Published 30 November 2021

Your Sustainable Workplace Christmas

We all know Christmas can be a time of excess, and the workplace is no exception. However, there are plenty of things you can do to prevent this excess meaning excess waste - and still have a merry holiday season!

Work parties are a staple of the holidays, but they can entail a lot of waste – whether that’s wasted food, single-use cups, or plastic decorations. Here are some things to keep in mind:

• Try zero waste catering! Some companies like Commonsense Organics don’t use any single-use items or plastic wrap, and it’s always worth asking any caterer if they will do zero waste catering on request. If you’re organising your own catering, try refill shops rather than buying lots of plastic-wrapped snacks. Some options in Wellington are Hopper, Good For, and Bin Inn – and don’t forget you can also take your own bags to the bulk bins at standard supermarkets too.

• For drinks, try sourcing sustainable wine or refillable flagons from local craft beer breweries. Two options are Round Theory wines who are climate positive, and Everyday Wine on Cuba Street who offer refills.

• Rather than going and buying a whole lot of plastic decorations, try getting creative! Think garlands and snowflakes made from scrap paper, dried flowers, salt dough, and clove oranges. If you do have items like plastic streamers or party hats already, have a party box and save them to be used again next year. We also have great options for decorations in our Ecoshop, including advent calendars, Christmas stockings, recycled sari garlands, and Christmas crackers.

• Encourage people to RSVP – this will make it easier to cater the right amount of food. Avoiding over catering can also save you some cash.

• Giving gifts can be hard, especially when it’s for people who you only know professionally rather than close personal friends (although they can be hard too)!

• Keep the Ethical Gift Hierarchy in mind: give memories, give your time, upcycle, buy second hand, make, or buy ethically.

• Giving experiences such as a pass to Zealandia is packaging-free and a chance to support local businesses.

• Why not gift something like tree planting, or donate to a charity on someone’s behalf?

• Useful gifts are a great option: anything from reusable items like metal drink bottles to food.   

• Vouchers ensure that people can choose their own, meaning that there’s no risk of a dud present that sits at the back of the wardrobe unused. Or simply ask your staff what they’d like!

• If it’s a Secret Santa situation, why not ask people to make their own gift or buy second hand?

• We have plenty of sustainable gifts in our EcoShop – think: KeepCups, soaps, Christmas decorations, delicious Apostle hot sauce, and reusable Christmas cards.

For more inspiration, check out our 2021 gift guide here.

Christmas is all about fun, food, and bringing people together. None of these things are inherently wasteful and we reckon a little bit of mindfulness goes a long way over the holiday season. So, meri kirimihete and have a glorious, green holiday season.