Six ways to make your festive celebrations more sustainable

Christmas in Aotearoa is a time of giving, feasting, and connecting with whānau, but it’s also a time when the environmental impact of our celebrations can be at its highest.

From excess packaging to carbon footprints from travel, there are many ways our festive season contributes to waste. But it doesn’t have to be this way! By making small changes, we can embrace a more sustainable Christmas that still honours the spirit of generosity, tradition, and joy.

Here’s how to celebrate the season in a way that’s kinder to Papatūānuku (Mother Earth) and supports a more sustainable future for Aotearoa.

1. Thoughtful, local sustainable gifting

Gifting is at the heart of Christmas, but it doesn’t have to mean excess consumption. This year, focus on meaningful, sustainable gifts that reflect your values. Choose gifts that are handmade, locally produced, or eco-friendly, supporting local businesses and artisans in the process. Products made from natural materials like wool, flax, or recycled goods have a minimal environmental impact.

Experiences over objects:

Consider gifting experiences that create lasting memories without the need for wrapping paper or packaging. Concert tickets, vouchers for local attractions, or even a day out hiking to see the majestic Tūī or explore our native forests (have you visited the Waipoua Forest to see Tāne Mahuta?) can be far more meaningful than another gadget or item.

Personalised touch:

Create gifts yourself—whether it’s homemade jams, knitted scarves, or DIY craft items. These show thoughtfulness and care. You might even be able to find a local workshop that offers sustainable crafting ideas and materials.

Support local artisans:

Choose handmade gifts crafted by local artists and makers. Items made from natural materials like flax, wood, or wool often have a smaller carbon footprint than mass-produced alternatives. Visit your local market and look for gifts made from sustainable sources, such as locally produced honey, mānuka skincare products, or NZ-made eco-friendly home goods. Check out our Ecobags pre-printed totes featuring designs by Kiwi artist Greg Straight.

2. Sustainable celebrations: eat, drink, and socialise responsibly

Christmas often involves large meals, and it’s easy for food to go to waste. One way to reduce the environmental impact of your celebrations is by planning your meals carefully. Choose locally sourced, seasonal produce, which has a much smaller carbon footprint than imported goods.

Minimise waste:

A great way to avoid food waste is by cooking in smaller portions and using leftovers creatively. You could also share your feast with those in need, contributing to the spirit of generosity.

Eco-friendly dining:

If you’re catering for lots of people, encourage your guests to bring their own reusable plates, cups, and cutlery. And use Ecopack resealable compostable bags to store leftovers and portions. A picnic on the beach with your whānau and friends could be just as special, and you’ll be helping reduce waste while enjoying our beautiful whenua.

Choose local, seasonal produce:

In Aotearoa, we're lucky to have a bounty of seasonal fruits and vegetables available for the festive season. Think of kūmara, pawpaw, seasonal berries and citrus fruits, which are all delicious and environmentally friendly. Supporting local farmers also ensures your meals have a smaller carbon footprint compared to imported goods.

3. Re-think packaging and opt for sustainable wrapping and mailing

The joy of unwrapping gifts is undeniable, but the environmental cost of foil wrapping paper and plastic ribbons is significant. Aotearoa has many alternatives to traditional packaging that are both beautiful and sustainable.

Reusable wrapping:

Consider using cloth, like a pōtae (scarf) or a furoshiki cloth to wrap your presents. The wrapping can then be reused for other gifts or purposes. You can also use recycled kraft paper or newspapers, or use fabric gift bags that can be used over and over again.

Natural decor:

Instead of synthetic ribbon and tags, adorn your gifts with native New Zealand flora, such as pōhutukawa branches, harakeke (flax) ties, or kawakawa leaves. Not only do these add a personal and beautiful touch, but they are biodegradable and locally abundant.

Eco-friendly mailing:

If you need to send gifts, opt for Ecopack mailers made from either recycled plastic or compostable material. The added bonus with these mailers is that they feature a second line of seal so that they can go another round before either being recycled or composted (just remember to remove any labels first).  Avoid plastic bubble wrap and styrofoam, opting for shredded newspaper or old magazine pages to cushion the contents instead.

4. Donate your unwanted gifts

After the Christmas rush, many of us find ourselves with gifts that we don’t need or won’t use. Instead of letting these items gather dust, consider donating them to those who will appreciate them.

Charity shops and whānau:

New Zealand has a wide range of charity shops that accept gifts in good condition, whether it’s clothing, books, or household goods. You could also pass on gifts to friends or family who would make better use of them. Re-gifting reduces waste while spreading the joy (just ensure you’re not re-gifting anything particularly sentimental to the original gifter).

Community groups and organisations:

Organisations like the Salvation Army or local food banks rely on donated goods, particularly during the holiday season. Check with local charities to see if there is a need for donations of items you no longer need.

By passing on unwanted gifts to others, you’re promoting a circular economy that helps reduce the demand for new resources and keeps items in circulation for longer.

5. Holiday habits: small changes for big impact

The holiday season can lead to unsustainable habits if we’re not careful. But there are simple changes we can all make to reduce our environmental impact.

Less travel, more connection:

If you’re planning to travel, try to consolidate trips or use more sustainable forms of transport, such as carpooling or taking the bus. Alternatively, consider using digital tools like video calls to connect with loved ones across the country, reducing the need for long-distance travel.

Reduce energy use:

During the Christmas season, energy use can spike due to lights, heating, and cooking. Use LED lights for your Christmas tree, which use less power and last longer. You could also consider solar-powered decorations, especially during the Kiwi summer we have ahead of us.

Waste-free holiday:

Set up a waste station for recyclables, compost, and landfill to encourage your whānau and guests to dispose of waste responsibly. The more we can reduce, reuse, and recycle during the festive season, the less we contribute to the waste pile.

6. Setting green goals for the year ahead

As the new year approaches, it’s the perfect time to set intentions for a greener future. Sustainability isn’t just for Christmas—it’s a way of life that we can weave into every part of our year. Here are some practical goals to inspire you in 2025:

Reduce single-use plastics:

Make a commitment to reduce your reliance on single-use plastics by using reusable bags, compostable kitchen essentials, and quality containers. Swap out plastic wrap for beeswax wraps or compostable cling wrap.

Support eco-friendly brands:

Choose products from companies that align with your values and are committed to reducing their environmental footprint. Look for certifications like Fairtrade or those promoting ethical, sustainable practices. Some of our favs include Proper Crisps, Antipodes, Ecobags, Ecopack, Only Good, Holistic Hair, and Forty Thieves.

Get involved in conservation:

Participate in local environmental groups or volunteer for tree planting initiatives to help restore Aotearoa’s native forests. Many communities run tree planting events, especially around Matariki, where you can contribute to the preservation of our precious ngahere (forests) and help support native birds like the Kiwi and Kererū. Check out Trees That Count to volunteer or donate.

Enjoy a greener, more joyful Christmas!

By making mindful choices during the holiday season, we can all contribute to a more sustainable Aotearoa. Whether it’s through thoughtful gifting, reducing waste, or setting green goals for the year ahead, every small change has a ripple effect that contributes to the health of our planet. Let’s make this Christmas one of manaaki (care) for Papatūānuku, while embracing the joy, connection, and spirit of the season with those we love.

Nau mai, haere mai—let’s make this Christmas one that honours both our loved ones and the whenua we hold dear.