Paula White from Hammersmith and Fulham Friends of the Earth's said: "Christmas can be a great time to enjoy ourselves by taking advantage of the real pleasures in life without the planet paying the price. Celebrate this year by appreciating our natural resources and don't
let them all be sent to waste."

Here are Hammersmith and Fulham Friends of the Earth tips for a great green Christmas.

1) Buy Christmas ingredients locally. The box schemes make some of the best value buys with locally produced organic food deliverd to your door frequently at a much cheaper price than the supermarket. Or why not support Hammersmith farmers market at Hammersmith Town Hall, Thursdays 11am-4pm. See aslo Hammersmith and Fulham Friends of the Earth Real Food On-Line Food Guide.

2) Buy Recycled cards and wrapping paper. At Christmas we use over 1 billion cards, 83 square kms of wrapping paper, an extra 750 million bottle and glass containers, an extra 500 million drink cans and seven and a half million Christmas trees. Almost all of this ends up in landfill.

3) Why not get a trolley or bike basket? You can do your shopping by bike or foot

4) Friends of the Earth's electronic Christmas cards are good for last minute or far-off greetings. See www.foe.co.uk

5) Switch to green energy for the fairy lights Get rechargeable batteries for toys - or wind-up/solar powered alternatives.

6) Recycle your Xmas Tree. Contact the council on 020 8753 1100 for details

7) Stop the junk mail. Are you driven mad by junk mail and persistent sales calls? Did you know it is possible to stem the tide of waste paper by simply saying "No"? By law, companies that operate such dubious tactics must check customer preference database before they send out any such direct marketing: www.mpsonline.org.uk.

8) Pass on unwanted presents to charity shops

9) Recycle cards with the Woodland Trust - the scheme runs throughout
January 2004 at Tesco and WH Smith stores.

10) Why not put an extra jumper on and snuggle up and enjoy the festive spirit rather than putting the heating on full!

HFFOE Web site