december moments.
DREAMING
OF
A GREEN CHRISTMAS?
If you love a real Christmas tree but you’re unsure of their eco credentials, you’ll be cheered by the Soil Association’s announcement that the pine-scented beauties are generally more sustainable than fake ones. Living trees are grown on farms, where they absorb carbon dioxide from the air and help to improve soil health. Once felled, they can be recycled into mulch or compost that’s great for your garden. Fake trees, on the other hand, are made from non-renewable plastics. Their manufacture and transport also produce greenhouse gases.
FOR A MORE SUSTAINABLE YULE...
1. Look for a real tree from a local farm
2. Avoid trees that have been treated with pesticides or herbicides
3. Recycle your tree after the festive season
Find your nearest sustainable tree farmer at bctga.co.uk/onlinedirectory
“Freshly cut Christmas trees smelling of stars and snow and pine resin — inhale deeply and fill your soul with wintry night”
Driving home for Christmas (with sweeties)
If you’re on the road to celebrate elsewhere, you might be taking homemade goodies with you as a contribution (see our Survive the Drive feature for tips on p112), but do you always have a sneaky bag of car treats in the glove box, too?