Well here we are, at the back end of another year. Since this is our 1191st broadcast, it occurs to me that I've written a fair few Christmas messages over the years, and as most have been positive, I'm going to allow myself a grumble this time. Well, less of a grumble and more a plea... 

  

Someone dear to me bought me a Christmas jumper - new - and one which I believe, matched theirs and their dog's, too. Luckily they gave it to me in time to return it for a refund. Now I'm not against Christmas jumpers as such, but new ones? Surely there are enough of them in charity shops and by buying second hand, your friend or loved one gets a festive jumper to wear, the charity receives income and there's less strain on our recycling services. Likewise Halloween outfits for babies and tots... It's so easy, (and more fun) to cobble something together - which also means that the little one will wear something unique. So that's your task for next year, if you're into dressing up to celebrate such events: donate to and buy from charity shops whenever you can please, or use Gumtree or Facebook Freecycle! 

  

On the subject of unnecessary waste, the 'Love Food Hate Waste' campaign that features this week made scary reading... Not the campaign itself, but the figures behind it. My local authority's been running weekly food waste collections for several years and it works well. I do hope the schemes being brought in nationwide next year are just as successful. 

  

I’ve just received news from the Food Standards Agency, which warns that thousands of us will spend Christmas “hunched over the toilet” instead of enjoying the festivities! It warns against: defrosting food outside of, rather than in the fridge; eating dairy products past use-by dates even if they still look, taste and smell fine; eating smoked fish or cold meats past use-by dates even if they appear to be ok; leaving food (such as a buffet) out at room temperature for four-plus hours; letting leftovers sit for hours at room temperature instead of cooling then refrigerating or freezing them; putting hot leftovers straight into the fridge; partially cooking food in advance then leaving it at room temperature before finishing cooking later; not following cooking instructions properly and ensuring food’s cooked thoroughly; reusing utensils used for raw meat and other foods without thoroughly cleaning them first; not knowing if your fridge is below 5C; keeping Christmas lunch remains for more than two days, and not asking guests about allergies etc. I’m guilty of eating some foods such as dairy - without mishap, way past sell-by date - and leftovers that have been in the fridge for several days, too, but thought I’d share the tips anyway. Good luck! 

  

Do have a safe and happy Christmas and New Year. We’ll be back on 8th January.