MP's 8th Annual Christmas Card Competition launched

03.09.07

Edward Davey this week launched his 8th Annual Christmas Card competition, with an unusual theme - “waste prevention”.  The hope is to encourage young people to think about reducing waste at Christmas – and to promote the re-use of Christmas cards. >

Schools and youth groups across the constituency have been invited to take part and the winning design will be turned into Edward's Christmas Card, sent to over 2,000 people across the country. <

This year Edward wants a card designed so recipients can re-use the card next year, borrowing on ideas promoted by Friends of the Earth.

Commenting Edward said:

“I chose the “waste prevention” theme because we must do far more than recycling - vital though that it – if we are to tackle the environmental challenge. So I wanted to encourage young people to think about how we can re-use things, as well as recycle.

“I believe we have to be much tougher on supermarkets to cut their packaging – but we can all do our bit too to cut back on rubbish.

“During Christmas household waste doubles - with uneaten leftovers, gift packaging and cards. So while you can always send e-Cards nowadays, I’m backing Friends of the Earth's idea for recycling old Christmas cards.

“It’s a tough issue to tackle, but if we encourage children to think about rubbish, we can cut waste, save money and help the environment too.”

Notes to Editors

1. Anyone who wants to take part in the Christmas Card Competiton can call my office 0208 288 0161 for further details, though letters are being sent to all schools and youth groups.

2. From Friends of the Earth's website: Save the cards you received this Christmas for re-use next year. Either keep the pictures to make your own creations, or order a pad of 50 re-use labels for £2 from Friends of the Earth and call to order on 020 7490 1555.