Search
-

Be a Sustainable Santa and make a difference

Samantha Arthur, Op Shop Marketing Coordinator
Author
Samantha Arthur Marketing and Digital Coordinator
17 December 2021
Two op shop staff members presenting Christmas wear

As we venture out into the world again post lockdown and begin our Christmas shopping, it’s important to remember that small sustainable changes can make a big difference!

Did you know Australians receive over 20 million unwanted gifts at Christmastime?

Here are a few tips that can help you reduce, reuse and recycle this festive season:

1. Ditch the wrapping paper

Australians use more than 150,000 km of wrapping paper during Christmas – enough to wrap around the equator four times!

Using second-hand fabric, newspaper, second-hand paper bags and sourcing string and Christmas cards from your local Sacred Heart Mission op shop is a great way to not only save money but also make sure your gift wrapping isn’t wasteful.

2. Make your Kris Kringle an ethical one

As family, friends and businesses organise Kris Kringles, set a few ground rules:

  • Set a limit of how much you can spend (and stick to it)
  • Promote buying pre-loved items instead of new
  • Consider making a donation to a charity in their name instead of gifting a pair of socks. A $4 donation = a three course meal in our Dining Hall.

3. Donate your unwanted gifts

We all get that one present every year that ends up in the back of the cupboard, collecting dust. Perhaps you received two of the same thing or your aunt gifted you soap for the third year in a row.

Donate your unwanted goods to any of our 12 stores! Our op shops welcome your unloved presents and will put these donations to good use. New socks and undies, mugs and (unopened) beauty products are passed onto our Women’s House and Sacred Heart Central.

4. Ask for a pre-loved gift this Christmas

Not only will your gifts be sustainable and give back to the community, it will also save your loved ones and friends some extra cash this festive season.

Our online op shop stocks a great selection of unique and personable gifts, from vintage designer finds to cameras and homewares.

5. Decorate your home with second-hand Christmas decorations

Our stores collect Christmas decorations throughout the year – we put out boxes galore of Christmas stock from December onwards! Buy second-hand, find that perfect decoration for your home that won’t break the bank.

And finally – don’t let this Christmas become a stressful one!

Give yourself time to shop and explore our stores. Enjoy the hunt and you will find thoughtful and sustainable gifts that give back to your community. Our op shops around Melbourne are Covid-safe, packed with goodies and can’t wait to see you!