Do you really need to buy all those biscuit boxes? Do the fairy lights on the Christmas tree have to be on 24/7? Do you need to make three shopping trips into town, when one would suffice (thus cutting down on fuel emissions)? Should you really be using disposable plates and glasses at your Christmas Eve soiree when it would be much greener (if more time-consuming) to wash as you go?

And . . . here's one we often don't think about . . . are you leaving your mobile phone charger plugged in when not charging your phone, a pointless expenditure of energy, as is leaving your TV on stand-by.

There are small changes you can make that will make a difference. Here are some more energy-saving ways to consider:

DECORATIONS

Make your own. Really, it's not as alarming as it sounds. Skip the tinsel and the fairy lights and bake some cookies, tie them with ribbon and hang them on the tree, or thread popcorn and cranberries and festoon the tree with those instead.

You can also collect pine cones and attach them to the tree for a natural look, and just recycle any old decorations that are past their sell-by date. If you are buying new ones, look for ones made of natural materials and, if possible, ones that are Fairtrade.

CARDS

Send a virtual one. And no, it's not as nice as handwriting a thoughtfully chosen one but think of all the paper that won't end up in a landfill.

PRESENTS

There's so much scope to be green here.

Firstly, choose presents that are made from sustainable materials. Pick hemp, organic cotton and wool clothes, natural cosmetics, and organic and Fairtrade food stuffs. Secondly, think second-hand. It doesn't have to mean second-rate because 'vintage' carries a lot of kudos now. Firstedition books, antique jewellery and vintage clothes are one-offs and environmentally friendly. You can also give gifts for concerts, gigs, museums, spa visits and festivals . . . these are gifts that will be appreciated and which also reduce waste. Where you can, avoid excessively packaged products and in general, give people things that they need and will use.

DINNER

Buy your turkey from a local farmer and likewise for the veg. This means you're cutting down on energy expended in transporting goods to stores, which is a huge and hidden cost to the environment.

When making your pud and cake, buy Fairtrade dried fruit, where possible.

These goods support small farmers and communities in the third world. Use real cloth napkins on the table instead of paper ones, as these are obviously more environmentally friendly.

WRAPPING

Bypass the bling and use undyed brown paper with string, which is much chicer.

RECYCLING

The Christmas tree, the cranberry sauce jar, the wine bottles, the cards, the wrapping paper can be recycled so think before you dump them.