From edible gifts to DIY gift wrap, there are plenty of ways to celebrate Christmas without it costing the earth!
1. Bring us a figgy pudding!
Giving a homemade, edible gift is a great way to show you care and avoid giving something that could end up in landfill. Why not try making individual puddings, gingerbread people, hot chocolate mix in a jar, or even homemade chilli oil, depending on the tastes of your friends and family.
2. Give a gift that keeps on giving
Christmas is not just the season of giving, it's the season of giving back. Instead of giving a thing, why not gift a donation to a charity or a cause your loved ones care about? Many charities and organisations run Christmas appeals, such as the Mayor's Giving Tree charity initiative which is also accepting donations through cashless payments this year.
3. DIY gift wrap
Did you know that wrapping paper is often coated in plastic film? While this gives it a smooth, shiny finish, it also prevents it from being recycled. As a general rule, you can only put Christmas wrapping paper, cards, and ribbon in your yellow lidded recycling bin if it tears. Choose compostable or recycled paper, make your own, or even experiment with the Japanese art of Furoshiki fabric wrapping.
4. Share an experience
Instead of buying things for your loves ones this Christmas, why not give them the gift of quality time? Take a picnic basket and bottle of wine to enjoy at one of our beautiful foreshore parks or enjoy a delicious meal at one of the great eateries and restaurants in the City of Canada Bay, while supporting local business at the same time. Looking for local places to go? Check out what's on offer on Council's Love Local business map.
5. Get creative with your Christmas tree
Christmas trees, whether plastic or freshly cut, can have a large carbon footprint. Get creative and make a modern Christmas tree using things you might already have at home or with what you find in nature.
6. Source your seafood sustainably
There are few things better than enjoying fresh, cold seafood on Christmas day. Whether you're a fan of prawns, oysters, or lobster, there are ways to ensure your seafood is ethical. Check out the Good Fish guide from the The Australian Marine Conservation Society (AMCS) to help you buy sustainable seafood this Christmas.
