‘It’s good to be eco-conscious, but I’m not banning Christmas cards’

Researchers estimate that 1.5 billion Christmas Cards are thrown away every year in the UK, so is it time to stop sending them? No, says Gillian Harvey. In the midst of depression, Christmas cards landing on her doormat were the one thing that helped to pull her through

At a time when environmental concern is peaking, it’s natural to reject the excesses of Christmas.  Wrapping paper that’s cast aside and unrecyclable, tiny toys in crackers that are fought over, then discarded; gifts that are bought simply because we feel we ought to, rather than want to.

And I, for one, am all for giving the festive season an eco-makeover.  This year, I’m brown-papering my presents and encouraging Santa to…