Regardless of which holidays you celebrate; the festive season is a time when we often come together and it's important to remember that sustainability never takes a holiday. The choices we make during this time have a profound impact on the environment, so here are a couple of tips to make this festive season more sustainable.
Plan your menu
Each year, Victorian households throw away 250,000 tonnes of food. That's the equivalent weight of 100 Aquarena outdoor swimming pools! The reality is, about one third of all food produced for human consumption becomes waste. Luckily, reducing the amount of food we waste doesn't need to be difficult, it just takes a bit of planning.
Firstly, shop at local markets. Buying local produce is generally fresher, lasts longer, has less embodied energy and is usually free of packaging, meaning that you can purchase the quantity you need and reduce your waste from the source.
Secondly, storing food correctly can also go a long way to reducing the amount of waste you create. Placing food in airtight containers and organising your fridge and pantry can help prevent unwanted spoilage. Too many leftovers? Try freezing them (if it's safe to do so) or try new recipes that incorporate your leftovers. Not only does this reduce food waste, but it's also a great way to discover new recipes!
And lastly, if you must dispose of your food waste, ensure you are using your FOGO bin correctly so that it can be turned into nutrient rich compost.
Dine wisely
In addition to food, we also produce a lot of waste when cooking and eating. Avoid disposable tableware such as plates, cups and cutlery as most of these can't be recycled, and instead opt for reusable alternatives and wash them at the end of the day. Did you know you can also make your own bon bons from fabric napkins and a little bit of string?
It wouldn't be a summer festive season without a barbeque. If you must use disposable cookware, remember to choose aluminium trays and foil as these can be placed in your yellow lid recycling bin, even if there is a small amount of burnt-on food or oil. Simply remove food scraps and scrunch them into a ball.
Gift consciously
The most sustainable gifts are those that will be used. Making a conscious effort to give your family and friends items that they will actually use is a great way to reduce the amount of waste you contribute to this festive season. Consider shopping for second hand items at op shops or online marketplaces to divert other items from landfill and save some money in the process.
Wrap smart
Now that you've got your sustainable gifts organised, you need to wrap them. Did you know Australians use 150,000 km of wrapping paper over the festive season? That's almost enough to circle the earth four times over! We can significantly reduce the amount of waste we create by 'wrapping' gifts in reusable bags or fabric.
If you must wrap with paper, ensure that it is recyclable because not all wrapping paper can be put in your kerbside recycling bin. You can place any gift wraps made from kraft paper or recycled paper in your yellow lid recycling bin, although you cannot place any wrapping paper made from foil or with other items stuck to them (such as ribbons or bows). Paper cards can also be recycled, but not those embellished with glitter or foil - these must be placed in your red lid garbage bin.
There are many ways to make this festive season a more sustainable one. By making thoughtful decisions and considering the broader impact of your choices, you can celebrate in a way that honours both tradition and the environment.
If you are confused about what to do with an item this festive season, visit our webpage on how to dispose your items.
