Excess food, packaging, disposable items, wrapping and unwanted gifts tend to find their way to landfill.

“Residents of the Hunter are encouraged to make their Christmas celebration more sustainable and support local businesses by giving vouchers, buying local produce, making or cooking gifts or even donating to charities in lieu of presents ,” environmental education co-ordinator Juliana Cain said.

“Christmas is a notorious period for over indulging and for throwing away a huge amount of uneaten food.”

Hunter Councils urged people to embrace some old-time values to avoid wasting 20 per cent of the food people buy each Christmas.

People can avoid this through careful planning of meals, shopping lists and use of leftovers.

Ham can be used in omelettes or quiche, as well as pastas and potato salads. 

Turkey can be used in pie, burrito, curries, wraps and sandwiches.

Some leftovers can also be frozen in single serve portions for snacks.

For more tips visit www.smallactsbigchange.com.au