Woodland Trust announces push to recycle Christmas cards for planting of trees
People are being urged to recycle Christmas cards and wrapping paper to help plant trees across the UK.
People are being urged to recycle Christmas cards and wrapping paper to help plant trees across the UK.
A scheme run by the Woodland Trust saw 600 million cards recycled in recent years and stores including Marks & Spencer and Sainsbury's have set up similar projects.
Recycling boxes will be in stores throughout January, with a tree to be planted for every 1,000 cards recycled.
Politicians are urging people to do their bit in Scotland.
SNP MSP Graeme Dey, who convenes Holyrood's Environment, Climate Change and Land Reform Committee, said: ”Every year, people send their nearest and dearest Christmas cards, spreading festive cheer and offering best wishes for the year ahead.
“Whilst this brightens up our homes and brings a smile to our faces, the environmental impact can be large - which is why it is important to recycle our Christmas cards and help protect the environment this Christmas.
“Supermarkets and shops offer a place where this can be done - with some partnering with the Woodland Trust to plant trees for every 1,000 cards recycled.
“There is plenty of opportunity to look after our planet this Christmas - and recycling the cards we receive is a simple way to do that.”
Scottish Labour's environment spokesperson Claudia Beamish said: “Homes across Scotland will be littered with torn-up wrapping paper and empty boxes today.
“After the fun of opening the presents yesterday, I would urge people to spare a moment to think about the environment and not just let the wrapping paper end up in landfill.
“Paper can often be re-used, or if can't be salvaged then it can go into your paper recycling bin.
“We should all do our bit this Boxing Day for the environment.”