The organisation, a charity that promotes sustainable forest management, said that choosing cards bearing the FSC label means they will be made with paper or card that supports responsible forestry. It has also asked those making their own Christmas cards to use FSC-certified materials.

“It is estimated that UK consumers send one billion Christmas cards each year. Although these cards can be both biodegradable and easily recyclable, they can also be the product of deforestation or poor forestry practices, if they are not sourced responsibly,” FSC UK said.

It added that although many people will send digital cards or forgo them altogether, Oxfam research reported in The Independent found that nine out of ten people in the UK prefer to receive a real Christmas card instead of a text or email.

“Although they seem like a small gesture, a lot of effort goes into choosing, writing, and posting a card,” FSC UK stated.

“Digital messages just don’t seem to be able to replace that warm, fuzzy feeling of reading a handwritten message from friends and family near and far, but a real, responsibly sourced card could bring a smile to a loved one and show some love for forests.

“Plus, many of us like to use the cards we receive as Christmas decorations – and you definitely can’t do that with an email or a text!”

It said those taking the pledge can also enter a giveaway to win a £100 John Lewis gift card. Details on how to pledge are available on FSC UK’s website.