There are some simple things you can do this festive season that don't just care for the planet but are also kind to your piggy bank – it's as easy as one, two, green!
The upcoming holiday season is an exciting time for celebrations with family and friends, but it also means food consumption and purchasing increases as well.
We've collated our top five tips on how you can make your festive season a sustainable one.
1. Give a gift with purpose
Choose a gift that lasts a lifetime, instead of one season.
There's something special about shopping locally. You'll help keep local jobs, support the local economy and save on emissions associated with transporting goods and produce.
To get started, check out some of the choices in Wollongong CBD's Ultimate Local Gift Guide or head down to the Christmas Crown Street Market on Friday 19 December that is filled with many small local businesses.
If you don't have a desire for presents, but your loved ones insist on getting you a gift, consider a request to donate to a charity on your behalf instead. Our City of Wollongong Giving Tree Appeal are accepting gift donations until Sunday 14 December. However, our charity partners St. Vincent De Paul and Anglicare will still accept cash donations after this date. It will help many families across the Illawarra doing it tough.
2. Wrap your gifts responsibly
Consider the environment when you reach for the wrapping paper and make it recyclable or reusable.
Metallic, foil and glittery gift wrap paper can't be recycled. Instead, opt for simple paper wrapping that can go in the yellow-lid bin. Better yet, use fabric, stockings or perhaps a tote bag that can be reused. When you think about it, what you wrap the present in can act as two gifts in one. Gift accessories like ribbons, sticky-tape or twine also belong in the red-lid bin.
3. Make the most of our free recycling events
To help get rid of the extra recycling over the festive break, we're offering three free cardboard and household recycling drop-off events.
