I'm dreaming of a 'green' Christmas

Australians throw away more than 3.4 million tonnes of packaging each year and less than half of that amount is recycled! With this thought in mind, it's a great idea to challenge yourself and your family to go 'eco shopping' and have a 'green' themed Christmas this year.

Christmas is a fun-filled time of year for all the family, but it is also a very wasteful time of year, particularly when looking at packaging used on gifts. Most of what we consume ends up as rubbish within a matter of minutes, sometimes even faster.

Reusing
By extending the life cycle of products, you can cut down on that rubbish, particularly at Christmas. Try to buy items that are reusable or come in reusable packaging. Before you throw items away, ask yourself simple questions like 'can that wrapping paper be saved?' 'can that container be refilled?' or 'can I make something out of these materials for a gift'?

Recycling
Recycling is a great way to find an unusual and unique present. Buying recycled gifts also means that you are helping the environment, as you are effectively re-using products. So what gifts can you consider which will be more environmentally responsible to our planet and have a lesser impact with regard to waste?

Wooden and natural furnishings
Pick up natural furnishings or second-hand recycled furniture instead of new, from your local Vinnies, Red Cross or from a Council general collection. Tables made from reclaimed timber, organic cotton and wool fibres and bamboo products are all from sustainable sources. A simple second-hand chair from the roadside can often be transformed once it has been re-upholstered or had a lick or varnish or paint - just make sure the products you use are non-toxic and eco-friendly. Old timber furniture is also much more durable and makes a beautiful gift.

Cards and craft
Encourage the kids to make their own Christmas cards, tree decorations and craft items which serve as beautiful home-made gifts for family and friends. Kids can also paint a second-hand plate with a lovely Christmas themed design, or use wooden frames and decorate them with an array of beautiful shells - which can be easily glued on in pretty patterns. A small birdhouse made out of recycled timber - with a little help from Dad - is also an appreciated gift and will encourage a whole variety of native birdlife into the garden!

Plants and veggies
Often we favour expensive man-made products and neglect to think about the things in our own backyard or from nurseries that can be used as lovely Christmas gifts. For example, young 'native' trees and plants are often given away by local councils, or you can even take a cutting from a plant or bush and cultivate it in time for Christmas.

A branch from a 'frangipani' which is potted for instance, will establish itself very well in this way. If you have your own veggie and fruit garden, put a lovely hamper together for grandparents or you can make beautiful homemade soups and jams and put them in recycled jars. A compost bin or worming kit is also a great idea for a gift - enabling you to recycle all of those left over peelings from Christmas lunch!

Gift vouchers
Gift vouchers for various services or products actually make a great present - contrary to what people may think. For starters, you are saving waste through not purchasing a gift with vast amounts of packaging, plus friends can choose exactly what they want from the range. Examples of gifts might include a massage/beauty voucher; a musical instrument or dance lesson; or a restaurant voucher. Always try to keep sustainability and unnecessary packaging in mind when choosing a gift.

'Fair Trade' products
Always give 'Fair Trade' a go, which means putting money into local co-operatives and supporting sustainable farming. There are many Fair Trade products to choose from including chocolate, tea and coffee, available from supermarkets, organic food stores or your local Oxfam shop. Avoid globalised food production and the resultant 'food miles' whenever you can.

Buy a bike
If someone you know wants a bicycle or wants to lose weight and get fit - buy them a bike for Christmas or a voucher for one! Not only will they become much fitter after the holiday festivities but cycling is also fun and eco-friendly. You will not only save money but also lower air pollutants and carbon emissions - good for everyone.

Cosmetics and toiletries
When choosing these products as gifts - always opt for the most natural-based products. Many shampoos, deodorants and hair sprays contain ingredients that are harmful in high doses. Some contain carcinogens or are untested. Many salons, hairdressers and companies provide natural and safe alternatives these days, which are healthier for your skin, your home and the environment.

Vintage clothing
Clothes that can be found in vintage clothing shops cost a fraction of the price and you avoid the environmental impact in the production and transport of new clothes. Buy a trendy pre-worn pair of jeans instead of new ones, set your own style and help the environment. Remember - shopping for new clothes has one of the highest environmental impacts of all consumer activities.

Brooms and rakes
If you think a garden 'leaf blower' would make a good gift for Dad, think again! A much better alternative is the eco-efficient broom or rake for the garden. Leaf blowers are very noisy for everyone in the street but also produce a huge amount of air pollutants. In fact, try to avoid as many petrol-powered electrical gadgets as possible in the garden and benefit from all the extra exercise! Also be mindful not to hose leaves off the driveway.

Electrical appliances
If choosing electrical appliances as a gift, be aware of the 'star ratings' of the fridge or washing machine. The more stars the product has, the more eco friendly it is to the environment. It is worth remembering that the cheapest products don't last and therefore they are not cost-effective or kind to the Earth. For small electrical appliances like digital cameras, always buy rechargeable batteries. Also remember if you buy a new mobile phone, take your old one to a recycling centre, you'll not only stop highly toxic materials ending up in landfill, but also support the Spastic Centre.

Charity
Try to remember those less fortunate at Christmas by donating presents to charities or homes, visiting a neighbour or relative on their own, or helping out in a soup kitchen.

Wishing you all a very happy, healthy and 'green' Christmas and have fun!

Useful websites:

www.fta.org.au
www.planetark.org
www.sgaonline.org.au
www.energyrating.gov.au
www.mobilephonerecycling.com.au

source: True Green - Kim McKay/Jenny Bonnin c/o Peninsula Living