In this economical climate, budgets are tight and everyone is looking for a good bargain. This Christmas, we say out with the trash and in with the money saving regimes! The way we see it, if we generate less trash, the council can spend less money getting rid of trash, that’s less council tax we need to pay in the longer term.

To help you kick-start a money saving Christmas, here are 8 quick tips from our team.

1/ Wrap, wrap and away
Instead of using the traditional cliché glossy wrapping featuring anything from cartoon characters to Father Christmas, why not try wrapping with old fabric or glossy magazines instead? Giving a unique twist and you’re guaranteed different results every time.

2/ Handle with care
Shredded paper is an excellent replacement for bubble wraps, polystyrenes and foams. Tear, shred and scrunch your way to a greener present-wrapping experience.

3/ Avoid the ‘moment of convenience’ temptation
Opt for tea towels and dish cloths where possible to avoid using kitchen-rolls and hand paper-towels this Christmas - but if you do have to, tissues and kitchen rolls can add bulk to your compost.

4/ Leave the skin on
Roasting carrots, potatoes, and parsnips doesn’t have to equate to hours of peeling. Roasting vegetables with its skins on will help preserve all its nutritional values (such as fibre), adds texture to the roasts and offer a much more rustic feel. It also means the chef doesn’t have to spend hours hiding in the kitchen.

5/ Black Gold
If you prefer your veggies peeled, you can add all the peels to the compost heap. Reaping the rewards a few months later, you will also save yourself a trip to your local gardening centre.

6/ Seasonal Greetings
The Greeting Cards Association Market Report 2011estimated that here in the UK alone, we spend £171.6 million a year sending Christmas cards! Although it’s hard to beat the traditions, switching to e-cards will not only help you save money, it’ll also help reduce the amount of CO2 generating by vehicles delivering cards, not to mention the amount of paper waste generated.

7/ Send Gift Vouchers, or better yet, eVouchers
Sending gift vouchers allow the recipients to pick their own presents, helping minimise any waste derived from undesired Christmas presents. With our Eco Gift eVouchers redeemable against over 1000+ eco-friendly products featured in Our Green Shop and delivered via Email, the eVoucher is now even more environmentally friendly than ever as there is no paper or shipping involved!

A great last minute gift, we are able to deliver the Eco Gift eVouchers up to 5pm on 23 Dec 2011.

8/ Recycle
Don’t forget, most wrappers, tins, cans, glass and paper are nowadays widely recyclable. If in doubt, check with your local council to see what can be recycled where.