Green Christmas tips1 December 2010
As the festive season draws near, Friends of the Earth has some top tips for saving cash - and the planet.
Decorations
1. Choose life
If you choose a real tree, try replanting it or having it recycled by your local council.
2. Get creative
Use cloth, recycled paper or magazine pages to wrap gifts, or keep the kids entertained by making your own wrapping paper. Recycle once the presents are open.
3. Cut your card-bon footprint
E-cards are increasingly popular for good reason. They cut your carbon footprint, save trees and are free. Send a Friends of the Earth e-card.
Presents
1. Love books?
Using this link, order from The Book Depository and Friends of the Earth receives 5% commission. Get free worldwide delivery and a fantastic range of fiction, non-fiction and e-books, including over 11,500 free e-books!
2. Golden oldies
Look in flea markets, vintage and second-hand stores for unique gifts. Second-hand means lower carbon emissions and resource use from manufacturing and packaging.
3. Make music do more
Donate as you download or give tunes as a present. Half the profits go to Friends of the Earth with www.fairsharemusic.com.
4. Recharge
Check out solar-powered and wind-up gadgets. For greener gifts, try Friends of the Earth's own shop. Use rechargeable batteries for gifts you've received.
5. Be inspired
Friends of the Earth's Shop has a range of green books, from cookery to wildlife titles and an eclectic range of second-hand books.
6. Hitch a ride
Make Christmas travel greener by sharing shopping trips and lifts with friends and family. Use public transport, or shop online and get bulk delivery.
Eat, drink and save money
1. Greener greens
Look for locally-grown, seasonal produce that supports British farmers and cuts food miles. For planet-friendly meat and dairy choose organic and free-range, and support greener, small-scale farming methods.
2. Back to basics
Making meals from scratch can be healthier and cheaper, and can be a fun family activity. Classic winter dishes like turkey pie and bubble and squeak are perfect for making the most of your leftovers.
3. Cut food waste
Choose goods that are light on packaging or loose. If you have too many leftovers, seek local donation schemes like a food bank or soup kitchen. Compost any other waste.
New Year's Resolution
Keep in touch throughout the year. Whatever your interest, we'll keep you informed with our enewsletters.
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