Having a greener Christmas :Cross Stitch – Environment and greener living

There are many things you can do before, during and after Christmas to make your celebrations greener. From recycling your tree and used batteries to sending e-cards, simple choices you make can save you money and help the planet.

Try to buy a locally grown Christmas tree

If you’re choosing a real Christmas tree this year:

• find one that has been grown sustainably in the UK – ask your retailer or look at the list below
• ideally, try to buy a tree that has been grown locally
• if you have a garden, consider getting a living tree in a pot and with the roots still attached – you can plant it in your garden after Christmas and reuse it the following year

Artificial trees need more energy and resources to produce and generally can’t be recycled. They could be an option if you drive long distances each year to pick up a tree, or if you are unable to recycle it. Artificial trees are designed to last, so make yours greener by hanging on to it for as long as possible.

Turn unnecessary lights off at Christmas

There are easy ways to cut your energy use, and your fuel bills, at Christmas:

• turn your Christmas lights off during the day and when you go to bed
• fully load your dishwasher with the Christmas pots and pans before switching it on – half-loads use much more than half the energy and water of full loads
• the normal green ‘rules’ for energy saving apply at Christmas: turn unnecessary lights off, don’t leave appliances on standby – and ask Santa for some low-energy light bulbs