Waste Not Want Not!

By Kay Douglas

We can no longer afford to ignore the reality of diminishing natural resources, the toxins in our environment and the signs of global warming. The magnitude of these issues can make us feel helpless but it’s important to remember we can all make a difference in our own small way. Small changes by many, equate to significant improvements.

According to The Paper Forum which represents the NZ paper industry, in the past year New Zealanders have recycled 76% of all paper. This compares with a global average of 50% and a European average of 63%. When we remember that a certain percentage of paper is in books and other paper archive materials 76% is a pretty awesome effort.

But Christmas brings its own extra waste.

Would you believe New Zealanders will use 20 million metres of wrapping paper this Christmas?

This would stretch from Kaitata to Invercargill. We will also receive about 9 million Christmas boxes and exchange an estimated 100 million Christmas cards.

For years I was teased for saving Christmas wrapping paper. It was so cheap. What not just buy more? For a long time I resisted this. The habits of thrift, I’d learned out of necessity early in my marriage, remained. Then I too began ripping open the presents with abandon and taking the easy throw-away option.

After seeing these figures and envisaging a wrapping paper trail the length of NZ I’m
definitely going back to saving the wrapping paper this year.

I'm sure every little bit we can do can does collectively make a difference.

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