Could you win the war on waste this Christmas? Christmas is often a time of excess—excessive packaging, food, and waste. But what if you could help reduce waste this festive season? At Wasteless Pantry, we’ve been recognized as Waste Champions by the Waste Authority of WA, and we’ve learned that the true champions are the community members who lead by example in their everyday lives. There’s no better time to inspire others to embrace a low-waste lifestyle than during Christmas, when waste is at its peak.
Every year, millions of unwanted gifts are excessively packaged and wrapped, only to be stored away, regifted, or thrown out. Kerbside bins overflow with polystyrene, wrapping paper, packaging, wasted food, and plastic bags. Instead of contributing to the waste problem, let’s focus on creating a more enjoyable and sustainable holiday season. Here’s how you can win the war on waste this Christmas.
Plan Ahead for a Low-Waste Christmas
The key to reducing waste is all in the planning. Consider the type of Christmas you want to have: one filled with family traditions, time with loved ones, generosity, and relaxation. Keep your core values in mind when deciding what to buy or how to celebrate. It will help you realize that the $2 plastic toy may not align with your vision for a meaningful, low-waste holiday.
Tips for Reducing Waste This Christmas
- Plan Your Meals
When planning Christmas meals, avoid over-catering. Plan for what will realistically fit on a plate rather than what your eyes may want to try. This will help reduce food waste and leftovers. If you do have leftovers, transform them into easy meals for later. Get creative, and you’ll save time and effort while minimizing waste. - Share the Load
Ask guests to bring containers for leftovers. This way, everyone can take home food, and you’ll reduce the chances of waste. Turn Christmas lunch leftovers into a simple dinner, and you’ve given the gift of a relaxing Boxing Day without any cooking required! - Use Reusable Containers
Serve your Christmas dishes in beautiful containers that also double as storage for leftovers. If food doesn’t make it to the fridge quickly and easily, it’s more likely to be thrown out. Avoid cling wrap, and opt for containers with lids to keep your food fresh. - Organize Your Bins
Make sure your recycling, composting, and reusing bins are clearly marked. Know what can be recycled locally to ensure that as little as possible ends up in landfill. Even better, encourage reuse—children often love playing with boxes and packaging, giving them a second life before they’re recycled.
Final Thoughts
Christmas doesn’t have to be wasteful. With a bit of planning and mindfulness, you can reduce waste, share the love, and enjoy a more sustainable holiday season. By focusing on eco-friendly traditions, reducing food waste, and eliminating excessive packaging, you’re not just giving to your loved ones—you’re also giving back to the planet.