Try a low-waste Christmas

At Christmas, Kiwis use 1600 tonnes of wrapping paper, which is equivalent of 10,000 trees, and we send 50,000 extra tonnes of waste to landfill. Plus, about 25,000 tonnes of plastic packaging is used. So, perhaps it’s time for a rethink how we do Christmas.

Whangarei District Council is urging Kiwis to choose gifts, wrapping and celebrations that create memories, not waste. Here’s a few suggestions:

• Choose gifts that create little or no waste, and can be reused or recycled at the end of their life.
• Embrace the #BuyNothingNew challenge – hunt for pre-loved treasures or upcycled gems at your local op shops.
• If buying new, shop local and look for products with minimal packaging.
• Give experiences instead of things – movie tickets, concert passes, meal vouchers, or gifts that last.
• Handmade gifts carry extra meaning – think soaps, cookies, preserves or crafts. Upcycle items from op shops for a unique touch.
• Donate to a charity in someone’s name for a gift that gives back.
• For gardeners, gift seeds from local produce or flowers.
• Use reusable or recyclable wrapping like fabric, newspapers or brown paper, and avoid glossy or metallic paper that can’t be recycled.
• Try furoshiki, the Japanese art of wrapping gifts in reusable cloth – beautiful and eco-friendly.
• Present gifts in reusable bags or baskets that can be repurposed later.