Tis the season to be green. What with all that excess packaging and energy usage Christmas can be not so merry for the environment. Here are some of our tips and information to help you make this Christmas a greener one.

Cards

Throughout January 2010 - Christmas cards can be recycled by taking them to WH Smith, Tesco, TK Maxx and Marks & Spencer. Special recycling bins will be placed in stores during this period. These stores are working with the Woodland Trust to recycle cards.

The Woodland Trust will raise money through recycling the cards and this will then be used to plant more trees. If every person recycles just one Christmas card at the stores mentioned above throughout January the Woodland Trust will be able to plant 15,000 trees and create new UK woodland. 15,000 trees would be enough to create woodland the size of 30 football pitches.

For more information on the scheme see the Woodland Trust site.

If you miss out on this scheme and the recycling bins are no longer available cards can still be recycled (though these will not be included in the Woodland Trust’s scheme). Recycling schemes vary across the UK. Cards can be put in normal cardboard recycling kerbside bins. For more information on where to recycle try our search engine or contact your local recycling officer. If you would like to take part in the Woodland Trust scheme but have missed the deadline save your unwanted cards until the 2011 Christmas Card Recycling Scheme.

Save on paper, card and energy, as well as the fuel used to transport post by sending personalised e-cards.
There are many e-card websites online, below are a few:
Cancer Research, Friends of the Earth , 123 Greetings. 

Recycled Christmas cards are also available from shops and online stores such as Nigel’s Eco Store and Papergrain.
There are plenty more shops selling recycled Christmas cards online, use a search engine to find some you like.

Gifts

• Buying recycled presents saves on waste and can save landfills. • Buy presents that can be put to use and not left unused or thrown away, if you are unsure what to buy why not ask for a list of things the recipient would like to get ideas from.
• Gift cards give the recipient the chance to choose a present that they want.
• Unwanted gifts can be donated to charities which will save on waste and also benefit the charity they go to.

Music

MP3 downloads have become a big thing and are not only easier, less clutter and cheaper than purchasing hard copies of CD’s. If you are buying music as a gift this year and the recipient has iTunes and an MP3 player why not buy them a gift card which enables them to download their choice of music up to the value you give them.

Wrapping Paper

Use recycled paper.

Councils and waste companies are urging householders to check their wrapping before placing in recycling bins. Most wrapping papers are coated with plastic or foil – these materials cannot be recycled when mixed. Wrapping may also have items such as cards, tags, ribbons and tape still attached to them which cannot be recycled and can cause costly damage to recycling machines if put through. However; normal paper, with any of additional items removed can be recycled.
The Metro once reported that in a bid to tackle this problem, some councils are now employing ‘bin bobbies’ over the Christmas period that go through waste bins to check for problem materials. Fines of up to £1000 are also being given out to repeat offenders. If in doubt contact your local authority/recycling centre.

Other Recycling

Recycle cardboard packaging as normal in carboard recycling banks, make sure to remove any plastic windows etc.

Plastic and glass bottles should also be recycled where possible, use our recycling search to find your nearest location.

Tree

Real Christmas trees can be recycled into wood chippings and mulch. Contact your local authority to find out if they offer this service. Alternatively you can compost your tree.

The British Christmas Tree Growers Association 
Useful information on Christmas trees, where to buy fresh and how to care for them. BCTGA supports Going for Green and encourages you to recycle your Christmas tree. http://www.bctga.co.uk/documents/careoftrees.htm

For more information on Christmas recycling check out our factsheet.

Christmas Extra’s

Nigel’s Eco Store has a wide range of Christmas decorations and gifts. 

Use eco friendly LED Christmas lighting.

This year Tesco have a special section on their website dedicated to a greener living this Christmas 

Remember to turn Christmas lights off overnight or when you're not at home to save electricity.

Have Yourself a Merry (Eco) Christmas!!