Top tips for a green Christmas

Never mind a white Christmas - its a Green Christmas we should all be dreaming about according to British Gas.

15:32 09 December 2009

Never mind a white Christmas - its a Green Christmas we should all be dreaming about according to British Gas.

A (fun) time of over-indulgence and excess, its not just our wallets that take a pounding at this time of year - the environment does too.

But by following these simple tips for an eco-friendly Xmas you can give the environment an unexpected Christmas present as well as offsetting your green guilt and saving yourself money on your energy bills:

Buy your Christmas tree from a sustainable forest

Or buy one which still has roots so you can replant it after the festive period.

Dress your tree with energy efficient lights

Energy efficient tree lights use up to 88% less than traditional ones and are three times brighter.

Visiting local farmers markets and shops

This is a good way of finding local produce and great fun for all of the family. Keeping things local also cuts down on your carbon footprint.

Switching off ALL unused electrical appliances

This can save you up to £32 a year

Say no to plastic shopping bags

Invest in a re-usable carrier instead. In the UK we use over 13 billion plastic carrier bags per year, many of which end up being thrown away.

Go car-free for the festive period

It will save your carbon emissions, help shed those Xmas calories and allow you to enjoy a festive drink.

Keep warm with tin foil

If youre wrapping the turkey in foil for cooking - buy an extra roll and place sheets behind your radiators to reflect heat back into your home. If you do this for all radiators, you can save up to £12 a year.

Buy your Christmas presents online

This will reduce your need to travel to the shops.

Christmas rush
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Compost your Christmas dinner excess

Compost containers now come in all shapes and sizes making it possible to find one that will fit in even the smallest of gardens or back yards.

Recycle

Spent Xmas wrapping paper, cards and your Xmas tree are all good to go. Better still send e-Christmas cards instead!

Put those unwanted Xmas jumpers to good use

Wear them to keep warm and turn your central heating thermostat down by one degree. This could save around £39 a year.