5 Ways to be waste-wise this Christmas

The good news is, there are ways to minimise the environmental impact of our celebrations. Here are some simple tips to have a waste-wise festive period this year:

Use a living Christmas tree

It’s always better to buy a plant instead of a plastic tree – even if you do intend to reuse your plastic one. This is because a plant is a renewable resource, 100 per cent compostable and easily recycled. Plastic Christmas trees are generally made of non-recyclable, non-degradable plastics and metals. They can’t be easily disassembled and recycled and so they’re likely to eventually end up in landfill.

For an ultra-sustainable option, consider a homemade arrangement of branches, or a potted plant such as an Australian native pine. And when it comes to decorating your tree, use LED lights if you can as they use less energy and last longer.

Choose reusable dinnerware

If you’re entertaining this year, and you don’t have enough crockery, consider buying second-hand plates and bowls or even renting them – instead of purchasing plastic or paper ones.  

The Elwood Kitchen Library allows you to rent everything from plates to cutlery to appliances – and many liquor stores rent glassware too. Use cloth napkins that can be washed and reused instead of paper ones.

Avoid food waste by planning ahead

During the festive period, it’s easy to buy too much of everything and end up with a lot of waste. The best way to reduce food waste is to avoid creating it in the first place. This involves planning your shop, shopping mindfully and storing food correctly to reduce waste and save money.

If you think there will be a lot of leftovers, ask guests to bring their own containers for taking food home. This will avoid the need to use throwaway containers or plastic wrap. Sustainability Victoria has many resources to help you more effectively plan, shop, cook and store food for minimal wastage.

Buy food loose

You might be surprised by how much food can be bought free of packaging – and this is of course something that can be done year-round. Check out these stores and market options within our City for package free food:   

• The Source Bulk Foods is located on Carlisle Street in Baclava. The Source is a zero-waste food store where you can buy items that usually come in packaging, like beans, rice or nuts. Just bring in your own containers, and they’ll help you get everything you need.
• The Pre-cycle Pantry is a mobile zero waste shopping van that deliver to your door. They operate in several suburbs in our City.
• Destination Markets – these markets, including farmers markets like Veg Out usually offer food to buy in minimal or no packaging at all – just don’t forget your reusable shopping bag.

Gift sustainably

Choosing sustainable gifts can be a challenge. This is because many different aspects of an item need to be considered when assessing its sustainability, including what it’s made from to how it’s packaged and transported – to name just a few.

Sustainability Victoria suggests that if you are purchasing a product, to ask yourself five key questions when considering a gift for someone in order to make as sustainable a purchase as possible. But one way to avoid having to navigate this problem is by buying an experience for someone instead, such as a cooking class – or by making a charitable donation on their behalf.

To make gifting as easy as possible, we’ve created a guide to sustainable gift ideas in the City of Port Phillip.

And remember – when wrapping gifts, consider using left over wrapping paper, newspaper, recycled paper or even fabric that can then be kept and used again.