The festive season is a wonderful time of celebrating, feasting and giving. But the season is also the most wasteful time of the year.

Tauranga's transfer stations receive an extra 10 per cent of waste from households in December and January each year, that's about one-and-a-half shipping containers full of extra waste every day.

In order to help reduce the amount of waste created during the Christmas period, Tauranga City Council manager of sustainability and waste, Rebecca Maiden, encourages everyone to consider waste before buying gifts and supplies.

'This means trying to reduce the amount of waste we produce in the first place, re-using items when we can, and recycling when we can't. Disposal to landfill should be our last resort.

'As consumers, we have real power to reduce waste. If we make sustainable choices, and think about where things will eventually end up before making purchases, this ‘most wonderful time of the year' won't end up being the most wasteful time too.”

She recommends a number of easy ways to reduce waste. One is rather than buying ‘things', consider buying experiences or making treats that won't end up in landfill.

Think movie vouchers, trampoline park sessions, or get creative and do some baking, says Rebecca.

'A charity gift is another great way to reduce unnecessary consumerism, and do some good at the same time.

'The giver will feel happy about helping someone in need, and the receiver will feel pretty happy too.

'There are a huge number of charitable organisations offering Christmas gifts/donation options to choose from, give it a google.”

Food is another big item that ends up wasted. Kiwi food waste doubles the week after Christmas, says Rebecca.

'The best way to reduce food waste is to plan ahead and try not to over-cater. Find recipes to use up leftovers and other food waste tips on the Love Food Hate Waste website.

'If you still have food waste, compost what you can, as food waste in landfills creates toxic gases and liquids that are bad news for our environment.”

There's also wrapping and decoration to factor in. While it may look great, it may not be making leaving much of a pretty impact on the environment.

'Shiny wrapping foil and paper are not great options as they may contain glitter, plastics and other non-paper additives that can't be recycled.

'Choose recyclable wrapping paper or consider wrapping in nice fabrics and ribbons that can be re-used,” says Rebecca.

'And instead of buying plastic tinsel, baubles and decorations, buy or make decorations from cardboard or other recyclable materials. Glittery decorations aren't good for the environment so try to avoid them.”
Plus, real always trumps fake when it comes to the tree.
'Get a real tree and either plant it or recycle it via the green waste area at the transfer station afterwards. Or, if choosing an artificial tree, invest in a good quality one that will last many years.”

Rebecca also suggests re-gifting or selling unwanted gifts.

'Take them to your local charity store to help raise money for someone in need. Or sell them online or at a garage sale so they're not wasted.”

Plus don't forget your re-usable bags. 'Take them with you while Christmas shopping and say ‘no' to plastic carrier bags and unnecessary store packaging.

'At the supermarket take your own re-usable bags for fruit and vegetables. Select products with minimal and/or recyclable packaging whenever you can.”

For information about Tauranga's transfer stations, recycling, collection days and more, see: www.tauranga.govt.nz/living/rubbish-and-recycling