1. Start Small
New to plastic-free living? Begin with one simple swap—like using a reusable coffee cup instead of takeaway ones. Small changes are easy to stick with and can lead to bigger, long-term habits that reduce waste every day.
12 Ways to Reduce Plastic Waste
Auckland Council has set a big goal: zero waste to landfill by 2040. It’s a bold target—but every small action we take helps us get there.
Plastic Free July is a great chance to look at the plastic in our lives and make meaningful changes. Even simple swaps—like bringing a reusable cup or choosing unpackaged produce—can reduce the amount of plastic that ends up in landfill, waterways, and oceans.
2. Do the Prep
Being busy can lead to snap decisions and plastic waste. Try preparing breakfast or lunch ahead of time in containers or jars so you’re ready to grab and go without the unnecessary packaging.
3. Waste-Free Lunch
Pack your meals in reusable containers or beeswax wraps instead of plastic. Leftovers make great lunches, and reducing food and plastic waste is a win-win. Beeswax wraps are reusable, compostable, and easy to make.
4. Create a Reusables Kit
A simple reusable kit with cutlery, a container, and a fold-up bag can save loads of plastic. Keep it in your bag or car so you’re never caught out when grabbing lunch or shopping unexpectedly.
5. Bring Your Own Box
Many takeaways come in single-use plastic, but you can ask to have your food placed in a reusable container instead. It’s a small shift that helps change food culture—plus, it often keeps your food hotter and fresher.
6. Reduce Waste at Work
Encourage your workplace to ditch plastic plates, cups, and cutlery. Set up a lunchbox library or shared reusables shelf in the kitchen so no one has to rely on disposables. Every workplace can do something.
7. Buy in Bulk
Bulk stores let you avoid unnecessary packaging and buy only what you need. Bring your own containers for things like pasta, rice, and nuts—and skip the plastic altogether. Many stores now offer refills too.
8. Make It a Hobby
Get creative and make low-waste living part of your routine. Bake your own snacks to skip plastic wrappers, or try DIY projects like homemade beeswax wraps. It’s a fun, hands-on way to cut down on single-use plastic.
9. Go Green with Produce
Avoid plastic-wrapped fruit and veg by using reusable produce bags or ordering from local box schemes. Produce is fresher, food miles are lower, and you skip all the plastic. It's better for you and the planet.
10. Grow Your Own
If you have space, grow seasonal veggies like lettuce, tomatoes, or herbs to reduce both packaging and food waste. Even small balcony or windowsill gardens can make a big impact—and kids love to help too.
11. Beauty Recycling
Many cosmetic items are too small for kerbside recycling. Try solid bars or refill options where possible. You can also drop off your empty beauty products at select stores via the TerraCycle programme.
12. Learn Together
Head to our What's On page to find upcoming sustainability events, workshops, and community initiatives. It’s a great way to learn, share ideas, and take action together with your whānau.