Easy ideas to rethink waste and enjoy a greener festive season
As Christmas approaches and we prepare to celebrate with family and friends, it’s a great moment to rethink how we manage waste during the festive season. Small choices in the way we gift, decorate and entertain can make a real difference for our environment — and often our budget too.
Whether it’s the gifts we choose, the decorations we put up, the wrapping we use or the meals we share, there are plenty of simple ways to avoid, reduce and reuse for a lower-waste holiday season.
Keen for some inspiration? Here are three easy ways you can rethink waste this Christmas.
1. Rethink Your Menu
Most of us enjoy a good spread on Christmas Day… and the leftovers on Boxing Day. But many households still find themselves tossing out food once the festivities wind down. Think about what didn’t get finished last year and adjust your menu accordingly. Try creative leftover ideas (Love Food Hate Waste has some great ideas) or choose dishes you can freeze. Buying local is another great way to reduce your food miles and support local producers.
2. Rethink Your Gift-Giving
‘Tis the season to give — and to give sustainably. There are plenty of ways to keep the joy in gift-giving without adding to the rubbish pile. Think about experiences instead of objects, handmade gifts and second-hand treasures. Home-baked treats also go a long way in reducing waste while feeling more personal.
Planet Ark’s Guide to Sustainable Gifting is a great place to look for gifts that are thoughtful, practical and low-waste.
3. Rethink The Wrap
Australians use more than 150,000 km of wrapping paper during the festive season – that’s almost enough paper to wrap around the Earth four times! Save money (and waste) by reusing what you already have at home. Newspaper sheets, fabric offcuts and even pillowcases make great alternatives. Keep gift bags and ribbons throughout the year and bring them back into circulation. Not sure how to use fabric as a wrap? Check out this handy guide!
Wrap-up the right way
Of course, there’ll still be items destined for the bin as the celebrations wind down. When it comes to choosing which bin, check out our guide to get your festive waste sorted.
As we wrap up another year, thanks for joining us in rethinking waste and caring for our environment. Wishing you and your loved ones a merry, safe and low-waste Christmas.
