A Dad’s Tips for an Eco-Friendly Father’s Day

Yep, this year we’re going sustainable for Father’s Day. And before you roll your eyes thinking this means no fun, no bacon, and me hugging trees in the backyard, hear me out: we’re talking awesome gifts, activities, and memories that don’t leave a big ol’ carbon footprint.

Ready? Let’s roll.

1. I’ll Be OK If You Thrift Something

Look, I like shiny new things. Everybody does. But you know what else I like? Being frugal and sustainable.

Here’s the thing. I actually don’t mind if you get something at the Op Shop, or on Facebook Marketplace this Father’s Day. I don’t! I would prefer that it works, yes. But that’s about it.

If there’s a book I’ve been mentioning, or a kitchen gadget, or a tool – if you find it at the local Op Shop, or on Marketplace, in good working condition, I am more than happy to take it. It is, after all, the thought that counts. 

2. Plant Something Together

Nothing says “we love you, Dad” like a living, breathing reminder in the backyard. Instead of flowers that wilt in a week, let’s plant:

• A lemon tree (so we can make lemonade when life gives us Monday mornings)

• A herb garden (goodbye overpriced supermarket basil)

• Native flowers (the bees will thank us)

This is eco-conscious parenting in action — plus it’s a gift that grows along with the kids.

I mean, yes – there is a chance I will kill the poor plant with my ineptitude. That’s always a possibility. But it will still last longer than the cheap pair of socks that my heavy feet wear through in three days.

3. Experience Over Excess

Here’s a secret: most dads don’t actually need more stuff. What we want is time — preferably time where we’re not unclogging drains or assembling IKEA furniture. Time with the family. Time to build memories.

Think about planning a sustainable day out:

• Hire bikes and explore a new trail

• Visit a national park (bonus points for a waste-free picnic)

• Go to a local farmers’ market and cook dinner together using local produce (especially if you give daddy a budget for a nice cut of meat!)

Less landfill, more laughs. Win-win to me.

4. The DIY Dad Hamper

If you insist on a physical gift, skip the plastic-packed store hampers. Make your own using:

• Home-baked cookies (triple choc, obviously)

• A jar of homemade chutney or BBQ rub mix (they’re easy to make yourself!)

• A reusable coffee cup or stainless steel drink bottle

Wrap it in a reusable shopping tote instead of paper. That way, I get snacks and a new Aldi bag for my secret snack runs.

5. Gift Cards Are Always a Safe Bet

Look, some people think gift cards are a lazy gift. I am not one of them, and I know many other dads are also not part of that group. Gift cards are great for a few reasons:

• You’re not locked into one idea, that the receiver might not have actually wanted (we all make mistakes sometimes!)

• You let the gift-receiver choose exactly what they want, minimising the potential for waste

• They use almost no wrapping

• You can very easily guide them towards sustainable gift options

Point dad at a grocery store, or a type of gift he’s been after that’s sustainable. If he’s a cooking type of man, most butchers or produce stores have gift cards. Give him the gift he really wants – a prime cut of rib.

6. Cook Up a Low-Waste Feast

Skip the over-packaged takeaway and go for a home-cooked Father’s Day feast with minimal waste:

• Buy ingredients from the bulk-food store or farmers’ market

• Use cloth napkins instead of paper

• Compost the scraps afterwards

And please, let’s make it a rule: Dad doesn’t do the dishes on Father’s Day. He may still cook, especially if he desires BBQ, but the dishes are everyone else’s problem.

7. Go Old School with Entertainment

Instead of buying new tech or spending the day on screens, go for preloved entertainment:

• Hit the library for books or DVDs

• Dust off a board game from the cupboard

• Set up backyard cricket with gear you already have

Trust me, Monopoly gets way more intense when you’re playing for the last Tim Tam.

Why This Matters (And Not Just to Me)

Every Father’s Day in Australia, we spend millions on gifts, wrapping, and cards — most of which end up in landfill by October. Choosing sustainable Father’s Day ideas means:

• Fewer resources wasted

• Less money spent on things we don’t actually need

• More memories made without guilt

It’s not about being perfect. It’s about making small swaps that add up over time, to create memories that last.

Dad’s Final Word

So, kids, if you’re reading this: I don’t need another tie. What I do need is a day with my favourite people, doing things we love, without leaving the planet worse off.

This year, let’s make Father’s Day about connection, creativity, and eco-conscious parenting. After all, the best gift you can give a dad is a future where his kids — and their kids — still have a healthy planet to enjoy.

Now, who’s up for planting that lemon tree?