ECO-FRIENDLY SCHOOL HOLIDAY ACTIVITIES ON A BUDGET

When it comes to school holidays, it can be all too easy to resort to television and video games to keep the kids occupied.

However, there are plenty of better ways to get creative over the holidays that won't break the budget or damage the planet!

Focusing on nature is a fun way to inspire the future generation to consider and care for the ecosystem.

Homemade Gifts for Christmas

For Christmas, what about some home-made gifts that will keep on giving for years to come?

Certain vegetables, herbs and succulents thrive in our climate and are surprisingly easy to propagate.

Set the kids down for an afternoon or two of arts and crafts, where they can decorate recycled containers or jars to repurpose into giftable gardens!

For example, did you know that you can save the base of a leek or a spring onion, pop it into a glass of water and watch it grow overnight?
Basil and rosemary are also relatively fool-proof and fragrant additions to any loved one's kitchen.

Indigenous flora can also be a stunning way to add a special touch to your Christmas gifts - think colourful Geraldton wax or fragrant Eucalyptus leaves tucked into newspaper or recycled wrapping, or pressed flowers on a homemade card.

If possible, avoid using synthetic ribbons, tinsel, glitter and mass-produced packaging as these are harmful to our environment and mostly end up in landfill.

Nature with the Kids

While there's no doubt this summer will be a warm one, there's no excuse for not getting out there and appreciating the beauty of our unique natural landscape.

Pack a picnic, head to the beach or park for an early dinner, and have some fun assigning the family tasks such as finding five pieces of rubbish or collecting a certain number of seashells or gumnuts.

This is a great way of instilling a sense of environmental awareness, plus, it's totally free!

Get the Kids in the Kitchen

Consider clearing out your freezer before Christmas to make room for inevitable leftovers, then get the kids involved in making things such as soups, quiches and casseroles.

Look for Free Activities in your Community or City

Check in with your nearest museum or art gallery for school holiday programs which might shine a light on environmental issues (and provide you with a few hours' peace!)

EcoFriendly New Year’s Resolutions

Perhaps even start a conversation about some new year's resolutions the family could focus on to contribute to reducing, reusing and recycling. Get the kids to paint and decorated dedicated bins for the home.