Reduce unnecessary waste this Christmas

Christmas can be a time of excess – especially waste, so why not instead make it an excess of all the good things – love, joy, good food and sharing special times together. With a bit of pre-thought and a small amount of effort you can easily reduce your waste this Christmas. Here are some ideas and tips to help get the ideas flowing:

• Reusable wrapping – wrap your presents in reusable items such as t-shirts, tea-towels, a Boomerang Bought-to-Support bag… even sheets! These can be great presents in themselves;
• Recycled wrapping – if t-shirts or tea-towels aren’t your thing, try reusing some old magazines or comics as your wrapping paper – stylish and unique! As an added bonus – tie presents up with string or ribbon avoiding sticky tape so everything can be recycled or used again;
• Buy pre-loved or re-purpose second-hand items – people will love the thought and effort that goes into these gifts;
• Make it yourself – homemade gifts are super special – with the internet world at your fingertips, the opportunities (and how-to’s) are endless…. chutneys, jams, gingerbread, shortbread, cordial, body scrubs, infused olive oil, cleaning products etc;
• Give someone the gift that’s living or keeps on giving – give plants, memberships or courses, such as sewing, upholstery, cooking or gardening give people the chance to develop a skill as well as indulging in a hobby or passion;
• Make memories – opt for giving an experience gift like gig tickets, a fancy meal out, wine tasting, or spa day rather than material things for an unforgettable gift;
• Make your own vouchers and give your time or and experiences as gifts e.g. gardening, a picnic etc;
• Help others be plastic free by giving cloth shopping bags (a Boomerang Bought-to-Support Bag even?), beeswax lunch wraps and stainless steel drink bottles and straws;

(Thanks to Kapiti Coast Council and Zero Waste Scotland for some of these ideas)