Simple way to cut waste at Christmas
Kris Kringle or Secret Santa gifting with an 'Op Shop Rule' could allow you to enjoy and deepen the shared fun and love without the sustainability guilt and doom.
Christmas is a time of giving, but with the impact of fast fashion and hyper-consumption on the environment, and cost-of-living pressures, it’s getting harder to enjoy the special joy of gifts.
But there might just be a way to give your present, affordably, and have existential peace, too.
Brotherhood of St. Laurence Acting Retail Operations Manager Helen Moppert said by adding an ‘Op Shop Rule’ to go with your agreed spend limit: “You can ensure you’re not adding to the waste, while also directly contributing to helping those most in need.”
”Brotherhood of St. Laurence stores raise vital funds to assist in the delivery of our many programs and services, which work towards building better lives for everyone living in Australia,” Ms Moppert said.
Three quarters of Australians like buying gifts for people at Christmas, but a quarter expect to receive presents they would never use or wear, The Australia Institute research shows. It states throwaway culture and single-use materials drive Australia’s almost 76 million tonnes of waste annually.
Vinnies Victoria research shows 74 per cent of Victorians feel guilty about the environmental impact and 67 per cent receive at least one unwanted or unused gift each year.
“Op shops give unwanted goods a second life and keep them out of landfill,” Ms Moppert said. “We’ve got plenty of quality presents at affordable prices - and at BSL every dollar goes towards tackling poverty.”
Melbourne’s Austin Fabry-Jenkins said their family had an Op Shop Rule after their sister suggested op shop gifts last Christmas: "Now the whole extended family is on board. We can also include my teenage cousins in our lucky dip Kris Kringle for the first time, because nobody is buying beer or wine."
BSL also operates Australia’s first online second-hand bookstore. BSL Head of Social Enterprises Anthony Wheaton said Brotherhood Books was a circular economy, diverting books from landfill and towards positive outcomes. “Last year, we took care of over 23,000 orders to Brotherhood Books and redistributed over 77,000 quality books — generating work experience, but also reinvesting all of those dollars back into BSL, to our services and to the support we provide across the community," he said.
The Brotherhood of St. Laurence operates 22 community stores across Greater Melbourne. Donate quality pre-loved books to Brotherhood Books by dropping them to any store .
“It’s best to give your local store a call to confirm capacity and hours if you can. We'll be ready to put to good use any unwanted gifts when the festive season ends, too,” Ms Moppert said.
Media contact
Scott Carbines, BSL Media & Communications Manager
media@bsl.org.au
0447 114 541