Don’t waste this festive season
Published 18 December 2024
We always seem to consume and waste more during the festive season. Often food gets thrown out, and there can be gifts lying around that you don’t quite know what to do with... Reducing your festive waste is not only great for the environment but good for your hip pocket too.
Read on to prevent waste and reduce your environmental impact this holiday season.
Decorating and entertaining
- Choose the Christmas tree you already have. If you have a plastic tree in your cupboard, that’s the most sustainable option you can choose.
- Choose a living tree. If you want something real, native trees like the Albany Woolly Bush or Wollemi Pine make great potted Christmas plants. Even better: decorate a plant you already own. Glam up your monstera with some lights and a bauble or two.
- Make your own garland. You can use dried orange slices, cinnamon bundles and dried herbs. It will not only look great but smell great too.
- Keep your dinnerware reusable. If you’re hosting a larger gathering, visit op shops for some fun vintage or decorative plates. You can make up a plate of leftovers for guests and let them keep the plate as a parting gift. You can also rent plates and cutlery from the Elwood Kitchen Library.
Gifting
- Think of experiences and adventures instead of traditional presents. They are a great way to spend time with loved ones or to treat yourself. A dinner, a massage, a pilates class pack, and a pottery class are just a few.
- Be thrifty – buy gifts from an antique market or second-hand store. Here are just a few of the great options in Port Phillip:
- The well-known and much-loved Greeves Street Op Shop – here you’ll find vintage crockery, clothing and furniture and hand made items that are made on site.
- The St Kilda Uniting Op Shop – this newly opened store includes curated fashion, accessories, and eclectic treasures that capture the spirited charm of St Kilda.
- Vuelo Vintage Goods – this is the place to go if you’re buying for someone who loves vintage sportswear. At their Balaclava store, you’ll find everything from bomber jackets to jerseys to noughties jeans.
- Get cooking! Why not make something yourself? Think biscuits and quick pickles.
- Buy local – grab a hamper of goodies from one of our many markets. See our guide to the best markets in St Kilda and Southside.
- Avoid plastic when wrapping your presents. Stay away from foil and cellophane which cannot be recycled in your mixed recycling bin. Instead, reuse old paper, fabric, and boxes.
- Re-gift or donate the gifts that you don’t want. They might be the perfect gift for someone else.
The Greeves Street Op Shop is located at 169 Chapel Street, St Kilda. It sells mostly pre-loved quality donations, and there is a selection of boutique products handmade on-site.
Feasting
- Plan and cater the right amount of food for your guests.
- Use up your leftovers. Gift your guests leftover ham for sandwiches the next day. Visit OzHarvest for some helpful tips and use-it-up recipes.
- Use your FOGO bin or a communal FOGO hub to dispose of your unavoidable food waste like fruit peels, onion skins and bones.
- Take your eligible drink containers to your local Container Deposit Scheme refund point. Collect or donate the 10c you collect for every bottle.