5 sustainable gift ideas to help you save money this Christmas
It’s no secret that the word “sustainable” along with “ethical” “eco-friendly” and “green” have become the buzzwords of 2019. But when it comes to gift giving what does it actually mean? What is a sustainable present?
Definitions for all of these words are open to interpretation; while some companies may tout their ethics as pretty admirable, others might see them as a lil’ shady. That said, sustainability can be simply defined as something that can be upheld or reused and therefore has less of a negative impact on the planet.
ME Bank’s money expert, Matt Read gave us a few ideas on some more planet and savings account friendly presents to give this Christmas.
1. A reusable water bottle
It really could be as simple as that. Reusable water bottles are sold pretty much everywhere now, so it’s not hard to find one for a decent price.
As Read said, “Pick one up for under $10 at department stores and let the giftee pocket ongoing savings. Drinking eight glasses of tap water per day costs just $0.98 annually compared to around $3,650 for the same quantity of bottled water.”
While you’re at it, you might even want to get yourself one and stash that extra few thousand dollars of savings in your savings account.
2. Keep cups
Do you have that one friend who can’t live without coffee? Why not get them a reusable coffee cup! Honestly there are so many to choose from these days, travel ones, glass ones, fancy ones, limited edition ones, upcycled ones, the list is endless.
Plus with practically every shop selling reusable cups now, you could easily pick one up for around $10. That’s a pretty cheap present.
“Australians toss out 2.7 million disposable coffee cups every day. The gift of a keep cup reduces waste -- and can deliver ongoing savings as a growing number of cafes offer a BYO cup discount,” Read said.
3. Reusable straws
Just like reusable water bottles and cups, reusable straws made from bamboo, metal and silicone can be found everywhere these days. So why not get a pack of them for that one friend who loves to indulge in a bubble tea or a milkshake.
“Australians use about 10 million single-use plastic straws each year, and they’re one of the most common items polluting our beaches and harming marine animals,” said Read.
And if you wanted to go all out, you could even go for a reusable cutlery set. These packs have become more and more popular in the past year, so it shouldn’t be too difficult to pick one up for under $20.
4. A native plant
Got any green thumb buddies? Why not get them a lovely native plant to brighten up their balcony, living room, bedroom or even bathroom!
If you get a young plant you could even pay less than $15. Some good options include grevillea, kangaroo paw and lilly pilly, all of which give native bees a helping hand.
And that’s important, because as Read explained, “Bees are vital to mankind’s food supply. The sting in the tale is that honey bees are under threat from loss of habitat, pesticides and climate change.”
Just remember that if you do opt for a plant, make sure you give it to someone who you know will look after it. A plant is for life (or however long they can keep it alive) not just for Christmas! If it winds up in a landfill bin, it could do more harm than good.
5. Home baked goods
Everyone loves the smell of home baked goods. So why not whip up some cookies or even something festive like mince pies or Christmas cake to give to your loved ones.
It’s not only cheap and easy to do, but also shows that you care, more than a piece of jewellery or another Christmas mug that you hopped along to the shop and bought.
Rethink how you gift at Christmas
These are all great ideas to save you a few pennies and get your friends and family on the eco-train. Of course another thought to save you from dipping into your savings stash, is not to give a thing.
Why not give the gift of your time and arrange an experience for you and your loved one? You could even give a donation in their name to a cause that you know they care about. It’s not only a thoughtful present but it will also benefit a good cause and it will mean buying one less item that could just turn into clutter.
Now, need some extra cash to cover all those lovely experiences you’re planning for next Christmas? Why not take a look at the high interest savings accounts below to see how much interest you could be earning on your hard earned money.
Or if you want more options, head to Mozo’s savings account comparison page to compare even more.
Compare savings accounts - last updated 29 March 2024
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Mozo experts choice awards won:
- Kick Start Savings - 2024
High Interest Savings Account
5.75% p.a. (for $0 to $250,001)
4.40% p.a.(for $0 to $250,001)
Yes up to $250,000
Bonus rate for the first 4 months from account opening
Reward yourself with a higher rate for your good savings habits with the Rabobank High Interest Savings Account . Receive the maximum rate when you grow your balance by at least $200 each month. No Account keeping fees. No minimum balance.
CompareCompareHigh Interest Savings Account
Reward yourself with a higher rate for your good savings habits with the Rabobank High Interest Savings Account . Receive the maximum rate when you grow your balance by at least $200 each month. No Account keeping fees. No minimum balance.
- Maximum rate
- 5.75% p.a. (for $0 to $250,001)
- standard interest rate
- 4.40% p.a.(for $0 to $250,001)
- Govt Deposit Guarantee
- Yes up to $250,000
- account fee per month
- $0.00
- Maximum rate conditions
- Bonus rate for the first 4 months from account opening, reverting to standard variable rate. Rate shown is for Personal customers and is subject to change. Different rates apply to Business/SMSF customers.
- Access
- Internet banking
- Minimum balance
- $0.00
- Other restrictions
- Must link to a transaction account
Read our Mozo Review to learn more about the Rabobank High Interest Savings Account
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Savings Account
5.35% p.a. (for $0 to $250,000)
4.75% p.a.(for $0 to $1,000,000)
Yes up to $250,000
Bonus variable rate is available for the first four months.
Competitive introductory variable rate for first 4 months (on deposits up to $250,000). No account keeping fees to pay. Multiple 2023 Mozo Experts Choice Award winner.
CompareCompareSavings Account
Competitive introductory variable rate for first 4 months (on deposits up to $250,000). No account keeping fees to pay. Multiple 2023 Mozo Experts Choice Award winner.
- Maximum rate
- 5.35% p.a. (for $0 to $250,000)
- standard interest rate
- 4.75% p.a.(for $0 to $1,000,000)
- Govt Deposit Guarantee
- Yes up to $250,000
- account fee per month
- $0.00
- Maximum rate conditions
- Bonus variable rate is available for the first four months.
- Access
- BPay, Branch access, Phone banking, Internet banking
- Minimum balance
- $0.00
- Other restrictions
- Must have a Macquarie Transaction Account to link with.
Read our Mozo Review to learn more about the Macquarie Savings Account
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High Interest Save Account
5.10% p.a. (for $0 to $250,000)
0.10% p.a.(for $0 and over)
Yes up to $250,000
Deposit at least $200 to either Spend or Save account from an external source each month.
No monthly fees on any of your save accounts. Split your money with up to 10 Save accounts. Set savings targets and track the progress of all your Save accounts. Deposits guaranteed up to $250K per customer.
CompareCompareHigh Interest Save Account
No monthly fees on any of your save accounts. Split your money with up to 10 Save accounts. Set savings targets and track the progress of all your Save accounts. Deposits guaranteed up to $250K per customer.
- Maximum rate
- 5.10% p.a. (for $0 to $250,000)
- standard interest rate
- 0.10% p.a.(for $0 and over)
- Govt Deposit Guarantee
- Yes up to $250,000
- account fee per month
- $0.00
- Maximum rate conditions
- Deposit at least $200 to either Spend or Save account from an external source each month.
- Access
- Internet banking
- Minimum balance
- $0.00
- Other restrictions
- Account can only be opened through iOS or Android app, but may be accessed through internet banking.
Read our Mozo Review to learn more about the ubank High Interest Save Account
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Mozo experts choice awards won:
- High Interest Savings - 2024
AMP Saver Account
5.40% p.a. (for $0 to $250,000)
1.20% p.a.(for $0 to $5,000,000)
Yes up to $250,000
Enjoy a bonus rate when you deposit at least $1000 per month with the AMP Saver Account.
No account fees. Unlimited transactions when linked to an AMP Bank transaction account. Easy online access to your money. Option to link your savings account to an everyday transaction account. 2024 Mozo Experts Choice Award winner.
CompareCompareAMP Saver Account
No account fees. Unlimited transactions when linked to an AMP Bank transaction account. Easy online access to your money. Option to link your savings account to an everyday transaction account. 2024 Mozo Experts Choice Award winner.
- Maximum rate
- 5.40% p.a. (for $0 to $250,000)
- standard interest rate
- 1.20% p.a.(for $0 to $5,000,000)
- Govt Deposit Guarantee
- Yes up to $250,000
- account fee per month
- $0.00
- Maximum rate conditions
- Ongoing total variable bonus rate of up to 5.40% per annum applies if customers deposit $1,000 in the previous month. Available only on balances up to $250,000.
- Access
- Phone banking, Internet banking
- Minimum balance
- $0.00
- Other restrictions
- Ongoing total variable bonus rate up to 5.40% p.a. is earned on the balance the month after you deposit $1,000 and is paid the following month, on balances up to $250k. Max balance per customer name is $5 million.
Read our Mozo Review to learn more about the AMP Bank AMP Saver Account
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Reward Saver Account
5.25% p.a. (for $0 to $1,000,000)
0% p.a.(for $0 and over)
Yes up to $250,000
Intro bonus rate of 5.25% for balances up to $1,000,000 for the first 4 months, reverting to 3.25%. Minimum deposit of $50 and no withdrawals.
Introductory bonus rate for balances up to $1,000,000 for the first 4 months. Minimum deposit of $50 and no withdrawals. Start your account online in under 10 minutes and earn interest on balances up to $1,000,000 (T&Cs apply). No monthly account fees, helping you save smarter and faster.
CompareCompareReward Saver Account
Introductory bonus rate for balances up to $1,000,000 for the first 4 months. Minimum deposit of $50 and no withdrawals. Start your account online in under 10 minutes and earn interest on balances up to $1,000,000 (T&Cs apply). No monthly account fees, helping you save smarter and faster.
- Maximum rate
- 5.25% p.a. (for $0 to $1,000,000)
- standard interest rate
- 0% p.a.(for $0 and over)
- Govt Deposit Guarantee
- Yes up to $250,000
- account fee per month
- $0.00
- Maximum rate conditions
- Intro bonus rate of 5.25% for balances up to $1,000,000 for the first 4 months, reverting to 3.25%. Minimum deposit of $50 and no withdrawals.
- Access
- ATM, EFTPOS, Visa Debit, Cheque book, BPay, Branch access, Phone banking, Internet banking, Bank@Post
- Minimum balance
- $0.00
- Other restrictions
- -
Read our Mozo Review to learn more about the IMB Bank Reward Saver Account
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