Charlene Fitisemanu is the co-founder of Beyond Soap, a local brand that aims to reduce packaging waste in the bathroom – and one we’ve purchased and recommended before. She shares some small, doable ways to cut back on plastic, day-to-day.

Cutting waste can feel like a chore – but what if we flipped the script? Instead of focusing on what we’re giving up, let’s think about what we’re saving: our oceans, landfills and waterways.

For me, reducing waste isn’t about being perfect. It’s about checking in with how I live and asking, ‘How much waste am I creating?’. Or even better, in those everyday moments when we can make a simple shift, ‘What waste can I keep out of landfill or the ocean?’

In Aotearoa, each person generates around 60kg of plastic waste every year, with most of it ending up in landfill. So small changes add up. We’re either contributing to the problem, or helping solve it. Because here’s the truth: there is no “away” when it comes to waste. What we toss today becomes tomorrow’s problem, especially for our tamariki and future generations.

The good news is that reducing waste can actually improve your lifestyle. It brings balance, supports local businesses, builds community and helps care for the environment. But if you’re feeling overwhelmed, here are a few no-pressure, no-brainer swaps to help you embrace Plastic Free July. Just start with one.

Grow what you can, where you can

So many of our greens come in plastic bags. When you grow your own, it’s fresher, healthier and cheaper. Join a community garden, share a patch with friends or split what you grow – it’s feel-good sustainability that tastes great too.

I share garden beds with neighbours at my Avondale apartment and with mates at the Leigh Sawmill garden. For growing inspo and courses, or if you're keen to volunteer on an urban farm, check out Delicious Revolution. Love Levi’s vision and kaupapa.

Travel, BYO

Whether you're road-tripping or catching a local flight, you can BYO. Air New Zealand encourages reusable cups for hot drinks and Koru Hour service. Water bottles? Easy to refill at NZ airports, onboard and you can refill water at cafés on the road too.

Clean coffee culture

Forgot your KeepCup? Take a proper break and enjoy your cuppa ‘have here’. It’s a small shift, but each single-use cup saved really does count; hourly, daily and over time. Plus, coffee in a ceramic or glass cup always tastes better…

A report from The Packaging Forum estimated that in Aotearoa, approximately 295 million beverage cups (including coffee cups) are discarded every year. That’s about 63 takeaway cups per person annually.

‍Market-fresh mindset

If you’re unable to grow it yourself, shop at your local farmers’ markets for fresh, unpackaged veggies. You’ll support local growers and avoid the soft plastic wrap that often comes with supermarket produce. There are so many great markets across the motu, but in Tāmaki Makauru, visit Ōtara, Clevedon, Avondale and Matakana.

Better takeaway

Next time you grab sushi or your go-to takeaway, bring your own container. Some places, like St. Pierre’s, will even give you a discount.

Beauty & body

Switch to bar soap, especially palm oil-free bars from New Zealand brands. They last longer, travel better and keep your routine waste-free and nourishing. My shower is now completely plastic bottle-free, for hand, body and hair. And bars are gym- and travel-friendly too. Just start with one product that could make an easy swap. Also check out the great range of local plastic-free toothpaste out there too. 

Love food hate waste

Make it normal to bring containers to family and friend gatherings. These events can generate lots of waste, so this one habit can keep heaps of food and packaging out of the bin.

Three for the sea

Take three pieces of rubbish with you when you leave the beach, river or anywhere you love to enjoy. It’s a small act of care for the places that restore us. Check out the concept and community behind this at Take 3 for the Sea.

Refill and reuse

Refill and bulk bin stores are everywhere now – an old-school concept that’s had a resurgence for a reason. Choose one thing you use regularly, like coffee, pasta or loose-leaf tea, and start buying it in bulk or refillable form. They’re also amazing for getting ingredients to make dips, breads and crackers, waste-free.

-

Living with less plastic isn’t about giving up what you love; it’s about finding ways to live with a little less waste. Plastic Free July isn’t about being perfect either. It’s about doing better, together. So this month, pick one habit, one swap, one mindful change – and start there.