Holidays are a time for celebration, and yet they can be a bit heavy on waste.From single-use decorations and gift wrap to food waste, holiday habits often increase our environmental footprint. However, with a few eco-friendly adjustments, it’s possible to enjoy a festive, memorable, and more sustainable holiday season. Here are some hacks that will help you celebrate with love for both the planet and your loved ones—without compromising on joy or traditions.
Why Go Green During the Holidays?
Research shows that 78% of Australians like buying Christmas gifts for others. While this reflects the spirit of giving during the holiday season, the sad part is it also contributes to a 30% increase in waste each year, according to a study by Australian Ethical. This is because almost half of the population do not care how the gifts they give will eventually be disposed of.
If we each made small changes to our holiday habits, the collective impact could be massive. Let’s explore some planet-friendly ways to make each season of celebration kinder and greener.
Think Beyond Traditional Wrapping Paper
Wrapping paper is often single-use and hard to recycle. In fact, in Australia alone, 150,000 km of wrapping paper is used each Christmas—enough to circle the Earth four times! Instead, look for creative, reusable alternatives like fabric wraps, newspaper, or even scarves.
You can get crafty with furoshiki (a Japanese fabric wrapping method), which not only looks beautiful but also eliminates waste. For an extra functional touch, wrap gifts in containers your receiver can reuse, like a lunch box or a food container. Not only does this make for a unique presentation, but it also gives the recipient something they’ll use long after the holidays.
Our Tip: Choose a So Young insulated lunch box or a Sachi insulated lunch tote for food gifts—they’re both a sustainable wrap and a practical gift in itself.
Choose Eco-Friendly, Practical Gifts
Instead of disposable or “fad” items, opt for gifts that are durable, practical, and encourage eco-friendly habits. A reusable Klean Kanteen bottle, for example, is perfect for coffee lovers and adventurers alike. For parents and kids, Yumbox, Bentgo, and OmieBox lunch boxes are fantastic options that make eco-friendly lunches fun and easy.
Additional Tip: The Oasis tumbler is ideal for hot drinks on the go, and The Fox Club offers a range of charming lunch bags that are sure to be loved by kids and parents alike. These gifts provide a touch of eco-consciousness while enhancing the everyday lives of your loved ones.
Minimise Food Waste with Smart Planning and Reusables
Holiday meals often lead to leftovers, but with a bit of planning, you can reduce waste significantly. Start by preparing only what’s needed and storing any leftovers in eco-friendly containers. Using portioned containers like Go Green lunch boxes can help you avoid excess by keeping food fresh in the fridge or portioning it out as ready-to-eat meals.
Our Tip: Pack up leftovers for guests in an Earthware lunch box, making it easy for them to take some of the feast home while promoting reusable habits.
Pack for the Holidays with Sustainable Travel Essentials
If your holiday plans include travel, make it more sustainable by bringing eco-friendly travel essentials. Skip the single-use plastic bottles and opt for a refillable Earths Water filter bottle, which you can fill up at airports, parks, or anywhere with a drinking fountain. For food and snacks, Bentgo’s deluxe lunch bag is a great option that will keep everything fresh without wasteful packaging.
Our Tip: Bring a Glasslock food container to store snacks or meals—it’s ideal for road trips and doubles as food storage once you’re at your destination.
Give the Gift of Experiences or Charitable Donations
If you’re looking to give something truly memorable, consider gifting experiences or making a donation in someone’s name. A gift card to a nature park, a workshop, or a cooking class can create lasting memories while reducing the amount of physical “stuff” exchanged. Alternatively, make a charitable donation to an eco-friendly organisation on behalf of your loved one—it’s a great way to spread holiday cheer and support a good cause.
Sustainable Hack: Combine an experience gift with a practical item, like a b.box insulated drink bottle for a hiking enthusiast, or a So Young lunch poche for a family picnic day.
Repurpose Holiday Cards and Get Creative with Decorations
Rather than buying new decorations every year, build a collection that you can reuse. Holiday cards can be repurposed into gift tags or ornaments, and existing décor can be stored and reused, reducing the demand for new, single-use items each season.
Swap out plastic baubles and tinsel for compostable options using nature-inspired materials like pinecones, dried orange slices, and eucalyptus leaves. Not only are they more sustainable, but they also bring a cosy, rustic feel to your space. Get kids involved by turning it into a fun family activity—make homemade garlands, wreaths, and ornaments.
Pro Tip: Use Yumbox or Bentgo lunch bags as stylish, eco-friendly storage options for decorations, or repurpose them as gift bags for small items. Sturdy and reusable, they make every gift feel a little more special.
Keep It Clean the Green Way
Once the holiday festivities wrap up, tidying up sustainably can be just as rewarding. Opt for eco-friendly cleaning solutions like Keeper Clean, which uses non-toxic, biodegradable ingredients that are safe for your family and the planet. From countertops to spills, these cleaners help keep your space sparkling without the harsh chemicals found in traditional products.
Our Tip:Pair it with reusable cleaning cloths so you can skip the wasteful paper towels and keep your holiday cleanup truly green.
Greener Holidays, One Step at a Time
Sustainable holiday practices don’t have to be limited to one season. Start each year with an eco-friendly mindset and plan for next year’s celebrations by stocking up on reusable wraps, investing in quality, sustainable items, and collecting eco-friendly décor. By forming these habits now, you’ll make each holiday season kinder to the planet.
With a bit of planning and creativity, it’s easy to celebrate in style without sacrificing sustainability. Whether it’s through thoughtful gifting or practical holiday hacks, each step you take adds to a greener, more mindful holiday tradition. Here’s to many more seasons of joy, love, and eco-conscious celebration!
