Residents are encouraged to reduce waste and enjoy an eco-friendly festive period.
As the festive season approaches, Bundaberg Regional Council is encouraging residents to embrace eco-friendly practices this Christmas.
Even small changes can have a big impact so here are a few ways you can reduce waste and support local.
Christmas gift ideas
Putting a little extra thought into your gift-giving this year can greatly impact waste reduction resulting in less festive waste ending up in landfill.
You could consider:
- edible gifts like ready to bake cookie ingredients in reusable glass jars
- gifting a plant or fruit tree to nature lovers
- explore second-hand treasures from a local market or op-shop.
- gifting materials that are eco-friendly and biodegradable, substituting plastic for wood and other sustainable sources.
- tapping into your DIY skills and craft some homemade Christmas gifts
- Gifting an experience like a local tour or ticket to an upcoming show
- There’s always the gift voucher option from your favourite retail store.
Reduce your wrapping
There are a few different ways you can wrap your gifts that ultimately reduce waste.
This includes:
- Wrapping in reusable materials, like a tea towel or fabric scraps and secure the wrapping with twine or string.
- Look around your home to repurpose items like shoeboxes, old gift bags or brown paper shopping bags.
- Keep kids entertained by encouraging them to create their own wrapping paper.
If you do opt for traditional gift wrap, be sure to recycle it when the festivities are over.
Keep in mind, anything with glitter, foil, or a plastic or glossy coating should not go in your yellow lid bin.
Reduce food waste
Tackling food waste can also be a good way to ensure your Christmas celebrations are more sustainable.
Carefully consider the quantity of food and plan ahead to make sure you can store and repackage leftovers.
Take a moment to declutter your freezer, ensuring you have ample space to store and later enjoy those delicious meals that would have otherwise gone off in the fridge.
Ask your guests to bring their own containers to take home any leftovers and avoid having to throw away any food.
You can also add many food scraps to a compost bin which not only reduces waste but also contributes to nutrient-rich soil for your garden.
For more information on recycling and waste minimisation, visit bundaberg.qld.gov.au
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