LivWiSE Christmas Lecture 2025

Dreaming of a “Green” Christmas: Can Festivities be Sustainable?

Date: Thursday, 4th December 2025
Time: 5.30pm - 7.00pm
Location: University of Liverpool Campus, Central Teaching Hub.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________

Talks include:

Christmas treasures from the deep? Long-term impacts of deep-sea mining
Dr Rachel Jeffreys

With millions of pounds spent every Christmas on tech gadgets, what on earth does deep-sea mining have to do with modern technology?

Dr Rachel Jeffreys introduces us to the astounding world of the deep-sea and the rare earth materials that are found there. We'll find out why modern technology needs these rare materials and the long-term impacts of deep-sea mining on these ecosystems. As our technological demands increase, are these deep-sea ecosystems under threat from exploitation by the mining industry?

Christmas Unwrapped - All Sparkle and No Glitter? Exploring Seasonal Sustainability
Dr Hannah Whitby

This talk will explore the environmental footprint of our festive habits, particularly the sudden surge of single-use waste that is generated each Christmas. While we often work hard to make sustainable choices throughout the year, the arrival of the festive season often sees those good habits pushed aside in a flurry of wrapping paper, glitter and throwaway trimmings.

Powering Christmas Sustainably: What Energy Data Reveals About Festive Consumption
Cynthia Ifeanyi

This talk will explore how data analytics and forecasting can help reduce waste and manage holiday energy demand for a greener festive season. It connects real-world energy trends with sustainable practices during the holidays.

Festive Drinks, Cleaner Water: Membranes for a Greener Christmas
Dr Evrim Celik-Madenli

There is a surge every holiday season in global beverage consumption, whether it’s soft drinks, beer, or festive spirits. But behind these joyful traditions lies a hidden challenge, which is the significant water footprint required for their production. In this short talk, we'll examine how increased holiday beverage production impacts water demand and wastewater generation, and why this is crucial for a "Green Christmas." Then, we'll examine how advanced membrane technologies can support water purification, recovery, and circulation in the beverage industry.

Engineering Christmas Sustainability: Using Lignocellulosic Biomass
Dr Firdaus Parveen

Festive celebrations often come with challenges-from the waste created by traditional gift wrapping and decorations to the environmental impact of travel, lighting, fireworks, and leftover food. But no joy is ever sacrificed! We’re on a mission to spread holiday cheer powered by a spark of lignocellulosic magic. Because lignocellulosic biomass comes from non-food sources, it doesn’t compete with the food supply-making it a truly sustainable choice. With it, we can create eco-friendly holiday materials such as craft decorations made up of biofibres and lignocellulosic wood, bioplastic ornaments and gift wrap, alternative fuels, bioenergy-powered lighting, and even net-zero-carbon fireworks. Our aim is simple: to celebrate the season in a way that protects the future while keeping sustainability and joy perfectly in balance.