Christmas is a time for joy with friends and family, but unfortunately it can leave a trail of waste. In Australia every year, we receive over 20 million unwanted gifts and go through over 150,000 kilometres of wrapping paper. 90% of us also usually discard at least a quarter of our food over the festive season.

The Christmas period doesn’t have to be such a wasteful celebration. There are plenty of ways you can enjoy yourself sustainably, minimising the impact on the environment. Here are some tips on how to do just that:

Presents

Consider sustainable gifts

In the spirit of embracing a more sustainable holiday season, there are several thoughtful choices we can make when it comes to gift-giving. You could:

• explore the charm of second-hand treasures from an op-shop
• give preference to materials that are eco-friendly and biodegradable, such as wooden toys or games
• tap into your DIY skills and craft something that is heartfelt and personal.

Edible gifts and plants make for excellent Christmas presents. Whether it's a batch of homemade cookies or a potted plant, these gifts are both delightful and sustainable. In the case of plants, they also offer a lasting impact, as they grow and thrive over time.

Also, consider gifting someone an experience over a material possession. Shared adventures, tickets to a show, or vouchers for a day spa offer the invaluable present of cherished moments and quality time together.

Wrap recycled

There are a few different ways you can wrap your gifts that ultimately reduces waste. This includes:

• Wrapping in reusable materials, like a tea towel or fabric scraps. Secure these wraps with twine or string, and you'll have a beautifully presented gift that's both unique and waste-free.
• Look around your home to repurpose items like shoeboxes, old gift bags, or shopping bags.
• You could even forgo wrapping altogether.

Quality over quantity

Australians collectively shell out approximately $11 billion on Christmas presents, but about 20 million of these gifts end up being unwanted by their recipients.

Think about what that person likes. Have they talked about something they want before?

Some people are more than happy telling you exactly what they want for Christmas, and you’ll both be better off.

When buying the gift, try to choose something that is built to last. Remember, something durable doesn’t have to cost a lot either.

Decorations

Solar power your lights

Consider the more sustainable option of solar power when it comes to lighting up your holiday season. LED Christmas lights, whether they’re on your tree or around your house, are energy-efficient, long-lasting and just as radiant as traditional options.

Avoid plastic decorations

Instead, opt for a more personal touch by making your own festive décor or upcycling old materials, giving your decorations a unique and heartfelt feel. Otherwise, you could swap out plastic for paper or fabric decorations, which can be reused year after year, or recycled if you decide.

Just try to avoid glitter-speckled decorations, wrapping paper and cards. Glitter is a significant source of microplastic in the environment and it will make items unrecyclable. Decorations, wrapping paper and gifts cards also shouldn’t contain any batteries.

Christmas crackers are also not recyclable, so be mindful of their environmental impact. Lastly, let's not forget about balloons, especially those filled with helium, which can travel long distances and end up in waterways. In fact, the outdoor release of lighter-than-air balloons was banned in Queensland as of 1 September 2023. Fortunately, there are plenty of sustainable balloon alternatives.

Making these thoughtful choices will transform your Christmas celebrations into a more sustainable experience.

Use a living Christmas tree

While artificial Christmas trees may seem convenient, they cannot be recycled.

Instead, invest in a potted tree from a nursey that you can keep in your garden, or opt for a living one from a sustainable forest. Not only are these options much better for the environment, they also support local businesses.

Just make sure you do not get your tree from a State or National Park. Illegally removing or cutting down a tree from these areas can result in hefty fines up to $14,375.

If you find your old artificial Christmas tree is no longer suitable for use, you can breathe new life into its branches by repurposing them to create decorations like wreaths, table runners, and garlands.

Celebrations

Reduce food waste

Tackling food waste is a critical element of making your Christmas more sustainable. Carefully consider the quantity of food you're preparing and be mindful of portion sizes to minimise leftovers.

Planning ahead and knowing how to store and repackage leftovers is also key. Take a moment to declutter your freezer, ensuring you have ample space to store and later enjoy those delicious meals that would have otherwise gone off in the fridge. Ask your guests to bring their own containers to take home any leftovers and avoid having to throw away any food.

To get the most out of your leftovers, download the free Saveful app which provides chef-tested recipes based on the food that is already at home.

Many food scraps can also be added to a compost bin. This environmentally friendly practice not only reduces waste but also contributes to nutrient-rich soil for your garden.

Go reusable

Steer clear of disposable dinnerware like plastic plates and utensils. Use your regular utensils and if you need more, ask if any guests can bring some. If using disposable dinnerware is your only option, aim for biodegradable, like bamboo. When throwing these items away, make it easy for everyone by providing accessible bins to make recycling a breeze.

You can also cut down on other single-use items by choosing reusable coffee cups, water bottles, metal or silicone drinking straws, baking sheets, fold-up carry bags, and food wraps.

Look at swapping out paper napkins for cloth ones, which can be washed and reused.

Remember, once the festivities conclude, it's important not to overlook what remaining waste can be recycled.

Leave up to the dishwasher

When it comes to the post-celebration clean up, leave the task to your dishwasher. A water-efficient dishwasher can save water compared to washing by hand. So, instead of rolling up your sleeves and scrubbing away at a mountain of dishes, consider the environmental benefits of letting your dishwasher do the work.

Not only will you save water, but you'll also have more time to enjoy the company of your loved ones.

Don’t forget about batteries!

Many of the gifts we receive this festive season will contain batteries. It is important to be aware of the safe charging and appropriate handling of toys, power tools and other devices needing batteries.

When they reach the end of their life, loose rechargeable and non-rechargeable batteries can be taken to collection points located in retailers such as Officeworks, Aldi, Woolworths and Battery World. There is a full list of battery return points on the B-cycle website.

Christmas is a time for cherishing moments with loved ones, relaxing and enjoying each other's company. Play your part in making this Christmas both joyful and environmentally responsible by incorporating these simple, sustainable habits that reduce excess waste.

Let's all strive for a holiday season that warms our hearts and leaves a gentler impact on our planet.