Green Christmas: Top Tips for an Eco-friendly Holidays

It’s that time of year again, already, and everything amps up. During the summer season we host our relatives, go away on holidays, change up our routines, and boy does our waste increase! However, a green Christmas is still possible and we’ll show you how.

Here are a few tips from our team at Rooland on how you can avoid unnecessary waste, help save the environment and save few pennies along the way!

Food:

1. Make a shopping list of what you will need. This will help you not to get carried away with unnecessary extras.
2. Check what you have first and see if you can use that instead! Many families stick to traditional meals but why not try something different and be creative with what you have and especially your leftovers! Love Food Hate Waste has brilliant ideas you might want to try out.
3. Try to avoid excess plastics and packaging. e.g. If you’re going for chocolate top up at The Source or another bulk foods place.
4. Less meat is better. If there’s one thing we can do to help our planet it’s eating less meat. Introduce more salads and sides to your spread this year instead of so much meat. You’ll feel way better afterward too! Check out these savoury recipes that are both healthy and delicious.
5.  Skip disposable plates and cutlery. It ends up in landfill. Opt for real china, or seek out compostable bamboo options and compost responsibly!

Gifting:

It’s estimated that Aussies waste about $760 million on unwanted presents each year! Go for experiences, home-made items and ethically sourced local products. Re-gift something you have pre-loved or buy from op-shops. Donate to a charity on behalf of someone!

Try making your own cards, crochet dish cloths, candles, artworks, pot plants, chutneys, jam, jewellery, or write your loved one a poem!

Wrapping paper:

Did you know 83km2 of wrapping paper will be thrown out or burnt after Christmas! Recycle last years paper, use recycled brown paper and string. You can also use fabrics, old newspaper or just go unwrapped! Don’t let your paper go to waste this year!

Lights:

Go for LED solar lights and remember to put your lights on a timer.

Posting:

Reuse your parcels, boxes and bubble wrap. So much will be sent through mail and ordered online, make sure you aren’t producing extra waste. Go for recycled paper and cardboard options where you can.

Tree:

Decorate a pot plant or paint a fallen branch. There’s no need to buy plastic or cut a tree down. Get creative with home-made decorations, driftwood, and found items! This will turn into an experience you’ll remember, too.

Do you have other eco-friendly practices in mind? Share them with us.

Happy holidays!