Eating your greens

Food is the centrepiece of most Christmases. From roast turkey, to turkey curry, to turkey sandwiches to turkey supreme, the gift that keeps on giving usually lasts well after the last cracker has been pulled.

Can you still fly the green flag amidst this groaning table of consumption?

Assuming you’re not a veggie, there are plenty of options which can help ensure that nothing leaves a bad taste in your mouth.

Waitrose has a large range of free range and organic birds from turkey through to duck and guinea fowl. These are reared in more humane conditions, and Waitrose was rewarded for its efforts with an RSPCA Good Business Award in 2007.

Ethical food delivery service Abel & Cole will ensure that your fruit and veg is green as well as tasty. Their festive veg box is enough for six people and includes all your favourites from Arran Victory potatoes to organic brussel sprouts.

Fairtrade mince pies are on the menu at the Co-op, which also has Fairtrade Christmas puddings and Yule logs on offer. These ensure workers in developing countries can enjoy a fair Christmas too.

The simplest tip for a green Christmas is to reduce your overall consumption. This doesn’t mean cutting out – just planning to make sure the minimum amount is wasted. The Love Food Hate Waste campaign estimates that a third of all food bought in the UK ends up being thrown away, and that’s no good for the planet or your pocket.

Finally, let’s not forget what Christmas is all about. There are still carol services on St Peter’s Barge, London’s only floating church. Pop down today (Thursday) or on Sunday to join in. I hope you all have a peaceful Christmas and a greener 2009.

Do you or your company have an environmentally friendly product or service you’d like featured in this column? Let us know by contacting Seventeen, a sustainable alternative for your event management needs, at andrew@seventeenevents.co.uk.