Don’t let the festive season leave a mass of waste in its wake. Follow these simple tips to celebrate Christmas sustainably.
1. Ditching the disposables
Perhaps you have heard the recent news about recycling soft plastics?
This is a country-wide issue and will take time to resolve due to the huge amounts of soft plastic waste generated and a lack of demand for products recycled from soft plastics. So now is a great time to start avoiding single-use soft plastics and unnecessary packaging where you can.
Store your left-over food in containers, avoid buying fruit and veggies wrapped in cling wrap and ask your local bakery to pop your bread in a paper bag.
Remember that there is also now a NSW plastic ban on single-use plastic straws, stirrers, cutlery, plastic plates and bowls. Serve your festive food in reusable cups, glasses, plates, bowls and cutlery and ditch these disposable items where you can.
2. Reducing food waste
With all the preparations and activities going on, a lot of food can end up in the bin. Once in landfill, food waste produces greenhouse gases that impact our environment.
Some food waste is difficult to avoid – so consider composting or a worm farm to keep your food waste to a minimum.
For further ideas visit Love Food Hate Waste for inspiring tips on how to reduce your food waste including free video tutorials and handbook with recipes and food storage ideas.
3. Making your own fabric gift bags
According to a survey by Care Australia, the average Aussie uses eight metres of paper for their Christmas gift – that’s a lot of trees! Instead, be creative and use fabric scraps, ribbons (source some from the bargain bin) to make an easy fabric gift bag.
Simply fold the fabric in half, sew down the sides and pop your gift in and tie with an old ribbon or fabric scraps. Decorate with a flower or a piece of rosemary.
Forget plastic decorations at your summer gatherings and try reusable fabric bunting.
4. Recycle your packaging
Received a gift packaged in polystyrene? Don’t let it go to landfill. If it’s 100% clean, white and dry, take it to one of our Community Recycling Drop-off Events for recycling.
