CHRISTMAS might be a time of giving, but for the world's resources it will be another tough year.

That's the message from Wychavon District Council's project officer Cherrie Mansfield.

Cherrie is urging people to give a little thought to their celebrations so they don't end up costing the earth.

She said: "You might think that the presents you buy or what you do with your post-Christmas debris will have little effect on the environment, but you are wrong - we can all help make a difference.

"With the recent flooding, people are beginning to accept that global warming is a real threat. Now is the time to take action."

Cherrie has devised The Greener Gifts Shopping List in which she gives dozens of environmentally friendly ideas for Christmas presents.

The pocket-sized leaflet is available from the council's One Stop shops in Market Square, Evesham, and at the Civic Centre in Pershore. The information is also available on the council's website at www.wychavon.gov.uk.

Gift ideas include Fair Trade tea, coffee and chocolate or even a hamper of organic and Fair Trade goods, locally produced foods and crafts, recycled stationery and cinema or theatre tickets.

She said: "Many of the gifts suggested can be bought in high street shops and most supermarkets stock a selection of organic and fair trade foods."

She has also produced a leaflet with tips for a greener Christmas including:

l Buy recycled Christmas cards and wrapping paper.

l Use wrapping paper sparingly and if possible use the paper again.

l Turn off the TV when it is not being watched, don't leave it on stand-by.

l Switch off Christmas lights when you are out.

l Turn the heating down by 1 degree if you are warm. It could cut fuel bills by 10%.

l Choose presents which are made to last.

l Avoid buying over-packaged products.

l Don't buy plastics or things made from tropical hardwoods.

When all the fun and festivities are over it's time to start recycling.

Cherrie says: "Take glass, cans, paper and cardboard to your local recycling centre; plastic bottles can be taken to the Hill and Moor Civic Amenity site and, of course, you can always compost your organic waste."

Finally there's always the Christmas tree. Recycling of trees will take place from January 2-12 at Coneybury Plant Centre, Flyford Flavell; Forest Farm Nursery, Allens Hill, Pinvin, Proculture, Knowle Hill, Evesham; Three Springs Nursery, Pershore and Hill and Moor landfill site.