Tis the Season to reflect, relax, and enjoy some quiet time, except before that happens, it’s usually crazy busy, hectic and definitely not quiet. And that’s before we’ve even thought about our impact on the Earth at this time of year.
Fret not though, as we’re here to help with these tips to make it a sustainable Christmas.
DIY Eco-Friendly Decorations:
Create homemade Christmas decorations using recycled materials. This could include ornaments made from old newspapers, wreaths from natural materials, or even repurposing old decorations. If you’re decorating your house or tree with lights, make sure they’re energy-efficient LED lights, utilise solar and limit the use of them to save energy.
Reusable Plastic vs Real Christmas Tree:
It’s a fact, all plastic trees will eventually end up in landfill. Whereas real trees will break down back into the Earth. If you already have a plastic tree, then you should continue to use it and brighten it up with some homemade eco-friendly decorations. Looking for a new tree though? Go for a real tree from a Christmas tree farm (one that has been planted especially for the purpose of being used as a Christmas tree), or, go for a potted one that can be planted afterwards, or kept in the pot for next year too!
Green Gifts:
Sustainable gift options are endless. Try experiences, digital gifts, meaningful charity donations on behalf of your loved-one, or items made from eco-friendly natural materials.
- Experiences such as a massage, a day at Adventure Park, a French cooking or an art class can be a gift that keeps on giving, and not something we’d usually buy for ourselves.
- Support local and handmade products to support small business and your community. Look for your local grower and maker markets, there are a lot of extra ones around at this time of year.
- You could even look at products that can help friends and family live a more sustainable life? A worm farm, a permaculture workshop, a fruit tree or a hand-selected large pot with seeds to grow their own vegetables or herbs.
- Or make your own gifts such as soap, lip balm, rocky road, or a chutney. There are many great Christmas gift recipes online.
- And when it comes to buying for a large group, suggest Kris Kringle, Secret Santa, or Bad Santa. And even better, why not suggest that your family or your work colleagues must get something second-hand. Second-hand stores (or op shops) and online marketplaces for used goods are great places to find unique, vintage and sustainable presents.
If you’re looking for more ideas, download our gift giving guide.
Minimalist Gift Wrapping:
Use reusable or recyclable materials for gift wrapping. Try alternatives like fabric wraps, newspaper, brown paper bags, or even a tea towel which forms part of their gift. Zhoosh up your gifts by reusing ribbon or twine and add a sprig of Rosemary or gum leaves with a cinnamon stick, or a slice of dried orange. You can also make gift tags from recycled materials like old Christmas cards.
Zero-Waste Christmas recipes:
Use local and seasonal ingredients when planning your Christmas meals. And reuse any leftovers to make great meals the following day. There’s your typical frittatas and toasties with the leftover ham and vegetables, but don’t forget you can make a delicious soup with bones from your ham and other roasted meat too (they freeze great as well). Also, ensure you compost all of your food scraps. There are many great compost bins (which make another great gift idea), which can fit in your space.
And what to do once all the festivities are over? Head outdoors of course. Outdoor activities that connect with nature, such as bush walks and rock pooling are great, but you could also try something new like downloading a bird watching app and heading into the bush to help interact with what is around you. This not only promotes appreciation for the environment, but is great for your mental health during the holiday season to help you wind down.
Always Remember:
Rethink – Be mindful of your consumption, your relationship with ‘things’ and your relationship with Earth
Reduce how much ‘stuff’ you buy, particularly unnecessary items
Repair what you already own, to get more life from it
Re-use any single-use items you have as much as you can
Repurpose old clothes or items as cleaning or gardening tools
Refuse single-use items like plastic bags or cutlery
Regift your clothing and items
Recover potential treasured items from second hand stores
Rot your food scraps in the garden (composting)
Recycle in your yellow kerbside bin as a last resort
Geelong Sustainability wishes you a very happy festive season.