Managing waste wisely

Dreaming of a low-waste Christmas? Here’s how to make it happen.

Reusable fabric wrapping (furoshiki)

Want to level up your low-waste Christmas game this year? Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out on your low-waste journey, here are some tips to avoid, reduce, reuse and recycle right this Christmas.

Level 1: Elf

Behind the scenes, these hard workers are laying the groundwork for a magical Christmas. Elves are proof that small things can make a big difference – if everyone adopted just a few of these sustainable actions this year, we’d go a long way towards reducing our collective Christmas waste.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  • Gift at least one experience instead of a thing – think movies, day spas, hot air balloon trips, courses, classes, memberships, and restaurant vouchers. There’s a memorable and waste-free gift experience out there for everyone.
  • Most wrapping paper contains plastic and can’t be recycled. Go for classic brown paper packages tied up with string for a recyclable option, or use gift bags and boxes that can be reused next year.
  • Take stock of your decorations and see if you can go without buying anything new this year. Most of us have more than enough baubles and tinsel lying around already – but if you do want more, your local op shop is likely to have the goods!
  • Swap single-use tableware for reusables on Christmas day. If you don’t have enough, consider hiring more or check your local op shops for second-hand pieces. Then put the carols on and get everyone in the kitchen to help wash up!
  • Set aside a box with signage to collect any eligible drink containers from the festivities, and take them to your nearest Containers for Change collection point for a refund or donation.
  • Freeze leftovers for later, and FOGO or compost any foodscraps.

 

Level 2: Reindeer

These low-waste options take a bit of planning and preparation, and you’ll maximise your impact if you’ve got a team with a shared goal in mind – just like Santa’s reindeer. Once you’ve done the prep, having a low-waste Christmas will be as easy as gliding through the night sky.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  • Instead of buying socks or scented candles for that tricky person on your list, donate to a cause they care about on their behalf.
  • Doing some Christmas baking? You can avoid single-use plastic by getting your ingredients from your local bulk food store. Simply bring your own jars or tins, weigh them on the scales provided, and fill them up with all the flour, sugar, spices and dried fruit you need. (Bonus: check how much the recipe calls for in advance and buy exactly that amount to avoid odds and ends cluttering up the pantry.)
  • Learn the Japanese art of furoshiki and wrap your gifts in pieces of fabric that can be reused again and again. Or use a t-shirt, tea towel or scarf for a gift-wrapped-in-a-gift. And don’t forget to explain your choice to your gift recipient so they know how to pass it on! Check out our low-waste gift wrapping factsheet for ideas and instructions.
  • Remind everyone to only fill up their plate with what they can eat (you can always come back for seconds). Leftover food from the plate usually gets thrown out – but leftovers from the tray or salad bowl can be enjoyed the next day or frozen for later.
  • If you usually find yourself drawn in by the Boxing Day sales, plan an activity like a beach day, picnic, or even a relaxed Christmas movie marathon at home to keep you occupied instead.
  • Full bins? Take any excess recycling (jars, bottles, cans, paper, plastic containers and cardboard) to the West Metro Recycling Centre, as well as any polystyrene, corks and plastic beer clips (all for free). The Recycling Centre is open from 7.30am-2.00pm on Boxing Day before regular trading hours resume the following day.

 

Level 3: Santa

Channel the big man himself and try these big ideas for a low-waste festive season. They may take a little more time and a little more effort to convince those around you, but by adopting Santa’s steady, good-natured approach – and giving everyone enough time to plan and adjust – you’ll be able to win hearts and minds and share the low-waste magic with friends and family for years to come.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  • Getting your family or friend group on board with a Secret Santa is a great way to reduce waste and ensure everyone gets a gift they actually want. There are websites that make the whole process easy by randomly allocating recipients from a list of names and allowing everyone to input a wishlist – or go old-school and simply draw names out of a hat.
  • If you’d like more decorations, get crafty and make your own from waste items, natural materials, or things you already have around the house. Think toilet paper roll stars, native flower wreaths, and wooden pallet Christmas trees.
  • Assess what you usually cook for Christmas. Is it too much? Are there usually heaps of leftovers? Adjust your amounts accordingly!
  • Choose recipes that call for local, seasonal produce that doesn’t have to travel as far to get to your table. Bonus points for choosing more veggie-based dishes over meat.
  • Ask everyone to bring a reusable container (or provide them) so if there are leftovers everyone can take a portion or two. The Great Unwaste has some fun ideas for getting creative with leftovers.
  • Return, resell, re-gift or donate any unwanted gifts.
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