It’s estimated that Australian household waste increases by up to 30% during the festive season.
On top of this, nearly one third of Australians receive Christmas gifts they’ll never use, many of which end up in landfill.
To help combat this, there are thoughtful, memorable – and sustainable – ways you can show your appreciation to loved ones.
We’ve put together some Christmas gift ideas that can help you save money and reduce, reuse and recycle this festive season.
Sustainable Santa ideas
Acts of service: Wash a car, mow the lawn, run an errand or babysit.
Green gifts: Buy a plant or re-pot one of your own seedlings or baby cacti.
Buy a subscription or membership: Try a video or music streaming service, or buy a zoo membership, e-books or e-magazines.
Donate to a charity: Choose one that’s meaningful to someone you love.
Try your hand at thrifting: If there’s an item your loved one wants, see if you can find it as a quality second-hand option.
Favourite food and drinks: Treat them to chocolate, coffee or wine.
Choose an experience: Put in with others to gift event tickets, movie passes or a restaurant gift card.
Other eco-friendly Christmas tips
Ditch the wrapping paper: Australians use more than 150,000 km of wrapping paper each Christmas! A beautiful pillowcase or reusable box can work nicely.
Donate your unwanted gifts: Op shops will put your donations to good use.
Use second-hand decorations: Look for pre-loved Christmas decorations at second-hand or thrift shops.
Use natural decorations: Twist strands of ivy into a pretty wreath for the front door, then dispose of it in your FOGO bin.