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Thursday, 18 December 2025

Tips for a low-waste festive season

Sustainable xmas
If you're looking for some sustainable tips this Christmas, here are some tips from our friends at the Western Metropolitan Regional Council on how to avoid, reduce, reuse and recycle right this Christmas. 
 
  1. Swap single-use tableware for reusable items on Christmas Day - op shops have great second-hand pieces, and there are plenty of op shops in Subiaco to explore, including Good Sammy, Salvos, and the Earthwise op shop. 
  2. Set aside a box for any eligible drink containers, and take them to your nearest Containers for Change collection point for a refund or donation. 
  3. Try low-waste gift wrapping! Use a scarf, tea towel, or old newspaper and decorate it with natural materials such as flowers or rosemary. Check out this factsheet for more low-waste wrapping ideas
  4. Freeze any Christmas leftovers for later, and if you have any foodscraps, don't forget to pop them in your FOGO bin. 
  5. Avoid single-use plastic by heading to a bulk foods store to buy flour, sugar, or anything else you need for Christmas baking and cooking. This means you can bring your own jar or tin to fill up with ingredients. 
  6. If you have any bulk recycling, head to the West Metro Recycling Centre in Shenton Park to discard of it. The centre is open from 7.30am to 2pm on Boxing Day, and every day in the lead up to New Years (closed on New Years Day). 
  7. If you're looking for a fun craft activity with the kids, try making decorations using natural materials like flowers or wood. Check out this idea for a native floral Christmas wreath
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