Sorry this may seem early but as a mum with two young kids I have to think ahead!

Love it or hate it, whether it's a religious celebration or an excuse to drink and eat lots you can't get away from it, christmas is on it's way. But this festive time of year is not only a drain on the pocket but also on the environment. Did you know that around 83 square km of wrapping paper will end up in the UK's bins (wasteonline.org.uk). And that up to one billion Christmas cards will be binned, estimating that 200000 trees will be cut down just to make the cards and envelopes in the UK alone (aberdeencity.gov.uk). There is a way you can get a 'greener' Christmas and it wont add extra to your bank balance. Here are a few tips:

Buy a plastic tree - most are very realistic now and can be re-used year after year. If you want a real tree why not go for pot grown (make sure they were grown in the pot not just dug up into). After Christmas you can put it out in the garden (keeping it in a pot will keep the tree small). Or you could even plant it.

Restrict those lights - we are British after all! Your house doesn't have to be lit up light the Blackpool illuminations and remember to keep them off when they're not needed (during the day). Your electricity bill will be grateful too!!

Why not send ecards this year instead of real ones - especially to people you work with that you see every day.

Save time and fuel by getting your presents online - thet are just as cheap as in the shops (even with postage) and you wont have to fight through the crowds.

Consider buying someone a membership to a group such as the RSPB. The World Land Trust buys land to replant trees - a great way to spend that Christmas money. Alternatively why not find eco-friendly shops and have presents sent to your loved ones direct - I have listed many such companies on my site (www.ecoready.info) and most will do Christmas hampers.

When chosing your Christmas fare buy local - most places now have farmers markets where the produce is fresh, seasonal and local. Support your local organic farmers too as well as trying to buy free range poultry and meat. Christmas isn't a happy time of year for the Turkeys!

Very young children don't need expensive electronic toys. You'll find great stocking fillers on the internet and car boot sales - lots of mine have come from ebay.

Get rechargeable batteries. They are expensive initially but will save you a lot in the long run. ALWAYS dispose of your batteries through proper facilities - dumped batteries release a lot of toxic products into the air, earth and even the water system.

Always recycle what you can't reuse; take unwanted gifts to charity shops or put on ebay.

And don't forget the birds as the weather turns colder. Leave a little something for them and make their Christmas too!