Council points to green Christmas

Edinburgh Council is urging that Christmas trees are recycled

Festive revellers in Edinburgh are being urged to have a 'green' Christmas by sending e-cards, buying recycled gifts and not using disposable plates.

Edinburgh Council officials want people to recycle their Christmas trees, use recyclable wrapping paper, as well as composting vegetable waste.

The local authority has produced a 12 point eco-friendly wish list to mirror the 12 days of Christmas.

They also want people only to buy and cook the food they will eat.

Low waste

Shopping with a reusable bag, recycling cans and bottles and buy fresh food with less wrapping are all part of the festive tips.

Robert Aldridge, Edinburgh Council environment leader, said, charity shop sponsorship gifts were a good low waste present.

He added: "The ingredients for a merry Christmas do not necessarily have to involve a huge amount of waste.

"We can all take some easy steps to eat, drink and be merry in the 'greenest' way possible, thus ensuring that we keep waste to a minimum.

"This could include buying recycled gifts, sending e-Christmas cards or using proper plates and glasses instead of disposable versions, or by ensuring that we take our Xmas tree to be recycled after the festivities."