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A present wrapped in a linen napkin next to a ball of string and a pine cone.

Sustainable Swaps

Get ready to make simple swaps for a more sustainable lifestyle

The festive season is one of the most wonderful times of the year, but it can also be one of the most wasteful. Allianz research reveals 83% of Australians surveyed agree it’s important to be sustainable during the festive season. Of those surveyed, 75% are turning to sustainable practices due to increased cost-of-living pressures, with saving money (72%) and reducing waste (60%) as top motivators for doing so. Furthermore, 80% of Australians are planning to be more sustainable in 2024.

That’s why we’ve partnered with Australia’s leading DIY and Upcycling expert, Geneva Vanderzeil, to showcase simple and budget-friendly tips to make sustainable swaps this festive season.

Geneva’s festive DIY: Make upcycled golden bells

Follow the below tutorial to save old jars or yoghurt pots from landfill and upcycle them into unique festive decorations.
An empty glass jar, paintbrush, and two jars painted gold.

What you'll need

  • Empty glass jars or yoghurt pots
  • Black chalk paint
  • Rub N Buff wax finish in Antique Gold
  • Super glue
  • Small pieces of metal or plastic tubing
  • Rope

How to make

  1. Clean your jars or yoghurt pots.
  2. Prepare your workspace. Cover the table with an old tablecloth or layers of newspapers.
  3. Turn each jar over and attach a piece of tube to the underside using super glue. Allow it to dry.
  4. Once the glue has dried, paint the jar and the piece of tube with black chalk paint. Allow it to dry.
  5. Using your finger, apply a layer of gold wax finish to the whole jar including the inside, buffing it to create an antique gold look.
  6. To finish, string the rope into the tubing to attach it to the jar.
Upcycled golden bells decoration with ribbon and foliage.

Tips for sustainable gifting and festive crafts

Get creative with our tips for decorating and gifting this festive season.
Geneva Vanderzeil with Christmas wreaths made from foraged foliage.

Swap a plastic tree for a real one

Decorate your favourite house plant or create a native flower arrangement. If you’re good at DIY or crafting, create your own tree from recycled materials.

Swap online shopping for buying local

Online shopping generates carbon emissions and packaging waste. So why not shop local and support your community?

Swap giftwrap for ‘gifts as wrap’

Avoid the waste generated by disposable wrapping paper by using:

  • A reusable tea towel
  • A scarf or clothing
  • Reusable drawstring bags
  • Decorated boxes that can be used for storage
  • Reusable baskets or hampers

Swap incandescent lights for LED or solar

Do you light up your home with energy-efficient lighting? Make the switch to LED or solar powered lights.

How to travel and host more sustainably

Support a more sustainable lifestyle during the festive season and beyond with these tips.
A selection of gingerbread biscuits in Christmas shapes with cardboard boxes.

Swap plastic table décor for eco-friendly options

Single-use plastics pose a serious environmental problem. Swap plastic plates, cups, cutlery and decorations for reusable or biodegradable alternatives.
Three people sitting around a table to enjoy a vegetarian meal.

Swap a meat dish for a meat-free dish

Meat dishes tend to have a greater carbon footprint than meat-free versions. Swapping just one dish can make an impact on your festive footprint.
A couple watching a movie on a canvas screen in the garden.

Swap ‘having’ gifts for ‘doing’ gifts

Gift experiences save on packaging, emissions, and clutter. Swap a supermarket advent calendar for a homemade one filled with treats from home or activities like movie nights.
A couple walking hand in hand across a bridge with trees on either side and a cityscape ahead.

Swap long journeys for staycations

Enjoying your local natural wonders cuts travel emissions. By appreciating green spaces in your community you’re also helping to preserve them for years to come.
A couple with rucksacks relaxing as they travel by train.

Swap ride-hailing services for public transport

Taking public transport can decrease road congestion and your carbon footprint.  Walking or cycling may also help you keep fit.
An eco-friendly property with solar panels surrounded by trees and fields.

Swap wasteful accommodation for sustainable stays

Whatever your budget or preferences, green accommodation options with full amenities are available to take care of you and the environment.

Our commitment to sustainability

We’re taking action across three sustainability pillars: healthy planet, social impact and ESG integration. To find out more, visit our sustainability page.
Kids walking in the park with sticks.

Healthy planet

We're committed to tackling climate change and lowering emissions. Read more about how we're taking action.
LEARN MORE
Mother and child making food in the kitchen,

Social impact

We’re committed to advancing a more inclusive society. Through our business activities we advocate mental health and wellbeing, support customers experiencing vulnerability and participate in the community across Australia.
LEARN MORE
Eco sustainable building.

ESG integration

We’re committed to integrating environmental, social and governance considerations in all our activities – from how we run our business to our insurance products and investments.
LEARN MORE
A couple holding planks of wood ready to renovate their dining room.

Green Specs: Turning blueprints green

Are you looking to make home improvements or renovate your home? We’ve partnered with the Green Building Council of Australia (GBCA) to launch Green Specs, an online tool to help you make sustainable renovation choices based on the GBCA’s Sustainable Home Renovations Guide.
DISCOVER GREEN SPECS

Making your home environmentally friendly

If you have Buildings cover and your building is totally destroyed and needs to be rebuilt, Allianz will pay up to $5,000 (after the deduction of any government or council rebates) to help with the costs to install environmental systems such as solar power systems and rainwater tanks.
 
This benefit is available under most of our Home and Landlord  Insurance products. Refer to the Product Disclosure Statement for full terms, conditions, limits and exclusions that apply.
About Allianz Home Insurance

About the research

Pureprofile, on behalf of Allianz Australia, carried out the research between 6 October and 10 October 2023. The study encompassed a sample of more than 1,000 Australians, ensuring national representativeness, with a demographic profile aligned with the 2021 ABS Census data regarding age, gender, and geographic location.

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Allianz acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the Traditional Custodians of the lands on which we live and work across Australia. We pay our respect to First Nations Elders past and present.



Any advice here does not take into account your individual objectives, financial situation or needs. Terms, conditions, limits, and exclusions apply. Before making a decision about this insurance, consider the relevant Product Disclosure Statement (PDS)/Policy Wording and Supplementary PDS (if applicable). Where applicable, the PDS/Policy Wording, Supplementary PDS and Target Market Determination (TMD) for this insurance are available on this website. We do not provide any form of advice if you call us to enquire about or purchase a product.

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