It ain't easy being green

Eating, drinking, spending, giving and receiving - it's the time of year when we tend to do things in excess.

But can you do all of that while still being kind to the planet? Of course you can - just follow our top ten tips for greening up over the festive period.

1. Christmas Trees
In the UK over seven million Christmas trees are grown and sold each year, and most end up as landfill. The best thing to do would be not to have one, but if that's too bah humbug make sure you choose one that carries a Forest Stewardship Council logo (FSC). This means the wood comes from a sustainable source.

Remember to buy British, so they don't have so far to go. You can also try to get a tree with roots still on so you can plant it in your garden after the festive season's over!

2. Cards
It's an age old habit - every year we write and send hundreds of Christmas cards to friends and family. Inevitably, most end up in the bin. This year think green and try buying recycled cards or even make your own. If you're feeling really Earth friendly and have access to the internet, try sending e-cards instead.

3. Wrapping
Ok, so colourful, glittery wrapping paper does look lovely under the Christmas tree - but so can newspaper believe it or not. Why not wrap up your gifts this year in old papers, tie some string around your packages and you get a contemporary looking pressie! Un-dyed brown paper is also a very green choice, or to add some sparkle use kitchen foil - it can then be unwrapped and used again in the kitchen!

4. Decorations
Rather than being seduced by the shops and stocking up your decorations this seasons with new finds, stop and think a minute. Many off these tempting treats come from countries with questionable working practices, and lots are made out of non-biodegradable substances - a big no no for our environment!

Get the glitter, glue and left over scraps of wrapping paper out, collect pine cones, holly and mistletoe then encourage the kids to get creative. You'd be surprised how much fun making your own decorations can be - albeit a little messy!

5. Recycling
Recycle, recycle, recycle - from wrapping paper scraps, to old cards, to glass, tins, plastic bottles and food. You'll be surprised how little you end up throwing in the bin and can actually reduce your waste by up to 80%