Tips for waste minimisation

Changing one thing at a time is a great way to reduce your daily waste. You may even find you need to buy fewer rubbish bags as well! Here are some simple ideas that make a difference. Start with one and see how you go.

Waste hierarchy

22 ways you can live with less waste in 2022

Make your new years resolution to reduce your waste in 2022!

Pick a couple of your favourite actions and get started in 2022 with the commitment to start two new small habits that will reduce your waste impact.

Donate any Christmas presents you received that you will not use.
Commit to “No reusable cup - no coffee!” or drink in. No takeaway cup is recyclable in NZ.
Reuse your bread bags (or any small easily tied bag) as dog poop bags.
Get into reusable produce bags to replace flimsy single-use plastic produce bags for good!
Donate your brown paper online grocery shopping bags to your local second-hand shop.
Collect a “No Ad Mail” sticker from Waipā District Libraries and Council offices for your letterbox! Most houses receive up to 30kg of advertising mail annually.
Grow one thing you can eat. Mixed lettuces or herbs you can pick up at the supermarket are a great way to start.
Go back to the bar of soap! The pump from hand soap cannot be recycled.
Bring your own lunchbox to fill with delicious sushi.
Go paperless for your bills and notices.
Use a bowl to cover plates in the fridge (or visa versa!). No single-use cling film is needed.
Reuse larger courier or food packaging plastic bags to line your rubbish bin.
Head to your local berry or fruit orchard this summer and BYO containers! Check out local markets here.
Commit to gifting experiences for gift giving in 2022. From horse treks to a morning tea out, people love the thoughtfulness of an experience.
Choose to avoid one type of food packaging that can’t be recycled locally like tetra paks, polystyrene meat trays or 6-pack pottles.
Choose to buy glass packaging over plastic where possible. Glass is recycled in NZ and has a strong commodity value.
Try a BYO container for your local butcher or deli trip.
See how you rate as a champion recycler using our quick quiz. Contamination can be dangerous, costly and can even divert good recycling to landfill.
Choose double length toilet paper for 2 times the roll for the same packaging!
Share your excess homegrown goodness at one of the community pantry or paataka kai stands. You can find them all here.
Toss coffee grinds onto your garden to improve your soil (remember to choose a different spot each time).
Buy bread from a bakery. The paper bags they come in are recyclable, compostable, or reusable! Take it back for your next loaf.

Rethink

The most powerful thing we can do is start to rethink how we deal with our rubbish and waste.

Think back to how your Granny did things, or how things were done when you were younger. We all had clean hands just using soap, without a plastic push dispenser, maybe a step back in time, is a step forward for waste minimisation?
Support local business who are environmentally aware and make an effort to reduce waste.
Share with businesses what you would like to see them sell, do or not do anymore.
Pause before you buy something, and consider these questions:

How long will it be in my life for?

Is there a waste free alternative?

What is it made of? Can I recycle it?

What happens to it at the end of its life?

What packaging does it come in?

Do I really need it?

Could I borrow or rent one?

Refuse

Look at different ways to refuse waste and put a stop to the problem before it starts.

Keep your letterbox free of junk mail by putting a No Ad Mail sticker up. You can get these stickers for free at all Council offices and libraries. You can also sign up for an electronic mail box with Ecomailbox. That way you'll still get all your favourite catalogues, but without the need for all that extra paper.
Just say no thanks to single-use plastic bags when you are doing your shopping. Take a reusable bag with you instead.
Sip don't suck. While straws may be handy the plastic they are made out of is not biodegradable. Next time you are out, don't take a straw!
We’re all on board with bringing our reusable shopping bags when doing the weekly shop. The next step is getting a couple of reusable produce bags.
Grab what you need in the handy lightweight produce bags, instead of another single-use plastic bag.

Reduce

Here are some good ways to reduce the amount of rubbish you personally generate.

See is there are simple swaps you can do. Swap single use plastic cling film, for a reusable beeswax wrap.
Bring Your Own Container! It’s totally fine to bring your own container for sushi and other takeaway options. Start the conversation first, and see how you go. All supermarkets are also allowing BYOC for the deli and all our local butchers are also keen to fill your own container!
Shop wisely by choosing products that have less packaging. Or buy in bulk to reduce the amount of packaging you take home with you.
Buy one good quality lifelong item instead of ten cheaper - but not long lasting - options. For example, a classic coat that will last many seasons.
Invest in reuseable options, for example, a sodastream can get rid of soft drink cans and bottles.

Recharge the soil

Green garden waste and food waste can recharge the soil and is the biggest part of what people throw away each week in Waipā.

Refill

Refilling your empty containers and jars can be a great way to cut down on waste. You can use the same container over and over again before eventually recycle it. There are lots of products that can be refilled, ask at your favourite shop and see!

Recycle

Throw a kids party with zero waste

Raising her two young kids, Nicola from Mainstream Green has been to plenty of kids parties. Check out this video to hear her ideas on how to reduce the environmental impact of your next celebration.

Invitations

Consider going virtual
Recycle things you already have - kids artwork is a great option
Go old school and phone your guests!

Gifts

Consider experiences, homemade, pre-loved, or things that can be eaten
For wrapping, use the Japanese art of furoshiki (fabric wrapping) or recycle what you have
Keep a list of things your kids need for when people ask for ideas

Food

Avoid over-catering - or have a plan to use, freeze or share leftovers
Go for packaging-free food options
Compost any food waste

Table

Go for reuseables
Use what you have, hire, or source secondhand
Have a party collection to share amongst friends

Decorations

Go for reuseables like fabric bunting
Use things found in nature - flowers, leaves, branches
Use a hole punch and dried leaves for confetti
Upcycle what you have or source decorations secondhand

Games

Choose games that don't require any 'stuff', or try upcycling or reuseables
For example, 'pass the parcel' wrapping paper can be replaced with scarves
If you have prizes, keep them simple - follow the gift ideas above

Goodie bags

If you do choose to have goodie bags, here's a few ideas to reduce waste:
A piece of birthday cake, a plant or seeds, something homemade, a personalised story or poem for the guest, something reuseable like a beeswax wrap...
First name
Last name
Email
Cell phone
Date you want to pick kit up
Date you will return the kit to Te Awamutu
Where is the event being held?