Published on Friday, 5 December 2025 at 3:05:44 PM
The festive season is all about joy, connection and celebration, but did you know it’s also the most wasteful holiday of the year?
In fact, waste production jumps by 30% during the festive season.
The good news? By making a few simple changes, you can keep the magic alive while reducing your environmental footprint. Here are some practical, creative tips to make this season merry, mindful and sustainable.
The Christmas Tree: Make It Meaningful
- Go Living: Choose a potted tree that can grow with your family. It’s a beautiful tradition, great for the planet and looks good throughout the year.
- DIY Magic: Feeling crafty? Pinterest is bursting with ideas for chic, sustainable homemade trees.
- Love What You Have: Already own an artificial tree? Keep using it! The longer you reuse, the greener it becomes.
Presents: Thoughtful Giving
- Gift Experiences: Concert tickets, spa days, or a cooking class. Memories last longer than things.
- Homemade Happiness: A batch of biscuits or a jar of homemade jam is heartfelt and delicious.
Shop Local & Wrap Smart: Support local businesses and wrap gifts in recyclable paper, tea towels, or reusable bags.
Fun Challenge: Make a family/friend game - who can reuse the same wrapping paper the most years in a row?
Table Décor & Food: Festive Without the Fuss
- DIY Decorations: Create your own bonbons and table décor for a personal touch.
- Plan Portions: A KitchenAid survey found 9 out of 10 Australians throw away 25% of their Christmas food! Serve a little less. Your guests won’t notice, but the planet, and your wallet, will thank you.
- Leftovers Love: Encourage guests to bring containers for take-home treats. Or freeze it in meal portions, this’ll help with those lazy days.
- Clear the Decks: Start a “Use It Up” challenge in early December to free up fridge and pantry space and avoid double-ups.
- Skip Single-Use: Ditch disposable plates and cups. Yes, there’s washing up, but it’s a great way to bond and break up the feast.
Bin It Correctly: Do your Part
The reality is, there will be some waste. The key is to bin it correctly.
- Green Bin (General Waste – Landfill)
General rubbish, plastic bags and soft plastics*, food scraps, nappies, small plastic lids*, Styrofoam and polystyrene*.
- Blue Bin (Hand-sorted Recycling)
Plastic bottles and containers (lids removed), glass bottles and jars, magazines and paper (don’t shred), cardboard flattened and cartons, aluminium and steel cans.
Helpful Tips:
- Place all recyclables into the bin clean & loose (don’t tie them in a bag).
- Don’t overload bins; it can cause litter issues.
Rural recycling stations:
Located in Scaddan, Grass Patch, Salmon Gums, Cascade, Condingup and Coomalbidgup.
*Find recycling drop off locations here.
This season, let’s focus on what truly matters: connection and joy, and choose to be a little more sustainable. Small changes make a big difference, so here’s to celebrating with intention and creating memories that last.
Back to All News