Although we love the tradition of Christmas cards and the thought that goes into writing each individual message, we're not comfortable with the level of waste and environmental impact associated with cards, from printing and packaging to postage and then getting rid of them. Reports suggest around 33% of cards aren't recycled, and in fact even today many cards aren't even recyclable! 

And, there's so many people we'd like to wish a Happy Christmas to that the environmental impact would be too big so instead, we have made a donation to St Petrocs who are working to end homelessness in Cornwall, because they believe every person has a right to a safe and secure home.

Homelessness in Cornwall

Established in 1986 in response to people sleeping rough in Truro, the team at St Petrocs have been working hard ever since to end homelessness in Cornwall.

We have a complex housing problem here in Cornwall with a shortage of affordable homes and with local people often being priced out of areas as holiday lets and second homes take over.  In addition to this the increase in online holiday lettings has changed the rental market meaning there are less affordable tenancies for local people. High living costs and low incomes mean that a sudden increase in pressure on a household, like losing work or rising fuel bills, can push people into homelessness. 

St Petrocs Winter Appeal

2022 has seen an increased demand on St Petrocs services, with the number of people accessing these services the highest it's ever been. This is why they have launched their Winter appeal 2022-23. In October they worked with 119 people sleeping rough in Cornwall, the highest number the team have ever worked with in a single month. And with the extreme rain we experienced in November followed by the cold we all felt in December, these pressures are only going to increase on St Petrocs resources and ability to help. They estimate they are currently working with 550 people in Cornwall.

Can you help?

Every donation, no matter how big or small, can make a difference so if you can help then do head over to the St Petrocs website to make your donation. Or there are lots of others ways to support the charity. Could you organise a fundraiser? Get sponsored to take on a challenge in 2023? Give up your time and do some volunteering? There are all sorts of ways to make a difference and we're pleased to be able to support the winter appeal this year and to support St Petrocs in the work they do.

Find out how to get involved here 

Happy Christmas!

And finally, we really should say, a very Happy Christmas to you all. Our heartfelt thank you's to everybody who has supported Green&Blue in 2022 and helped our mission to make homes havens for wildlife, we've had a blast and now we can't wait for a little break, to recharge and reignite, ready to reconnect more people with nature in 2023! 

A Happy Christmas, and a jolly new year, from all the team* xx

*Missing from the photos are Kate, Liz and Tarka!