Dreaming of a Green Christmas

On December 25th, millions of children will be excitedly unwrapping their gifts from Santa - and many parents will be wishing they hadn't forgotten to buy batteries for all the new toys and gadgets. Yet a solution is at hand, and one that's far better for the environment: solar-powered wooden toys.

And if you're trying to decide whether to have a real or plastic tree this year, fear not - we have the answer. Having a real tree is far less harmful to the environment than a plastic one: they're not always bio-degradable and on average are replaced every three years. Yet, if like increasing numbers of people you feel guilty about the idea of cutting down a real tree, there are alternatives in the form of tree rentals or even an old Georgian tradition.

Finally, as tables groan under the weight of the traditional Christmas dinner, we ask if there's a greener way to eat your festive feast.