Refuse

We all want to do the right thing by reducing our use of plastic and single-use products around the house but knowing what to do can be a challenge.

Learn ways to shop smarter and avoid single-use items that will end up in the landfill. 

Think before you buy and ask yourself

• Do I really need it?
• Is it a good investment or value for money?
• Is it single-use and disposable?
• How long will it last before it needs replacing?
• Can I opt for a second-hand version instead?
• Can I borrow or loan this instead of buying my own?

Refuse single-use plastics and packaging

• Refuse to use disposable coffee cups – take your reusable cup. Did you know Kiwis use 295 million cups of takeaway coffee a year? These are not recyclable, end up in the rubbish and go to landfill.
• Refill your own water bottle.
• Bring your own containers / cutlery.
• Reuse spray bottles for cleaning liquids by filling up at bulk-buy stores. 
• Try making your own cleaning products. Baking soda, lemon juice and vinegar are powerful cleaners that can be used in a variety of ways. 
  How to DIY your own cleaning sprays and deodorant (youtube.com) 
• Eliminate plastics from your bathroom. For example:
  • Use bars instead of products in containers for hand soap, shampoo, conditioner, shaving cream, toothpaste and cleaners. Try a soap-making class – there are some local workshops available.
  • There is toilet paper available wrapped in paper.
  • Ditch plastic razors and opt for stainless-steel razors with replaceable blades.
  • Dental floss comes in alternatives, such as beeswax or silk floss.
• Eliminate plastics from your kitchen. For example:
  • Buy fruits and vegetables with no packaging.
  • Choose looseleaf tea over teabags.
  • Reuse containers for grains, cereals and oils by filling up at bulk-buy stores.
  • Line your rubbish bin with newspaper as an alternative to plastic liners.
  • Use beeswax wraps for your lunches.
  • Use washable dish cloths.
  • Make your own biscuits, muffins and dips.
• Create beautifully wrapped gifts using reusable materials.
• Try one cloth nappy a day.
• Try a menstrual cup or period underwear.

Choose to refuse

• Junk mail – Put a 'No Junk Mail' sticker on your letter box.
• Straws – Say "no to a straw" with your drink or bring your own metal straw to reuse.
• Takeaway cutlery – Bring your own reusable cutlery instead.
• Disposable napkins – Bring your own cloth napkin or handkerchief instead.
• Flyers and leaflets – More often than not, these will get thrown away after reading so refuse to take one in the first place.
• Receipts – Receipt paper is coated in a chemical that makes it unsuitable for recycling. Say "no to receipts" where possible.
• Single-use produce bags – Take your own reusable bags. Single-use produce bags are now banned, and reusable produce bags are available for sale from all major supermarkets.

For more ideas

Sustainable Coastlines – Plastic Free July (sustainablecoastlines.org)

Science Learning Hub – Plastic Free July (sciencelearn.org.nz)

Have a look at this shopping guide for useful local information about zero-waste shopping options in our District:
Rubbish Trip’s Zero Waste Shopping guide for Whangārei (therubbishtrip.co.nz).