Christmas is the most magical time of year, but we can all be guilty of forgetting our commitment to the environment amidst the festivities.

Over the festive season the UK creates 30 per cent more waste than usual and a disproportionate amount is thrown into landfill rather than recycled as it could be.

300,000 tonnes of card packaging is used at Christmas; enough to cover London’s famous landmark, Big Ben, almost 260,000 times.

1 billion cards end up in the bin, when they could be recycled.

227,000 miles of wrapping paper is thrown away. That’s enough to wrap around the equator 9 times!

50 tonnes of Christmas trees are thrown away after Christmas, when they could be used for compost.

Some key stats courtesy of the London Cleaning System:

Reduce1. Where possible, reduce the amount of wrapping

paper used, by wrapping presents collectively rather than individually.

2. Where possible, refrain from sending physical Christmas cards, instead opting for widely available electronic alternatives. If you must send a physical Christmas card try to purchase them from a responsible vendor who utilises recycled card.

3. Make a shopping list and stick to it. We are all guilty of over indulgence at Christmas, especially with food. Avoid wasting food unnecessarily by planning ahead for your Christmas meal.

Reuse1. While “fake” Christmas trees can’t replicate that homely

feel or alluring scent of the real thing, they are practically fuss free and can be reused year on year. Alternatively if you do choose to buy a real Christmas tree, why not plant it in your garden in January, after all there’s a reason they’re called evergreens!

2. Purchase rechargeable rather than single use batteries for all electronics.

3. Reuse last years Christmas decorations or even better get creative and create your own from scrap paper and card.

Recycle1. Wrapping paper can be recycled but if it has glitter or tape

on it, or it is plastic based it cannot be recycled and should be placed with your normal waste.

2. Place all unwanted untreated cardboard by your recycling bin. Your local authority will take it all away as long as it is dry.

3. Recycle batteries at you local battery recycling point. Most supermarkets have one of these at the front of store.

4. Recycle real Christmas trees at local recycling centres where they will be turned into compost.

Thankfully with this handy guide, you should be well equipped to not only tackle the turkey but also reduce your impact on the environment this Christmas.