It’s never too early to plan for next Christmas, so here is my insightful and environmentally friendly recommendation for next year’s christmas tree.

Without calculating  the detailed carbon footprint of that temporarily living  piney off-cut standing beglittered in your lounge, or the plastic alternative you picked up for £20 at Woolies’ terminal sale, it’s probably safe to say both are more environmentally harmful, more expensive, and probably less attractive than the alternative – a living christmas tree.

From my experience this Christmas, I can happily recommend the arboreal company of a Norfolk Island Pine, a handsome 7ft tall in its pot, and supporting all the lights and trimmings you could want.  Cometh twelfth night, this tree can, unlike its temporary cousins, be returned to the garden until next year.   Or, if you don’t enjoy the favourable climate of Southern California, just keep it indoors like a regular potted plant.  Either way – low maintenance, low hassle.

Starting next year, make one part of your family.