As soon as Christmas is over countless Christmas trees are thrown out, be it traditional or plastic. Immeasurable numbers of cards join the trees, as well as endless rolls of wrapping paper. Disposing of all this extra waste not only effects the environment and is a needless waste of raw or recyclable materials, but is extremely costly for the community when there are other options.
Try buying a Christmas tree with it's roots attached. Look after it over the festive period and re-plant it in the garden so it can be re-used next year. Alternatively trees can be mulched and used in the garden, especially good on acid-loving plants. Plastic trees can obviously be recycled, but try packing it up and re-using it instead, cutting down on the demand for new plastic trees for next year!
Increased numbers of Christmas cards are being printed in the UK on recycled card and locally sourced materials. How about trying to make your own card and impressing family and friends with your skils?
Many charities and independent retailers, including The Woodland Trust, have been running a campaign to recycle Christmas cards. Recycle bins have been placed in stores such as TK Maxx and M&S to support the more trees, more good campaign.
It may be too late (or too early!) to buy your presents for Christmas, but just remember for next time; it's not the amount you spend, it's the thought behind it. Think responsibly and try to buy locally produced presents... buy cards printed on recycled material... re-use the tree and decorations from last year... turn the Christmas lights on an hour later than you normally would and try to recycle as much as possible once the festivity is over.
Finally, have a very merry Christmas and a happy new year!
EDIT: Thanks to @NWF for making me aware of this site: "Recycling christmas trees"
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