The billion cards that make up these 20,000 tonnes would fill at least 20 Olympic-sized swimming pools; a startling image and one that would seriously hamper our Olympic swimming bid. Apparently these will still be in landfill sites over 30 years from now, according to so-called garbageologists who have found newspapers from 35 years ago in landfill sites. Shocked by this, Envirowise has developed an e-card system exclusively for use by businesses this Christmas.

’Christmas is possibly the time of year when we produce the most waste,’ comments Envirowise Programme Director, Dr Martin Gibson. ‘We wanted to give businesses easy access to something they could use to help cut down on seasonal waste, without spoiling the fun of Christmas. A Christmas e-card system seems the ideal solution, especially as cards end up having such a disproportionate and long term environmental impact. What is more, since the system is free to use, they will save a bit of money in the process.’

Businesses wishing to use Envirowise’s Christmas e-cards system should visit www.envirowise.gov.uk. The system is free to use, but businesses are encouraged to make a donation to a charity of their choice. Envirowise supports WaterAid.