4 ways to enjoy a sustainable festive season
At Christmas there are trees to decorate, houses to clean and meals to plan. We figure out the required cutlery, glassware and chairs with military precision.
A growing number of us want to plan our festive season with an environmentally responsible mindset. Here are four ways to have a merry Christmas while doing your bit for the planet.
1. Give (or ask for) experiences, not ‘things’
Rather than giving that certain someone a photo frame, foot spa or something that’ll end up in landfill, think of an experience they’d like. How about a voucher for a special meal at their favourite restaurant?
The animal lover in your life might jump at the chance to meet some cuddly koalas, meerkats or lemurs at Gorge Wildlife Park. And for sports or theatre enthusiasts, try tickets to an Adelaide 36ers or Adelaide United game, or a show at the Adelaide Festival Centre.
There are so many options, and the memory of that amazing experience will live on long after the ‘slightly better than the one they already had’ toaster you bought has heated its last slice of sourdough.
2. Donate to a charity
There’s no shortage of charities looking for help, especially at Christmas. And you’ll find plenty of people who’d prefer helping others than amassing more items they don’t need. A perfect opportunity is the office Secret Santa.
RAA Sustainability Specialist Lisa Hall says when it comes to charities, small amounts can go a long way.
“Instead of spending $20 on a tacky item for a colleague, pick a cause you think they’d support and donate the money – it’s the gift that gives twice,” Lisa says.
“Organisations like RAA’s charity partner, Foodbank, help thousands of hungry South Australians each year.
“You could also buy clean water or emergency food supplies for needy people overseas or give a gift to vulnerable children in emergency care through Backpacks 4 SA Kids.”
3. Stop the waste
According to End Food Waste Australia, we waste more than 7.6 million tonnes of food each year – enough to fill the Melbourne Cricket Ground 10 times over. Wasted food costs the average Australian household about $3800 a year, and accounts for about three per cent of Australia’s greenhouse gas emissions. Yet, around a fifth of Australian households have experienced severe food insecurity in the past year.
The key to avoiding Christmas food waste is planning. If you’re hosting friends or family, think carefully about how much each person will eat, then make a list and stick to it. Here are some other tips:
- Buy only what will be eaten on the day but ask your guests to bring takeaway containers for leftovers.
- Buy loose fruit, vegetables and other items instead of pre-packaged.
- Reduce waste (and the risk of food poisoning) by refrigerating your food properly and not overfilling your fridge.
- Don’t double up – check what’s in the fridge or pantry before you go shopping.
- Put food scraps in your organics bin or compost pile.
4. Shop consciously in the Christmas sales
Black Friday sale, mid-year clearance, Boxing Day sale – everywhere you turn there’s another blockbuster sale. It’s easy to fear missing out on 40 per cent off towels and capri pants but think carefully before you splash the cash.
According to Clean Up Australia, each year the average Aussie buys 56 brand-new clothing items and disposes of 23kg of clothing in landfill. So, what can we do to help?
Lisa says buying second-hand clothing from a pre-loved store or repairing your existing items helps the environment and your wallet.
“If you must buy new, choose long-lasting items and avoid trends that will go out of fashion quickly,” Lisa says.
“Many brands use recycled fabrics, and their items can be recycled again at the end of their lives. A good way to see how ethical your favourite brands are is to visit the Good On You website or app.”
