Laid back get-togethers, tasty treats, and plenty of that classic ‘no worries’ energy. That’s the vibe of an Aussie Christmas. But all that easy-going fun can bring more waste than you might expect. Fast-shipped gifts, cheap plastic decorations, and items that get forgotten before Boxing Day can pile up quickly. The good news is that there are ways to enjoy everything the season has to offer without the load of waste.
This guide is your go-to for keeping the festive season easy, practical, and eco-friendly, from local gifting and DIY decorations to low-waste wrapping and caring for a live Christmas tree. We’re sharing simple ways to make your Aussie Christmas feel just as bright and joyous, with a little less impact on the planet.
A sustainable Christmas in Australia isn’t about giving up the barbies, the beach trips, or the cold drinks. It’s about enjoying everything you love about the season while taking simple steps to care for the planet along the way.
The best thing about an Aussie approach to sustainability is that it doesn’t have to be complicated. It might be a little bit of extra thought behind your presents or easy swaps for eco-friendly materials. It’s the small changes that make a big difference.
At the heart of a sustainable Aussie Christmas is that laid-back, no-fuss attitude.
It’s tempting to grab gifts online with a few clicks, but what arrives isn’t always what you hoped for. Plus, mass-produced items often come wrapped in layers of packaging and travel thousands of kilometres all of which add to the waste pile.
Buying from local makers and suppliers cuts out the middleman, slashes postage and packaging, reduces road miles, and supports the communities we live in. And you get brownie points for a much more personal, thoughtful gift that comes with a story.
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Liquorice Moon Studios on the Sunshine Coast creates functional, unique ceramics inspired by the textures of the earth. Each piece features hand-painted patterns, fluid glazes, and even real gold accents. Browse their online store or visit them in person at Peregian Beach and Eumundi Markets, or by appointment at the Nambour studio.
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Imbibe Skincare from Byron Bay crafts eco-conscious products with sustainability at the heart of everything they do. These items make ideal ethical Christmas gifts for friends or family who enjoy pampering without compromising the planet.
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By Charlotte Jewellery is produced via environmentally and socially responsible practices, with primary manufacturers certified by the Responsible Jewellery Council. Crafted in-house under closed-loop principles, these are meaningful, eco-friendly Christmas gifts that will last for years.
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Local art is a gift that keeps on giving. Sunshine Coast artist Alana Creative offers a selection of art prints that bring colour and character to any space. Supporting local artists is a simple way to give thoughtfully while cutting down on shipping and packaging.
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Sometimes the best gifts can’t be wrapped. Experiences like a Mystery Picnic from AmazingCo give recipients clues to explore local producers while collecting treats for a picnic. Other options include vouchers or tickets for:
A spa day
Events
Cinemas
Theme parks across Australia
Op-shopping is a classic Aussie move and a surprisingly thoughtful way to gift. Stores like The Salvos and other local op-shops are treasure troves for preloved clothing, books, toys, homewares, or even furniture. A little hunt can turn up something unique, budget-friendly, and environmentally conscious.
For bigger gifts, you don’t need to stress about getting it home or to the person you’re buying for. Booking eco-conscious removalists on Upmove makes collecting and delivering larger gifts easy, safe, and hassle-free, while still keeping your Christmas as sustainable as possible.
Of course, nothing beats a gift made with care. Crafting at home is an easy way to make your presents personal and planet-friendly. Here are some easy DIY Christmas gift ideas:
Homemade preserves
Baked treats
Hand-poured candles
DIY decorations
@eternal.virgo DIY Christmas Wreath🎄 Bring a touch of Australian nature to your Christmas decor! 🌿 This DIY floral wreath is made with native dried flowers and gum leaves, perfect for a festive yet natural vibe. ✨ Watch the full process and create your own stunning wreath! 🌸 #DIYChristmas #NativeWreath #SoftLifeAesthetic #AustralianChristmas #NativeFlowers #ChristmasDIY #FloralWreath #SoftAesthetic #HolidayCrafts #EcoFriendlyDecor #ChristmasInspo #CreativeDecor #christmaswreath #christmas #australianchristmas #Christmas2024 #DIYchristmaswreath #DIYWreath #christmasideasactivities #christmasroomdecor #DIYRibbonWreath #WreathMakingTutorial #howtomakeawreath ♬ Twinkling Lights (Reimagined) - Auni
You don’t need to rush out and buy new stuff. A lot of everyday items can be repurposed into Christmas decor. For example:
Use scrap fabric to make bunting or scrap paper for paper chains.
Jars turned into lanterns with just a small candle placed inside.
Old ornaments or decorations from years past can be refreshed with a little paint or glitter-free DIY magic.
Sometimes you do want to buy something new. Look for decorations made from wood, glass, metal, paper, or natural fibres rather than cheap plastic. Investing in a few quality pieces that last for years is a minimalist Christmas move that makes sense for both your home and the planet.
Not all wrapping paper can be recycled. Shiny foils, glittery finishes, and plastic coatings often can’t go in your kerbside bin. The easy swap? Plain kraft paper, butcher’s paper, newspaper, brown paper bags, or fabric wraps are all perfect examples of recycled Christmas wrapping paper.
Clever Aussie hack: Using your grocery store’s Christmas-themed brown paper bags. Stores like Woolworths print festive designs on their bags so that you can cut them up and use them as recyclable wrapping paper for your gifts.
Even last year’s gift bags can be given a second life, and adding your own touches with markers, stamps, or recycled ribbon makes each present uniquely yours.
Fabric
Reusable bags
Scarves
Tea towels
Sheets or blankets for larger items
Sending gifts to friends and family? You can keep them safe and zero waste at the same time. Here are some ways to minimise your waste sent to the landfill while sending your gift to a loved one:
Reuse boxes, padded mailers, and envelopes.
Swap plastic tape for paper tape.
Use shredded paper or old tissue as padding.
Boxes from previous online shopping can be repurposed as gift parcels.
For larger or bulkier items, like bikes, surfboards, and furniture, Upmove makes booking a fast removalist easy. It keeps gifts intact while avoiding the extra packaging and transport waste that often comes with standard shipping.
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A live Christmas tree brings fresh greenery and festive cheer to your home. Plus, it can be a sustainable Christmas choice. After the season, it can be mulched, composted, or reused in your garden. That’s one way to go green this Christmas!
Live trees are renewable, biodegradable, and often grown specifically for Christmas. Choosing locally keeps your tree’s journey short and supports the community.
In the Australian summer, heat and air conditioning can shorten a tree’s life. Keep it watered, out of direct sunlight, and trim the base if needed. Most live trees last two to three weeks indoors.
A sturdy stand with good water capacity keeps the tree stable and helps it last longer. Make sure it suits your tree size and ceiling height, especially if you have kids or pets that can knock it over.
Wrap it in a tarp or old sheet to protect your car and floors, and secure it with straps. If your tree farm is outside the city or your car is too small, you can book a removalist through Upmove to safely pick up and deliver your tree. The team can also help with post-holiday removal or green-waste runs, making tree disposal simple and stress-free.
Whether it’s delivering larger gifts, picking up a new piece of furniture, or transporting a live Christmas tree, Upmove makes it simple, safe, and eco-friendly. Booking the right moving team means less stress, less waste, and more time to enjoy all the festive fun. With a helping hand, you can make moving gifts, furniture, and trees across Australia this Christmas effortless and sustainable.
Upmove acknowledges Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and recognises the continuing connection to lands, waters and communities. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures; and to Elders past and present.
