WASTE packaging generated in the UK in only one year would more than cover the size of York.

That is the reason why retailers and manufacturers in York and North Yorkshire are being urged: "Cut down on your packaging at source."

The plea comes from Envirowise, the Government funded organisation which advises businesses on resource efficiency and how they can make cost savings by going green at the same time.

Last year alone the UK used the packaging equivalent of 1.25 billion standard cardboard boxes.

Yet there is more than 4 million tonnes of paper and board packaging waste annually despite strong efforts by businesses to reuse and recycle material, says Envirowise.

Now the organisation is calling on local manufacturers and retailers to help further reduce unnecessary packaging by adopting cleaner' principles at design stage, with their help.

Elin Crebbin, Envirowise's Yorkshire regional manager, said: "Many products don't need room to breathe, so why are they surrounded by unnecessary air' through over-sized or ill-fitting packaging?

"Some businesses could even be doubling their transport costs - simply because their products are over-packed. And with 67 per cent of consumers surveyed always buying the least-packed product when given a choice, it is clear there is both an environmental and commercial motivation to act."

Companies are being urged to visit www.envirowise.gov.uk/howmuchair and enter some initial data on their packaging format and usage.

Participants will then receive valuable, free guidance from Envirowise within ten working days - outlining opportunities to innovate and reduce their packaging waste.