21st December 2006

CHRISTMAS is traditionally a season of excess but, say the Greens, you can still have fun without unnecessary damage to the environment.

Here are ten simple things that you can do to turn your white xmas green.

1. Recycle your xmas and season's greetings cards, wrapping paper and packaging.
2. Use fairtrade food options where available - for example fairtrade drinks and chocolate.
3. Give presents which will help others who are less fortunate (see www.goodgifts.org for some last minute ideas).
4. Make decorations from discarded items - such as old CDs and wrapping paper.
5. Use as much fresh local food as possible - there are many farms and shops around Oxfordshire with produce to sell and many 'box' delivery schemes.
6. Try to buy gifts that will last - these will be valued and cherished for a long time to come.
7. Send electronic greetings cards and online shopping vouchers to distant relatives rather than shipping presents long distances.
8. Carefully plan your travel over the Xmas and New Year period to avoid unnecessary car journeys. Consider taking the train - more comfortable and safer than a tiring drive on icy roads.
9. Don't waste energy - turn the TV off at the plug when it is not being used. Switch off Xmas lights at night. Use low energy bulbs. Try family games as an alternative to TV.
10. Make a new year pledge to do more to combat climate change.

Cllr. Craig Simmons
Green Group
Oxford City Council (St. Mary's Ward)
Oxfordshire County Council (East Oxford Division)
41 Magdalen Road, Oxford OX4 1RB
Tel: 01865 202257