SNP MSP Paul Wheelhouse has urged Scots to throw out ideas for a white Christmas – and have a green one instead.
Mr Wheelhouse MSP for South Scotland, says we can all do our bit to help the environment this Christmas – starting with shopping locally.
He said:
“When I’m talking about having a green Christmas I’m not referring to the Grinch.
“I’m talking about taking simple, easy steps to help the environment and support our local economies this festive season.
“When people are nipping out to the shops today for the last bits of food for the Christmas dinner or stocking up for Hogmanay I’d urge everyone to do their best to shop local and to buy Scottish.
“We have some of the best locally produced food in the world and for Christmas and Hogmanay some Scottish salmon, beef, local turkeys, some of our great tasting local cheese or even a few locally brewed beers or a drop of whisky all make a great Christmas meal and help our local economy.
“Shopping locally is a good way to beat the added costs of transportation that comes from the many gifts that are shipped from halfway around the world.
“This significantly impacts on greenhouse gases but by shopping locally you can combat that and help your local economy.
“Another way to help the environment is to recycle all the wrapping paper and Christmas cards that often end up in the bin.
“Local shops and supermarkets often have special bins dedicated to recycling cards.
“If every household in Scotland made an effort to ensure these are recycled, we can help cut the amount sent to landfill.”