Sustainable Kaipara – Choosing a sustainable summer

Summer in Kaipara is my favourite time of year. Long evenings, salty swims, surfing and diving when the visibility is good, BBQs with friends, and those easy, sun-soaked days. It is a season for good food and good company, but also a time when my bins seem to fill up faster than I expect.

With family and friends coming to stay, I know things can get busy quickly, and it is easy to slip back into habits that do not quite match the way I want to live. So, this year, I am keeping it simple and getting set up before the chaos begins. A compost bucket on the bench, clearly labelled recycling, a spot for food scraps, reusables easy to grab, just small systems that make it obvious what goes where. It is not about rules. It is more about making it easy for visitors to join in without me feeling like I am constantly reminding people. When everything is clear and visible, everyone settles in faster, and it becomes second nature.

Little touches make a difference, too. If you are hosting a BBQ, picnic or work celebration, adding a quick line to your invite like, “We are keeping it low waste, bring your reusables” helps set the tone without any pressure. This year, I am running a low waste Secret Santa, encouraging op shop treasures, homemade treats, plants or gifts wrapped in fabric. It feels relaxed and still feels special without the piles of wrapping.

Beach days are a huge part of what I love about summer here, and our coastline is too important not to look after. Before I leave the beach, I do a quick scan for any litter. Those tiny habits help keep our sand cleaner and our water clearer for everyone.

Shopping local is another way I try to keep things mindful. Markets and roadside stalls are overflowing with fresh produce at this time of year, usually with far less packaging than the supermarket. It feels good knowing I am supporting local people and reducing waste at the same time.

A low waste summer does not need to be perfect. For me, it is about making small, thoughtful choices where I can and letting the rest go. In the end, it is the little wins choosing reusable plates for a BBQ, bringing a fruit platter instead of packaged snacks, or picking up a stray wrapper on the beach that quietly add up. Small actions have a way of inspiring others without saying a word. By focusing on what is realistic and manageable, I get to enjoy summer fully while encouraging others to do the same in their own way. You never know, visitors just might take your habits home with them!