In the hustle and bustle of the festive season, we tend to overspend, overindulge, and overestimate how much stuff we need. It’s easy to overdo it and end up with a massive pile of plastic waste, random junk, and uneaten food. In fact — Aussies produce around 30% more waste at Christmas time!
We think that we can all do better. The key is to think ahead and make sustainable, plastic-free swaps. It’s easier than you think!
Here are six simple ways to host an eco-friendly Christmas – from sending plantable Christmas cards to renting your Christmas tree, and sourcing a sustainable Christmas lunch – so you can focus on having yourself a merry little (plastic-free) Christmas!
Wrap gifts with recycled paper or fabric
What many of us don’t realise though is that many rolls of wrapping paper contain non-recyclable elements like foil, glitter or plastic.
If you want to know if your wrapping paper can be recycled or not, use the scrunch test. Scrunch up the paper in your hards and then let it go. If the paper stays scrunched up, then it can be recycled but, if it unfolds by its own accord, then it likely contains non-recyclable elements.
Alternatively try wrapping gifts with fabric instead, using colourful fabric squares that can be reused again and again or scarves that also be enjoyed as part of the present.
Choose decorations that will last a lifetime
When choosing decorations, we’d recommend opting for classic designs that will be loved for years, as opposed to trend pieces that you’ll be tired of by next Christmas. Decorations made from recycled wood, fabric and glass make great alternatives to plastic or PVC options that are non-recyclable.
Buy eco-friendly crackers
Replace single-use crackers with reusable ones. Some are made from natural linen, and some allow you to add your own personalised gifts. These are great eco-friendly Christmas decorations for the lunch table.
Reduce your food waste
Most of us are pretty good at getting creative with our leftovers throughout the year, but when Christmas comes, we can be a little more wasteful.
One option is to buy less. That can be tricky, though when guests are staying. Instead, make a conscious effort only to buy what you need, no overeating for the sake of it and using your composter or garden waste bin for scraps.
Switch to LED Christmas lights
If every household swapped a string of incandescent lights for its LED equivalent, we could save more than A$11 million and 29,000 tonnes of CO2, just over the 12 days of Christmas.
When it comes to eco-friendly Christmas decorations, LEDs are far better than traditional twinkling incandescent lights, because they use up to 80% less energy.
Switch to solar-powered lights outdoors, and put both sets on a timer. You’ll not only make environmental savings, but your energy bills will be reduced too.
Use plant-based glitter
What’s Christmas without a bit of sparkle? Opt for plant-based, vegan glitter like our Bio Glitter. Made entirely from cellulose, this glitter is 100% bio-degradable and does not cost the earth. So make the switch today.
Take care over the holidays enjoy the time with your friends and family. Thanks for your support online throughout the year!
Many blessings,
Shane and the Vesica team x