Have an eco-friendly festive season

Published on 04 December 2024

Xmas fruit and veg market

Have an eco-friendly festive season with these tips and tricks.

Wrapping

Australians use more than 150,000 km of wrapping paper during the festive season. Instead, try wrapping with fabric, tea towels or scarves. Plain wrapping paper can go in your recycling bin; paper with glitter or plastic finishes cannot.

Gifts

Each year, around 6.1 million Australians receive festive gifts they will never use. Ask friends and family what they would like to receive or give an experience: tickets to a local theatre show or gallery, a voucher for a class or meal.

The person who has all they need may appreciate you donating to a local charity on their behalf.

Food

During the festive season food waste in Australian households increases by about 30%. Try yummy feasts with less waste.

  • Food in season tastes better and supports local farmers.
  • Buy local to reduce transport miles and support your community.
  • Make a list and check it twice to avoid over-catering.
  • Turn leftovers into meals such as pies, patties, curries or smoothies.
  • Allow us to make compost from unavoidable food waste (your FOGO bin can handle bones, seafood and shells).

Setting the table

Much disposable tableware cannot be composted and ends up in landfill. Use washable crockery, cutlery and napkins or try paper or foil trays, which can be put in your recycling bin.

Christmas trees

Species such as Picea pungens, Picea glauca and woolly bush make great Christmas trees. Purchase a potted tree from your local nursery or use a branch from the garden.

Decorations

Many Australian native plants flower in summer and make beautiful decorations. Making decorations is a fun family activity. Try dehydrated citrus slices, garden foliage or recycled paper crafts.

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