Although being unemployed has many drawbacks, it can be transformed into a chance to see the world and tackle new challenges. What stops most job hunters from taking advantage of this “free time” is the expense involved in staying in an exotic locale long enough to learn about another culture and hone your skills.

But thanks to an organiation known as Work & Volunteer Abroad (WAVA), English speaking UK residents can sign up for a program to work in the hospitality or agricultural business in Norway.

Although there is a charge for the service — from £580 for 8 weeks to £800 for 22 weeks, the expenses are a fraction of what a vacation would cost because of their work/exchange program. Participants stay with a local family and are provided three meals a day.  In exchange, they work 35 hours per week at a job arranged in advance by WAVA. Each week a stipend of about £75 is provided for pocket money. Personal transportation is not provided –although workers can bring their own bicycles — and most employers provide transport to and from work.

WAVA workers learn about the Norwegian culture up close and personal, making their journey much more than just a sightseeing tour or a typical “job abroad.”

Total immersion in the local community provides a chance for UK participants to appreciate how many common concerns people share – regardless of their location – while learning the facinating differences that are created by climate, religion, government and education.  In return, the hosts are exposed to fresh perspectives on their business and society as well as provided with much needed assistance during peak seasons, making it a win-win situation for all concerned.

WAVA programs in Norway are available for citizens of the UK and Eire over 18 years of age who speak fluent English and are able to perform the types of tasks required by their host.

Experience in agriculture, animal husbandry and hospitality are matched with appropriate positions, and participants are briefed on the program before departing. Letters of intent are sent by WAVA participants to the host families who select candiadates suitable to their lifestyle and job requirements.

Of course, working for WAVA is not going to replace the need to secure full-time, permenant employment, but it can provide fresh insight and perspective into the truly important things in life while learning valuable lessons about yourself.

The weak pound has been blamed for a potential shortage in Christmas trees this year.With prices for imported trees having risen about 30% due to the relative strength of the Danish Kroner and the Euro, many UK wholesalers and garden centres have reduced orders and looked to replace imported trees with UK grown ones.

But whilst UK growers are no doubt enjoying the increase in demand, many are warning that the situation could lead to a shortage of trees, as demand could outstrip supply. Their advice – get your tree early to avoid disappointment!

So is it more environmentally friendly to have a real tree or a fake one? This debate seems to be raging at the moment, so which is the best option if you want to do your bit for the planet?

Our conclusion is that the best option is to buy a real tree, grown in the UK and sold with roots on. With a little luck (and judicious watering over the festive season) it should last and can then be planted in the garden come January to be used in future years – very sustainable! Clearly, if you are really concerned about the environment then you should collect it from where it has been grown on foot or on a bicycle!

Number two in our eco-tree chart is a UK grown cut tree, and for extra green points recycle it after Christmas. But it is at this point that the debate gets tricky – is an imported tree worse than a fake tree? Well, clearly neither is ideal from a carbon point of view. Both have probably originated abroad and required transporting over vast distances, consuming considerable quantities of fossil fuel. And, whilst purchasing a new fake tree almost certainly wins you last place in our eco-chart, what if you’ve already got the fake tree – surely the damage is then done and it’s ongoing environmental impact is minimal.

So, if you want a green Christmas, buy local and replant afterwards or dig out that fake tree from the attic and keep on using it. But hurry if you want a local tree, as they are in short supply…

As any of you know, when you have animals and livestock to look after Christmas can be very much like any other day of the year, except you have to try and cook, eat and enjoy a hugh meal as well.  How do you brighten up you Christmas Day whilst looking after your livestock?   Send me you pics and I will upload on the Land-force blog.