Randwick, Waverley and Woollahra councils in New South Wales have launched a unique sustainability initiative, encouraging residents to buy environmentally friendly gifts for Christmas.
As part of the ‘3-Council Ecological Footprint Project’, ‘A gift that won’t cost the Earth’ provides a range of ‘green’ gift ideas for residents, on a website titled ‘Best Gift’.
Some of the environmentally friendly gift ideas include access to a free compost bin or worm farm; discounts on an energy monitor that can save money on energy bills; and organic food hampers from local food suppliers.
The Mayor of Randwick City, Councillor Tony Bowen said, “It’s staggering that Australians will spend some $30 billion on gifts around Christmas time, and approximately $700 million worth is expected to go to landfill by the following February.
“It’s important for each of us to think about our Christmas gift-giving and consider ways of reducing our impact on the environment — the presents we give, the packaging we avoid, and minimising the food that can be wasted at this time of the year.
“I strongly encourage everyone to take some small actions to help our environment while enjoying the festive season,” Cr Bowen said.
Mayor of Waverley, Councillor Sally Betts encouraged more thoughtful giving at Christmas: “While we’re thinking about gifts for family and friends this year, why not think about the environment too?
“The gift of a worm farm or compost bin is a fantastic way to benefit the environment for years to come, as well as contributing to an eco-friendly and meaningful Christmas for 2012,” she said.
