In the lead up to Christmas, most of us are thinking more of turkey and presents than of the environment. It is easy to keep the environment in mind this Christmas though, with a little thought and planning. In true festive spirit, here are 12 ideas for use in the 12 days before and after Christmas Day, that will benefit you and the environment.

1. Recycle or reuse Christmas cards, don’t throw them in the bin.

2. Buy recycled Christmas paper, if you can’t find it, ask your retailer to stock it. Demand creates stock!

3. Donate all unwanted older toys to Charity or other worthwhile causes after Christmas. One kids jigsaw is another ones treasure.

4. Real trees smell great and make Christmas, buy one still planted and put in your garden to enjoy all year.

5. If traveling for Christmas shopping park & ride or use public transport and take the stress out of Christmas

6. Put all the festive food you can’t possibly eat any more of into a composter or collect outside and take to local amenity site for composting. It is still of use for something!

7. Christmas lights create lovely Christmas cheer, use them only for a wee while to keep peace and energy resources on earth.

8. Reuse wrapping paper, shred to line animal cages or to pack away items or recycle where possible!

9. Have a cyber Christmas and send e-mail Christmas cards to those friends that can receive them.

10. Buy rechargeable batteries and charger for all the lovely, noisy toys your little angels will receive.

11. Give organic/fairtrade presents - still indulge but be good too

12. Chop used real trees and take to composting site to help our gardens grow all year round.

Make your New Year resolution one to Reduce - Reuse - Recycle whenever and wherever you can.



Merry Christmas from the Public Relations team at SEPA.

ENDS
The Scottish Executive awarded £1.8M to SEPA for the new survey vessel.