Christmas is a time of family, friends and festive celebrations. Unfortunately, it can also be a time of excess consumption and waste. The holiday season can be extremely damaging to the environment as people buy more, eat more and travel more. But there are lots of easy changes you can make so that your Christmas is more environmentally friendly, and just as fun!

Make your own decorations

It can be tempting to buy lots of Christmas decorations but beware of the cheap plastic type you can pick up from big name stores. Instead of spending big on things that won’t last long and will probably end up in landfill, why not try making some of your own decorations instead?

Not only is it a fun and creative project – homemade decorations also limit your impact on the environment. Try re-using carboard and excess cut offs of wrapping paper to create your own decorations for the tree. And get crafty with homemade Christmas wreathes using dried flowers, which are a beautiful way to welcome visitors into your home.

Wrap your gift in a pillow slip

Wrapping paper can make a gift look beautiful, but once it’s ripped open it is quickly thrown away. Instead of creating additional waste on Christmas Day, why not wrap your gift in a pillow slip and tie it up with ribbon. This style of wrapping looks beautiful, doesn’t create any waste, and adds an extra special touch to your thoughtful present!

Add more vegetarian options to Christmas lunch

You don’t need to give up your glazed ham or roast turkey, but it is a good idea to introduce a few more vegetarian options to the Christmas feast. Eating less meat can reduce your environmental impact. There are lots of delicious salads and sides that you can add to the lunch menu so that no one goes hungry!

Avoid disposable dishes

If you’re entertaining a big crowd this Christmas, it can be easy to skip the washing up and opt for paper plates and plastic cups instead. But try to avoid this shortcut. All those plates and cups end up in landfill, as items covered in gravy and sauces cannot be recycled. Plus, people tend to use more than one plate as they go back for seconds or move on to dessert, creating a lot of excess waste. Ask some friends to help you with the dishes instead!

Shop local this festive season

Long distance shipping and trucking creates carbon emissions that are bad for the environment. Instead of purchasing from international online brands, try to shop with Australian retailers this year. You will be supporting the local economy, keeping your neighbours in jobs, and receiving quality products as well! Check out the stores in your area, and if you are shopping online, make sure you’re buying from an Australian brand before you hit add to cart.

Do you have any tips for a more environmentally conscious Christmas? Let us know in the comments.

5 WAYS TO CONSIDER THE ENVIRONMENT THIS FESTIVE SEASON