Reducing your waste this Christmas is easier than you think. Through taking simple steps and changes, every family can do their part for the environment and plan a conscious Christmas that’s even more special by keeping the world in mind.

 

Buy experiences not gifts

Gift giving can be challenging, especially for the people who already have everything! However, gifting an experience promises to last much longer than once Christmas Day is over. Canberra has a number of different experiences that most locals haven’t even tried themselves, and most importantly it reduces waste and gives back to the community. For the foodies, a vine to wine tour at Lake George Winery or a truffle hunt at The Truffle Farm at Mount Maura is the perfect way to experience some of the best produce of the Canberra Region. If they are the adventurous type, a hot air balloon ride at sunrise around Canberra is a must-do experience with Balloon Aloft. Or if they need to recover from a busy year, you can’t go wrong with a spa experience from Hale Spa or Adytum, or a night away sleeping with the tigers at Jamala Wildlife Lodge.

 

 
 
 
 
 
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A post shared by Lake George Winery (@lakegeorgewinery)

 

 
 
 
 
 
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A post shared by Jamala Wildlife Lodge (@jamalalodge)

Buy with someone who gives back

When buying a loved-one a gift why not do your research and shop eco-friendly. Canberra is home to a range of stores that give back and aim to reduce waste. Blac Sneaker Co take a number of positive steps including using sustainable materials to the reduce waste of their super cool sneakers. Plus, they also pledged to plant five trees for each pair sold. If you’re shopping for little ones, Bellelis Eco Family sells a range of eco-friendly products for both parents and babies, including their very popular baby bodysuit extender that doubles the life of a baby’s bodysuit. Also committed to environmental consciousness is Adytum, buy a scrub, oil, tea or fragrance and know its organic, plant-based and made with 100% recyclable minimal packaging.

 

 
 
 
 
 
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A post shared by Blac Sneaker (@blacsneaker)

 

 
 
 
 
 
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A post shared by ADYTUM® [ 𝘢𝘥-𝘪-𝘵𝘶𝘩 𝘮 ] (@adytum.ltd)

Choose a secret Santa

This may seem like the obvious choice, but doing a secret Santa with your family is truely a super simple step to reduce waste and it means less stressing about what you’re going to get every member of your family. Win, win right? Sharwood Hampers and Hive have a great range of locally made goods, perfect for Christmas.

 

 
 
 
 
 
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A post shared by Sharwood Hampers (@sharwoodhampers)

 

 
 
 
 
 
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A post shared by HiveBraddon (@hivebraddon)

Buy second hand

Second-hand items don’t have to be out-of-date and poor-quality, buying them as a gift can actually have more meaning and thought can if they were brand new. Get creative with your gift giving and try your hand at a local op shop to find some Christmas goodies. Designer Op Shop Emporium and Lost Vintage, although stocking all second-hand goods, you wouldn’t even tell, with amazing items from vintage and designer clothing, accessories, furniture and more.

 

 
 
 
 
 
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A post shared by Designer Op Shop Emporium (@dosemporium)

 

 
 
 
 
 
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A post shared by Lost Vintage (@lost__vintage)

Choose a meat-free feast

Food is undoubtably the best part of Christmas, however eliminating or even reducing your meat consumption will do wonders for the environment. This can simply be done by putting more effort in the side dishes, making a meat-free main dish and of course, don’t forget dessert! Turning to veg last year, Monster Kitchen & Bar is doing their part to be more sustainable and environmentally conscious, if cooking isn’t your thing dine with them during Christmas…or at least get inspo from their Instagram.

 

 
 
 
 
 
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A post shared by Monster kitchen and bar (@monsterkitchenbar)

 

 
 
 
 
 
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A post shared by David Jones (@davidjonesstore)