You and Yours

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You and Yours: Social Housing, Christmas Trees, Underage Kittens

08/12/2021

Social Housing, Christmas Trees, Underage Kittens

BBC Radio 4 - You and Yours, Social Housing, Christmas Trees, Underage Kittens

Which has a lower carbon footprint - a real Christmas tree or fake one?

Which has a lower carbon footprint - a real Christmas tree or fake one? And which do you prefer - let us know.

In response to reports of social housing in disrepair, with pest infestations, mould covered walls and sewage leaks, the government has said it's going to introduce tougher social housing regulation in England, with increased powers for the Social Housing Regulator and the Housing Ombudsman. We hear from a tenant who found the process of complaining to Ombudsman time consuming and difficult, and we hear from Clive Betts MP chair of the Levelling Up, Housing and Communities Committee about the current inquiry into social housing regulation. 

Two thirds of kittens bought this year have been sold via websites according to the charity Cats Protection. They're warning that cats being sold under 8 weeks old are too young to be taken from their mum and can have serious health conditions. We hear from Sam about Frankie - a kitten she bought who turned out to be just 4 weeks old. And Dr Fabian Rivers shares with us his experience as a vet, and what to look out for when buying a pet, especially online.

Which is the most 'eco' choice if you're buying a Christmas tree this year? We hear from The Carbon Trust which has compared the carbon footprint of plastic versus fir trees, and from a grower about the most sustainable options. Which do you prefer, and did you think about the environmental impact? Email us youandyours@bbc.co.uk

Presenter: Sam Fenwick
Producer: Miriam Williamson

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