‘Start with your gift choice’: How to have a sustainable Christmas

Christmas might well be the most wonderful time of the year, but it often doesn’t spell joy for the environment, says Pip Kiernan, chair of Clean Up Australia and daughter of founder Ian Kiernan. “The amount of waste that a household produces during the Christmas/New Year period can double,” says the mother of four.

But the festive season can be just as dazzling without all the environmentally unfriendly trimmings, Kiernan says. When it comes to presents, she recommends quality over quantity and loves Kris Kringles for that reason. “If you can buy a more substantial gift for one person rather than buying small gifts for everyone, you can buy a quality item that’s more likely to endure.”

Asking people what they want for Christmas can also help, as recipients get something they’ll value rather than a gift that gathers dust or gets tossed (Kiernan says a significant proportion of Christmas gifts end up in landfill).

Once you’ve chosen a present, she recommends forgoing wrapping paper if possible. Instead, thinking outside the square – for example, by making the wrapping part of your gift by using a tote bag or tea towel – can cut back on waste. Alternatively, she suggests buying experiences, such as a voucher for a day spa or restaurant, for loved ones.

Naturally, decorating your house is a great way to tap into the seasonal spirit. But your home doesn’t have to heave in fresh tinsel to really sparkle, says Kiernan. Instead, she recommends reusing decorations, building a “good store” you can bring out each year.

When it comes to the tree, Kiernan says the most environmentally-friendly approach is to have your own tree, one that lives in a pot in the garden and is brought inside every year.

However, she acknowledges that’s not feasible for everyone. If you opt for a freshly cut tree, she advises composting it when you’re done with it. “Some councils have a special Christmas tree collection, or you can drop them off at [certain] waste transfer stations.”

If a fake tree is more up your alley, she suggests hunting for a second-hand one online. If you’d prefer a new fake tree, “try to buy a quality one that’s going to last you for at least 10 years”.

Of course, Christmas isn’t Christmas without a hearty lunch. Just don’t allow good food to go to waste. Kiernan recommends sharing leftovers with guests, freezing what you can, and reusing food over the following days.