Ah, Christmas…

That special time of year when friends and family reunite, overindulgence takes over and we tend to “party like it’s 1999”.

If you are anything like me, Operation Jingle Bells begins a few weeks into November and the house is decorated to within an inch of it’s life!

But, if you’re at the other end of the scale and the thought of Christmas brings on panic attacks, never fear I have the solution for you.

Step 1.

Just like Santa, make a list and check it twice!

If you create a gift list, you’re more likely to stick within your budget. It’s no good spreading Christmas cheer if you spend the next year paying it off.

Step 2.

Plan your Christmas meal.

Remember, it’s your special day too. Ask others to bring a plate of food and reduce the hours spent in the kitchen to allow more time with your loved ones.

Step 3.

Have a waste management plan.

It may sound silly, but in the midst of devouring our favourite meal and crazily opening presents, a lot of recyclable wrapping paper, cardboard boxes and plastic packaging gets mixed in with food waste, resulting in items being taken to landfill instead of recycling yards.

A Sustainable Christmas

It has been said that “rubbish volumes spike by up to 30% at Christmas”, and “through the Summer months (not just Christmas) there is an almost 100% increase in glass waste compared to Autumn”. [1]

Even though we enjoy ourselves a little too much at this time of year, we should always be mindful of our environment.

There are many things we can do to help reduce excess waste, and ensure high volume recycling is achieved.

Don’t Waste An Opportunity

  1. When considering presents for family and friends, think about items that don’t need to be packaged or wrapped. With online purchasing at our fingertips, why not gift an e-voucher, concert tickets or experience voucher. This will cut down the need to buy wrapping paper and will save your hip pocket too.
  2. Create less waste by buying food in bulk packs.
  3. Use or gift rechargeable batteries. Not only does this save money in the long run, it will reduce the amount of batteries being used. If you’ve used regular batteries, make sure you dispose of them properly by taking them to a battery drop off point for recycling.
  4. Reuse gift bags or wrapping paper where possible and hand create wrapping materials. This is a great way to get kids involved and will add a personal touch.
  5. Compost food waste and let your garden thrive. Using compost on your garden helps reduce water usage too!
  6. Re-gift. If you’ve been given a present that doesn’t quite tick the boxes, make sure you drop it off to a charity. They’ll rehouse it where it’s needed the most and it won’t end up in landfill.

While the council does a great job at collecting your recyclable materials, at this crazy time of year an excess soon builds up.

Cheapest Load of Rubbish is available 6 days a week and our team is only too happy to quote to remove your waste or recyclable materials.

With our sorting yard running at full steam, we’re able to recycle up to 80% of waste collected! We pride ourselves on our recycling effort and are always researching new and improved recycling techniques to ensure we’re doing all we can to reduce landfill levels.

Make A Difference

Not everyone is fortunate enough to have a Christmas Day with all the trimmings. Some spend the day alone, while others try to scrape together enough ingredients to make a meal.

Why not make a difference in the lives of others by donating money, food, gifts or time. Any donation, big or small can help bring a smile to someone in need.

WATCH THIS SPACE…

We’re currently in the process of partnering with a charity to provide food and toys to children who need it the most. As soon as we have more details we’ll let you know.

It’s Almost Here!

With only 43 days left until Christmas, now is the time to get your plans into action!!

For pre-Chrissie clean ups, don’t forget to give us a call on 9550 1181.

And remember, recycle and reuse and donate don’t accumulate!


1 –  Veolia.com.au – Waste At Christmas Time