ASK TRASH QUEEN

Q My workplace is doing secret Santa, and it feels like an excuse to give plastic, gimmicky presents that will just get tossed in the bin. What are some sustainable idea s we could give instead? HAMISH

A It c a nbere ally hard when you’ve spent a whole year keeping unwanted plastic a tb ay, and then a whole lot comes into your home at Christmas. If you’re feeling brave, you could take a stand on single use and low-value plastic and ask how they feel about giving gifts that are more enduring or low waste. There are so many lovely homegrown businesses out there which have done all the thinking for you, producing goods that are circular, or whose packaging can return to nature when they have been used. There are some great ideas on the Sustainable Business Network’s website.

Can you convince them to try a handmade or crafters market theme? If it is a new idea, a ndtom ake it more like a treasure hunt, you could put aS ustainable Secret Santa Checklist together so, as people go shopping, it will help them identify some positive gift idea s th at tick all the boxes.

MY HIT LIST WOULD BE:

• What’s the packaging like? Anything tha tiswr apped in layers of plastic or polystyrene is off the list.

• Does it grow, or can it return to nature when no longer required? A living plant or seeds to grow can add so much health and wellbeing to the home, clean the air you breathe and generally make you feel good.

• Is it made locally using local ingredients? Things to eat or homegrown beauty and body care products.

• Can the maker tell you where it comes from? Sustainable and ethical businesses will be proud to identify the providence of their products and ingredients and why they have sourced them.

Alex Kirkham is a waste specialist. Wondering what to do with waste? Email Alex at sundaymagazine@stuff.co.nz