Christmas will be here before you know it and if you’re keen to reduce your family’s carbon footprint this year, there’s no better time to rethink the usual overindulgence. You can still keep all the joy and magic of the season while making a few choices that are kinder to the environment.
Whether you’re after sustainable Christmas gifts, greener decorations, or simple swaps for your feast, we’ve pulled together our favourite tips for a more sustainable Christmas in Newcastle, Lake Macquarie and the Hunter. Choose your favourites, start a new family tradition, and inspire your friends along the way.
Sustainable Christmas Decorations
Choose a sustainable Christmas tree
Wondering whether a real or artificial Christmas tree is better for the environment? It depends on how long you use it, where it comes from and what happens to it afterwards.
If you already have an artificial Christmas tree, the most sustainable option is often to keep using it for as many years as possible rather than replacing it.
If you prefer a real tree, look for a locally grown Christmas tree or consider a potted tree that you can care for and reuse in future years. Check out our guide to where to buy a real Christmas tree in Newcastle, Lake Macquarie and the Hunter for local options.
Alternatively, get creative and make a Christmas tree using materials you already have at home for a truly unique Christmas tree (there are lots of ideas on Pinterest).
Plan how you’ll dispose of your tree
Before buying a real Christmas tree, think about what you’ll do with it after Christmas. If you’ve chosen a potted tree, you may be able to keep it growing for another year or plant it in your garden if it’s suitable for your local conditions.
For cut Christmas trees, check your local council’s disposal guidelines. Some councils offer special Christmas tree collections or accept trees at designated green waste facilities. Don’t assume you can put a whole Christmas tree in your green bin, as requirements vary between councils.
Switch to LED or solar Christmas lights
Energy-efficient LED lights use less power, last longer than traditional bulbs, and look just as good strung along the tree or the front fence. Solar lights are another easy swap if you want to cut your energy use further.
Switch off your lights overnight
Of course, you want your Christmas lights on at night when they can be appreciated but you can save energy, and money on your energy bill, by turning them off overnight. Try setting a timer to turn them off at midnight.
Repair or recycle your Christmas lights
If your Christmas lights stop working, try repairing them. Often, it’s just one bulb, or the fuse in the plug, that needs replacing. Before you toss a string of lights that’s stopped working, check whether it’s just one bulb or the fuse in the plug. If a repair is beyond you,try the Repair Cafe Newcastle or Repair It Lake Mac in Lake Macquarie.
If your lights are beyond repair, look for a recycling program that specifically accepts Christmas lights or electrical cables. Check with your local council or recycling centre before dropping them off, as not all e-waste collections accept decorative lights.
Upcycle items around the home
Add a personal touch to your decorating by upcycling things you already own. Get the kids involved and make an afternoon of it. There’s no shortage of ideas online if you need a starting point.
Shop local
Support local artisans and businesses by shopping locally, or at a local market, for your decorations. Here is our list of Christmas Markets in Newcastle, Lake Macquarie & Hunter.
Make your own Christmas crackers
Skip the plastic-filled shop-bought versions and make your own from recycled paper. Fill them with sustainable treats like chocolates and a few personalised extras.
Sustainable Christmas Gifts
Set a budget and stick to it
A clear Christmas budget helps you avoid overspending and overconsumption. Track your spending in a simple spreadsheet or an app like Track My Spend. Here are some of our best tips for a Christmas on a budget.
Plan your shopping trips
Planning and completing your Christmas shopping in just one or two shopping trips will not only prevent overspending but also reduce car mileage. It will also help you to avoid the temptation to make additional purchases.
Choose quality over quantity
If you’ve ever received a gift you didn’t really want you’re not alone. Take the time to ask your friends and family what they would like to receive as a gift and put time and thought into choosing a quality gift that will last a long time.
Organise a Secret Santa
Have you noticed that when children have too many presents to play with, they actually stop enjoying them? If you have a lot of kids in your family suggest a Secret Santa. Each kid will receive a quality present, and less time and money will be spent on gifts.
Buy for fewer people
This year, be the one to initiate the hard sensible conversation of buying just for the kids. Or, instead of buying gifts for every member of your extended family, opt for a Secret Santa and set a limit to how much you are going to spend. For friends, decide in advance that you’re not going to swap gifts.
Give group gifts
For teachers, daycare educators, coaches and the like, team up with other parents on a group gift. Restaurant or coffee vouchers, book vouchers, and gift cards are always well received.
Look for gifts with less packaging
Choose gifts that are practical, reusable, or eco-friendly. Consider homemade gifts, services, experiences, or gifts that promote sustainability.
Give the gift of gardening
Seed packets and gardening supplies are a lovely way to get kids planting and caring for something. Sow ‘n Sow, an Australian eco business, combines a greeting card with a packet of seeds made from 100 per cent recycled materials, along with a plant label and envelope for gifting.
Battery-operated gifts
If a gift needs batteries, throw in a set of rechargeables and a charger while you’re at it.
Rethink novelty gifts
Instead of a plastic, one-use novelty item for Kris Kringle, try something handmade or a batch of home-baked treats.
Shop local for gifts
A local business or market is a great place to find something a bit different. Here is our list of Best Local Shops for Children’s Toys and Gifts and Christmas Markets in Newcastle, Lake Macquarie & Hunter.
Choose gifts that don’t create clutter
Before buying another toy or gadget, think about whether the recipient really needs or wants it. Consumable gifts such as homemade biscuits, favourite treats or craft supplies can be thoughtful alternatives to presents that might end up forgotten in a cupboard.
For families, memberships to local attractions or activities can provide enjoyment long after Christmas Day. An experience often means more than another toy that ends up forgotten in a cupboard. Gift one of these 50+ Awesome Experience Gifts for Families and Kids Instead of More Toys. A voucher at a favourite restaurant or movie vouchers are also good choices for families.
Buy second-hand
Purchasing second-hand items conserves resources required for producing new products. Vintage clothes, home furnishings, and refurbished technology are all sustainable gift options. Discover unique or vintage gifts at one of the many fantastic second-hand shops in Newcastle, Lake Macquarie and surrounds.
Give to a local charity
Donating to a local charity on behalf of someone is a meaningful way to give back. Some of our favourites are Variety The Children’s Charity, We Care Connect, John Hunter Children’s Hospital and Hunter Medical Research Institute.
Get crafty with the kids
Making Christmas craft together is one of the best ways to get into the festive spirit, and it doubles as a thoughtful, low-cost gift for teachers or family. Try one of these homemade Christmas craft gifts with the kids.
Wrap sustainably
Recycled or reusable materials make great wrapping. Brown paper, cloth, or even old newspaper all work well and look great under the tree.
Try tape-free wrapping
Google ‘furoshiki’. It’s a traditional Japanese method of using cloth to wrap gifts. It looks great and makes for unique, reusable wrapping. You could use a tea towel, scarves or a piece of bright second-hand fabric from a charity shop.
Use reusable gift bags
Instead of wrapping paper and gift bags consider reusable gift bags. Some of the major chain stores now sell reusable fabric gift bags alongside less-sustainable wrapping. Better still, if you’re handy with a sewing machine you could make your own.
Start a back-and-forth card tradition
Start the tradition of a back-and-forth Christmas card. This is where you and your recipient share a single card back and forth between you from year to year, each writing a small message. It will make a wonderful keepsake, and memento of your friendship, in years to come.
Re-gift with purpose
Once the excitement of Christmas is over and the kids grow bored of their new toys or grow out of their clothes, consider re-gifting them purposefully to We Care Connect. We Care Connect is a volunteer-powered local charity rehoming quality preloved children’s essentials with families who need them most on the Central Coast and Hunter Region. They support families with children’s clothing & shoes, bed linen, cots, bassinets, prams, car seats, safety gates, toys, games, books and a wide range of other items.
Dispose of old electronics responsibly
If you or the kids receive a new electronic gadget for Christmas be sure to dispose of your old one responsibly through an e-waste recycler. Planet Ark have a number of tech drop-off locations across the region.
Sustainable Christmas Feast
Plan meals to reduce food waste
A bit of planning goes a long way toward avoiding leftovers you’ll never eat. Get creative with what’s left over, and consider donating excess packaged food to a local food pantry.
Make the most of Christmas leftovers
Christmas leftovers don’t have to go to waste! Turn leftover roast vegetables into frittatas, use cooked turkey or ham in sandwiches and salads, and freeze suitable leftovers for another day. Have containers ready before Christmas lunch so guests can take home extra food. Remember to refrigerate perishable leftovers promptly and follow food safety guidelines.
Use seasonal produce
Buying seasonal produce reduces the amount of energy spent on transportation and growing foods out of season.
Shop at your local farmers market
Visit a local farmers markets to purchase delicious, in-season fruits and vegetables, meat, seafood, cheese and more.
Skip the single-use dinnerware
As tempting as disposable plates and cutlery are for a big gathering, reusable options are far better for the environment. Just make sure everyone pitches in with the washing up.
Other Sustainable Christmas Tips
Rethink your Christmas outfit
Before buying a new piece of clothing for your social events, have a look in your wardrobe for an outfit you already own. If you still can’t find anything to wear, ask to borrow from friends or family. Or try exploring second-hand shops for your next Christmas party outfit.
Give some of these ideas a go this year and you might just start a new family tradition, or inspire a few friends to do the same.
Frequently Asked Questions
Experiences, quality items over quantity, second-hand toys, and gifts with minimal packaging are all good options. Seed packets and gardening kits are also a lovely way to give kids something to nurture beyond Christmas Day.
Reuse the Christmas decorations you already own, switch to energy-efficient LED lights and get creative with homemade decorations using recycled or natural materials. If you already have an artificial Christmas tree, keep using it for as long as possible rather than buying a replacement.
If it’s a potted tree, you may be able to keep it growing for next Christmas or plant it in your garden. For cut trees, check your local council’s guidelines for green waste disposal, recycling or special Christmas tree collection services.
Check with your local council or recycling centre to find out whether they accept broken Christmas lights. Not all e-waste collection points accept decorative lighting, so it’s worth checking before visiting.
You might also like:
How Families Can Give Back at Christmas Time
Ultimate Guide to Christmas in Newcastle, Lake Macquarie & Hunter
Christmas Hacks – How to Get Organised For Christmas (Without Losing Your Mind)!
🎄 🎅🏼 Make sure that you don’t miss any of the other fun and family-friendly Christmas events and activities in Newcastle and the Hunter, visit the Newy with Kids Guide to Christmas.