St Mary's weekly eco tip: Christmas Planning

In 1644 the Puritans banned Christmas: the festivities prevented spiritual focus. A recent survey suggests that 60m UK Christmas presents will be unwanted. When planning what to give, now the UK has cut overseas aid, helping people in developing countries in the recipient’s name: send a cow, twin a toilet, plant some trees, or sponsor a child through school.

And rather than throw unwanted gifts away, think hard who might welcome them. Or sell them on Ebay and give the proceeds to charity.