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Scots urged to recycle Xmas cards
04/01/2008
People in Scotland were today urged to recycle their Christmas cards to reduce waste and rejuvenate the country's woodlands.
The Christmas Card Recycling Scheme 2008, which starts today, aims to build on the success of last year's campaign when 8.2 million cards were recycled in Scotland. The scheme is run by the Woodlands Trust in conjunction with Waste Aware Scotland.
First Minister Alex Salmond was joined by the other party leaders in supporting the scheme which is now in its seventh year.
Mr Salmond said:
"Climate change is a challenge for us all. Here in Scotland we have an abundance of natural resources and massive renewable energy potential. We have a vast future as a green energy powerhouse for Europe and we must now think big about how to bring it into being.
"At the same time, however, we each have an individual role to play. The decisions we make in our daily lives have a significance that should not be underestimated.
"That's why I am pleased to support this scheme. It goes from strength to strength each year and I want to encourage even more people to recycle their Christmas cards this year.
"What's more I'd like to encourage everyone to think about other ways we can go greener throughout 2008 - not just around New Year. We need to adapt to deal with the reality before us and change our behaviour. I want Scotland to lead the way."
The Christmas Card Recycling Scheme will run from January 4 until the end of the month. It is supported by Waste Aware Scotland and retailers including WH Smith, Tesco, TK Maxx, and Marks and Spencers.
Cards can be taken to local branches of participating stores and dispose of them in special Christmas card recycling bins.
It is estimated by the Woodland Trust that last year's efforts in Scotland and across the UK, saved 2,400 tonnes of CO2 from entering the atmosphere - the equivalent of taking over 700 cars off the road or avoiding over 100 flights.
Colin Kerr, senior campaigns officer at the Scottish Waste Awareness Group (SWAG), which co-ordinates the Waste Aware Scotland campaign said:
"Christmas is a time when we all create too much waste. Recycling Christmas cards for the Woodland Trust is a simple way to help reduce this and help a worthwhile cause at the same time. So if you are off to the sales or to exchange that unwanted Christmas gift, don't forget to take your cards with you and pop them in your nearest recycling box. Hopefully, this year's scheme will encourage many more Scots to recycle their waste, and make it part of their daily lives all year round."
Sue Holden, chief executive of the Woodland Trust, which has collected 443 million cards since the scheme began 10 years ago, says:
"Everyone who supports the Trust by recycling their cards is helping us to plant thousands of new trees throughout the UK."