The festive season is here: backyard barbies, beach mornings, and laughter that spills from the kitchen to the living room. It’s a time for family, friends, and long, lazy summer days. But with all the food prep, gifts, and cleaning, our homes can get busier than usual. While it’s full of joy, it’s also one of the most waste-heavy times of the year. From endless gift wrap to single-use plastics, it can all add up faster than you can say “pass the pavlova.”

But the good news? A sustainable Christmas doesn’t have to be complicated. With a few mindful swaps and eco-friendly habits, you can enjoy the season just as much (if not more), knowing you’re being kind to the planet too.

Here’s your 12-day countdown to an eco-friendly Christmas. Small, practical actions that add up to a big difference.

 

On the first day of Christmas… refill instead of replace.

Before stocking up on soaps or cleaning sprays, see if your local store has refill stations. Reusing bottles cuts down on single-use plastics and keeps your home looking neat, and it’s easier on the planet, too. 

 

On the second day of Christmas… recycle your foil.

All that baking and roasting can leave behind mountains of foil. The trick is to keep it clean, continue to scrunch it into a ball about the size of your fist, and pop it in the recycling bin. Easy, shiny, and sustainable.

 

On the third day of Christmas… make the switch to bamboo.

From toilet paper to paper towels, bamboo is one of the most sustainable materials around. It grows fast, uses less water, and feels soft and strong: a win for you and the planet. (Eco Cheeks has you covered here!)

 

On the fourth day of Christmas… wrap it up, sustainably.

Skip the shiny wrapping paper that can’t be recycled and go for kraft paper, old newspapers, or fabric wraps instead. Add a sprig of rosemary or twine for that rustic, chic touch.

 

On the fifth day of Christmas… decorate naturally.

Bring the outdoors in! Think eucalyptus, pinecones, dried citrus, or native flowers in vases. They smell fresh, look beautiful, and can be composted after the holidays.

 

On the sixth day of Christmas… ditch synthetic fragrances.

Swap out those chemical air fresheners for natural candles or a simmer pot of cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla. Your home will smell festive without the toxins.

 

On the seventh day of Christmas… compost your leftovers.

Big meals mean plenty of scraps, but they don’t have to go to waste. Start a compost bin or worm farm. Even the smallest effort helps reduce landfill waste over the holidays.

 

On the eighth day of Christmas… gift thoughtfully.

Instead of just buying things, consider gifting experiences. A ticket to a local event, a cooking class, or a membership to a museum or wildlife park; it’s something your friends or family will actually enjoy, and it creates memories instead of clutter. 

 

On the ninth day of Christmas… go digital (or DIY) with cards.

A handwritten note or e-card saves paper and feels just as personal. If you’re crafty, reuse last year’s cards or turn scrap paper into something special. Small swaps like this save paper and feel more meaningful.

 

On the tenth day of Christmas… plant something that lasts.

Start a new tradition by planting a tree or native shrub for each family member. It’s a lovely way to mark the season, give back to the environment, and create a memory that grows year after year.

 

On the eleventh day of Christmas… donate or volunteer locally.

Spread the festive cheer beyond your household. Donate to a local Aussie charity, volunteer at a food bank, or help out at a community event. Giving time or resources makes a big difference and keeps the spirit of Christmas meaningful.

 

On the twelfth day of Christmas… stock up, stress-free.

Avoid the last-minute dash to the shops and get your essentials sorted early. Toilet paper, tissues, and paper towels are everyday items you’ll definitely need when guests drop by.
Make it easy with one of our Eco Bundles: simple, sustainable, and ready to go.

 

A calm, conscious Christmas

Small, considered swaps don’t just reduce waste, they offer a chance to slow down and appreciate the things and people that make your home feel like home. The holidays can be hectic, but pausing to make a few mindful choices lets you appreciate the people who support you, the home you’ve built, and the environment that sustains us all.

It’s in these little choices that the season becomes more than busy days and endless errands. It becomes an opportunity to reflect, reconnect, and celebrate in a way that feels grounded, practical, and genuinely satisfying.