Environment and Waste spokesman councillor Greg Toll said a few basic actions could make a big difference to the environment.

"Over the festive season, we eat, drink, party and buy more than any other time of the year," he said.

"But it’s also when we’re toughest on the environment because of the extra waste we generate and the extra resources we consume.

Planet Ark’s The 12 DOs of Christmas awareness campaign includes tips for reducing food waste and excess packaging, buying 'green gifts' and recycling items like wrapping paper, foil, cartons, plastic etc as well as electronics and batteries.

Statistics show Australian households throw out about $5.2 billion of food every year - enough to fill more than 450,000 garbage trucks - yet last year about $913 million was spent on 'extra food' at Christmas.

The level of emissions generated by household food waste in landfill is similar to the total emissions involved in the manufacture and supply of iron and steel in Australia.

“Planning meals ahead of time is one of the easiest ways to prevent food wastage and buying presents in plenty of time also avoids last-minute panic buys that never get used by the recipient,” Councillor Toll said.