War on Christmas waste

THIS holiday season, residents are being urged to embrace environmentally conscious practices when making purchases.

Household waste surges by 30% during the festive season, with an estimated $400 million spent on unwanted gifts, many of which ultimately find their way to landfills.

Geelong Sustainability is leading the charge with a dedicated webpage offering alternatives for eco-friendly gift-giving.

For those who still enjoy sending physical Christmas cards, the group recommends purchasing them directly from environmental charities to maximise funds directed towards the cause.

Instead of traditional presents, they advocate for subscriptions to local organisations like Geelong Sustainability, Surf Coast Energy Group or Barwon Heads Sustainability Group.

Kate Long, co-coordinator of Repair Café Surf Coast, agrees with this approach.

“Christmas is the perfect time to embrace the seven Rs of sustainability,” Ms Long said.

“Reuse, regift, recycle, repair, repurpose, reduce and refuse.”

Ms Long said the last two were key.

“Reduce, means to see how you can reduce waste at Christmas and refuse means don’t buy certain items to begin with,” she said.

The Repair Café holds monthly events where residents can bring items for repair by volunteers, extending the life of possessions while diverting them from landfill.

In 2023 alone, they have saved more than a tonne of items from landfill.

“Christmas is also a great time to embrace the five gift rule for children. Negotiate with the whole family so each child gets one gift they want, one they need, one to wear, one to read and one to experience,” Ms Long said.

“For instance relatives could club together and gift surfing lessons.”

Australians use over 150,000 km of wrapping paper at Christmas – enough to wrap around the Earth’s equator almost four times – according to CARE Australia.

Ms. Long advises opting for alternatives such as newspaper, tea towels, and fabric instead of traditional wrapping paper.

Garbodynamics founder Wes Prosser offers three tips for a green festive season.

He suggests choosing fewer, more meaningful gifts over numerous “stocking fillers” that may end up discarded.

Secondly, he encourages holiday makers to be mindful of their waste, especially in regions and to refrain from bringing glass to the beach.

“Be respectful of other holiday makers, and of local residents – take your rubbish home.”

Lastly, Mr Prosser encourages residents to use the holidays as an opportunity to reduce unnecessary packaging in their weekly shopping.

“Even the smallest additional effort can help, and in a variety of ways,” he says.

Visit the Repair Café Facebook page for upcoming workshop details. For ethical Christmas gift ideas, check geelongsustainability.org.au/gifts-giving/