Don’t trash Christmas

Following last year’s popular event, South Taranaki District Council (STDC) is bringing back the free Zero Waste gift wrapping station for Christmas shoppers.

The Zero Waste gift-wrapping team will be set up in the Bizlink Hāwera office on Union Street between 10am - 2pm on Tuesday 22 and Wednesday 23 December.

Simply bring in your Christmas gifts and we will wrap them for free in 100% compostable, reusable or recyclable material - a more sustainable alternative to traditional wrapping paper, foil and ribbons, all of which generally can’t be recycled.

STDC Environment and Sustainability Officer Brittany Rymer is looking forward to encouraging residents to think about the waste they are creating over this festive season.

“Council is actively working towards a ZeroWaste future and we encourage all residents to consider purchasing more sustainable options during this festive season, whether that means giving presents in reusable bags or compostable paper, sharing or freezing left-overs from Christmas lunch or recycling your glass bottles” says Brittany.

In the week after Christmas, New Zealanders send approximately 50,000 extra tonnes of waste to landfill.

“By acknowledging that small changes can make a difference, we as a community can reduce the waste we are sending to landfill over the festive period,” says Brittany.