We all know celebrating Christmas is one of the best times in the year but can be filled with a LOT of waste (in fact, waste increases by 30% over the Christmas period because of unwanted gifts, wrapping paper and food waste). And, for people who are passionate about conservation – this can be a little stressful.

Here are 5 ways you can be creative, reduce waste and feel good about being sustainable this holiday season. 🎁

1. Fabric Wrapping Paper

Scraps of old fabric can make beautiful, colourful wrapping for your gifts – and the best part is, you can re-use again and again without fear of ripping or crinkling. You can iron if you wish, and sticky tape as usual, or tie knots to secure your wrap. Discuss with your family and agree to reuse each year, removing the pressure (and mess) of buying wrapping paper.

Check out some inspo here

2. Op-Shop Secret Santa

Sick of spending $50 for every Secret Santa? Why not make your Secret Santa an op-shop special! Not only is it helping to reuse, it’s also a fun way to shop with friends and see what unique goodies you can find.

3. DIY Decorations

Plastic ornaments, balloons and tinsel often get chucked out, broken or end up in the environment as litter. Embrace an organic aesthetic this Christmas and create decorations with flowers, pinecones, dried oranges or offcuts from plants and trees. Top this with some nice ribbon and you’ve got a classy look for your Christmas lunch.

You can also grab sustainable Christmas ornaments that are made from recycled plastic, (you can find some in our Zoo shop on your next visit) or ornaments that do good for wildlife like our Beads for Wildlife project.

4. Earth-Friendly Food

It can be hard to focus on sustainability when you’re excitedly shopping for X-mas treats, but there are a few ways to make it easy! 

🐟 Buy seafood with the MSC tick – when you’re getting your Chrissy prawns or fish, this label lets you know it’s farmed sustainably. 
🥗Get everyone to bring their own dish – and take it home with them! This way, you’re less likely to be swamped with leftovers and have to throw away food. 
🥡Have containers at the ready – pack food away easily and pop it in the fridge. Avoid the clean-up panic so you’re not tempted to chuck and run. 
🌴 Check for the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPCO) label on your food and gift products: whether it be ice cream, peanut butter sunscreen or beauty products you’ve bought for the family. This will tell you if it uses sustainable palm oil or not!