Tom Levitt, MSN Environment Editor

MSN Environment's top tips for a green xmas

The MSN Environment team share their top eco-friendly tips for the festive period.

The MSN Environment share their top tips for a eco-friendly xmas (Kay Herschelmann/AP/PA Photos)

1) Turn off your fairy lights

There’s an enormous surge in household electricity use at Christmas. Keep this to a minimum by turning off the lights when you go out or go to bed at night

2) Deck the halls with real holly

Instead of spending money on artificial Christmas decorations, let nature decorate your home. House decorations can be made from organic, recycled and scrap materials. Try oranges, cinnamon sticks, gingerbread, holly, seasonal berries, ivy and evergreen branches

3) Christmas cards

An estimated 1.7 billion Christmas cards are sent each year in Britain, the equivalent of 200,000 trees. To help the environment send recycled Christmas cards or make your own or send e-cards instead. After the big day, make sure you recycle them

4) Give a charity or environmentally friendly gift

Sponsor an animal or give a membership to a charity or environmental organisation for Christmas.

Make sure you buy your Christmas trees from sustainable sources (Image © Elise Amendola/AP/PA Photos)

5) Gift Wrapping

Avoid wrapping paper and opt for reusable gift bags instead, if you have to use wrapping paper choose the non-shiny type as this can be composted after use

6) Candles

Paraffin candles are made from petroleum residues so don’t do your health or the environment any good. Soy, beeswax or natural vegetable-based candles are better because they biodegrade, are smoke-free, and so more eco friendly

7) Christmas Parties

Car share when going out to Christmas parties and social occasions – it will save you money and help to keep your carbon footprint down

8) Christmas Tree Buying Tips

Buy from a small-scale sustainable grower and/or make sure the tree has Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) accreditation, you can go to www.soilassociation.org/christmas for a list of producers. And choose a tree with roots so it can be replanted.

9) Buy an organic Christmas dinner

10 million turkeys are eaten every Christmas. If you can, try to make sure it has been reared in humane conditions and go for an organic, locally reared bird, it’s bound to taste better! Visit local farmers markets to buy seasonal produce to serve up on Christmas day and always remember to take your own bags when shopping.

10) Recycle your unwanted presents

Everyone receives at least one unwanted gift at Christmas so recycle unwanted presents to charities. Local hospitals and hospices are always very pleased to receive unwanted gifts to give to patients.

Further Reading

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Quiz: how green is your Christmas?

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