Christmas is a time of year when we are guaranteed to create extra waste.
But there are ways to reduce your impact and celebrate sustainably this festive season. Here are a few tips from our friends at Sustainability Victoria.
Use a living Christmas tree
Every plastic tree will eventually end up in landfill, but living trees are 100 per cent biodegradable. While you are at it, reuse materials to make decorations. Classic paper chains replace tinsel, and homemade ornaments reusing materials found around the house can create a unique Christmas tree.
Consider sustainable gifting
When choosing sustainable gifts, consider the health, environmental and social impact of each item.
Donate to a worthy cause in someone else’s name.
Give experiences such as a meal out, an art class or movie tickets.
Consider a Kris Kringle or Secret Santa initiative, rather than buy a gift for everyone, just buy one gift.
Buy gifts made or grown locally to reduce emissions.
Make your own gifts, including handmade art, home grown plants or home baked goods.
Reduce food waste
The average household throws away more than $2000 of wasted food each year. Shop local, stick to your list and always send guests home with leftovers (in reusable containers).
When celebrating with family and friends, make recycling easy by setting up separate bins for general rubbish, recyclable material and food waste.
When the time comes to put your kerbside bins out for collection make sure recyclables are loose (not in a plastic bag) when placed in your yellow lid bin, and your food waste is placed in your food and garden waste bin (with the green lid).
