vision of creating socially responsible leaders for the future.
Why Sustainable Practices Matter, Especially During Christmas
Christmas, though a time of joy, is also a period of high consumption. The holiday season leaves a substantial environmental footprint from wrapping paper waste to uneaten food. Here’s why initiatives like the Seven Kings Light Up are crucial:
Reducing Waste
According to studies, millions of tonnes of wrapping paper and leftover food are discarded in the UK every Christmas. Simple changes like using fabric wraps and planning meals intentionally can dramatically reduce this figure.
Encouraging Mindful Consumption
Sustainable practices encourage people to be more mindful of what and how much they consume, shifting focus away from excess and towards meaning.
Building Stronger Communities
Events like this enhance community spirit while fostering a sense of shared responsibility for the environment.
Long-term Impact
Making sustainability part of festivities lays the foundation for a year-round commitment to eco-conscious living.
Why Sustainable Practices Matter, Especially During Christmas
Christmas, though a time of joy, is also a period of high consumption. The holiday season leaves a substantial environmental footprint from wrapping paper waste to uneaten food. Here’s why initiatives like the Seven Kings Light Up are crucial:
Reducing Waste
According to studies, millions of tonnes of wrapping paper and leftover food are discarded in the UK every Christmas. Simple changes like using fabric wraps and planning meals intentionally can dramatically reduce this figure.
Encouraging Mindful Consumption
Sustainable practices encourage people to be more mindful of what and how much they consume, shifting focus away from excess and towards meaning.
Building Stronger Communities
Events like this enhance community spirit while fostering a sense of shared responsibility for the environment.
Long-term Impact
Making sustainability part of festivities lays the foundation for a year-round commitment to eco-conscious living.
Join the Sustainability Movement in Your Community
The Seven Kings Light Up event was more than just a festival; it was a call to action. By adopting the principles shared during this celebration, you, too, can contribute to a more sustainable world, starting with this festive season.
Mont Rose College is proud to support initiatives championing education, sustainability, and community welfare. We encourage you to implement the tips shared at the event in your own celebrations this Christmas. Every small step counts, from reducing food waste to choosing greener gift options.
Want to stay updated on future community events and sustainability initiatives? Connect with us and join the movement.
Together, we can celebrate a joyous, eco-friendly Christmas and pave the way for a more sustainable future.
https://mrcollege.ac.uk/world-environment-day-sign-the-pledge/
https://mrcollege.ac.uk/sustainable-business-practices-a-focus-of-ba-hons-business-management/
