BEAT THE ECONOMIC BLUES WITH A GREEN CHRISTMAS
Beat the economic blues with a green Christmas
The current economic climate doesn’t mean we have to forgo the festivities that make Christmas special. Clean Up Australia has found there are simple steps you can take to help beat the economic blues by having a green Christmas.
A refillable water bottle may seem like a simple stocking-filler, but it could save a family more than $3500 over the next year.
Clean Up Australia Chairman Ian Kiernan AO said there are many opportunities for families to save money and also help save the environment this Christmas including:
Buy online
Rather than fighting the shopping centre crowds, buy online this Christmas. It’s about 25 per cent cheaper to buy online than through retail shops because the sellers can pass on the savings from things like rent and electricity to you. You’ll also save on transport emissions and the excess packaging that is used by manufacturers and retailers to try and convince you to buy.
Water can save you money
Help reduce the 2.7 million tonnes of plastic used to bottle water around the world each year by using refillable water bottles as stocking-fillers this Christmas. Not only will there be environmental benefits, but you’ll save money as well, in fact a family of four could save more than $3500 over 12 months by ditching bottled water (based on an average $2.50 for a 600ml bottle).
What, really, is the point of expensive wrapping paper?
Making your own wrapping paper is surprising quick and easy, or just don’t use it at all – remember Christmas stockings?
Give a Green Gift and get a tax refund
If the idea of getting your money back on the gifts you buy this Christmas sounds appealing, give your friends and family a Clean Up Australia Green Gift. Your friends will receive a card thanking for the support of Clean Up Australia’s campaigns to combat climate change and you’ll get your money back when you do your next tax return.
Buy in bulk
When buying for your Christmas lunch, purchase fresh food with minimal packaging and buy in bulk – you’ll save money and reduce your packaging waste.
Use rechargeable batteries
Over 15 billion batteries are made worldwide each year. When you take in account the fact that many of these are only used once and then sent to landfill, the effect they have on the environment becomes pretty clear. Buy rechargeable batteries, like the eneloop battery from Sanyo which can be reused up to 1000 times, with this year’s Christmas presents and save both money and the environment.
It’s the simple actions that will make the big differences this holiday season.
Media Enquiries: Alana Mew, 0423 377 567
