13 Awesome PLASTIC-FREE CHRISTMAS Ideas

All I want for Christmas is playing on loop in the background, holiday parties are in full swing, and the weather is warming up here in Australia. Christmas is coming!

This season is often a time of overconsumption, as social media is flooded with trendy gift guides and perfectly decorated homes. You may be wondering how to keep the festive spirit bright while keeping plastic and spending to a minimum. Here are some essential Christmas items that can easily be swapped for 13 sustainable and plastic-free Christmas alternatives!

SUSTAINABLE PLASTIC-FREE DECORATIONS

• Swap to Giddy Goat waste-free bonbons! You can fill with whatever you like and reuse the bonbons for years to come!

• Decorate an indoor/outdoor plant as a Christmas tree, instead of buying a plastic one!

• Get creative for your DIY Christmas decorations! Try making dried oranges to string as a garland or decorate your space with these origami paper Christmas trees.

• Want to add a few new items this year? Shop for pre-loved decorations second hand!

• If you would like to add some greenery, use real garland and wreaths. Even better if you use native plants you might have around you!

THOUGHTFUL PLASTIC-FREE PRESENT AND WRAPS

• Shop for ethical, recycled and sustainable presents like a reusable water bottle or coffee cup.

• Make a themed giftbag with sustainable plastic-free swaps such a kit for the kitchen or for your bathroom. A plastic-free kitchen gift bag could include a plastic-free sponge like a jute scrubber or a coconut fibre sponge, a reusable soap dispenser for dishwashing liquid with a few plastic-free refillable dish soap options included. For the bathroom, we recommend throwing in reusable make-up removers, a home-compostable deodorant and maybe even a stainless steel razor.

• Re-use old wrapping paper, recycled paper, newspapers, magazines & fabrics to wrap your gifts.

• Instead of giving a “thing”, donate to AUSMAP in the recipient's name!

• Gift a homemade food or drink, an activity or experience they enjoy, or a lesson in something they have always wanted to learn!

• For children, gift wooden toys or other plastic-free activities such as a mini herb garden!

MAKE YOUR CHRISTMAS FEAST MORE SUSTAINABLE

• Shop local & organic products for your Christmas meal!

• Serve your holiday meal with reusable plates and cutlery. If you’d rather not wash up, use home compostable options instead.

• Use reusable wraps instead of plastic or aluminium wrap when storing any leftovers.

• Consider replacing one of your main dishes with a meat-free alternative.

There you go, some simple swaps to have a festive and plastic-free Christmas. Happy Holidays from AUSMAP!