A very merry sustainable Christmas

As we prepare to wrap up 2020 we’ll be making lists of gifts we need to buy and for many of us we’ll be planning a Christmas that’s kinder to the planet and our wider community, as well as the people closest to us.

We’re making it easier for Kiwis to gift and entertain more sustainably this festive season, with more than 8000 products on our shelves featuring a sustainable attribute such as ethically sourced materials, natural alternatives and more recyclable or plastic-free packaging.

Christmas can be an expensive time of year, but with 5000 of the products that have a sustainable feature priced at $20 and under, and 3000 at $10 and under, we’re also making it more affordable.

Gifting

Choosing more sustainable gifting is about considering the environmental and social impact of each product. This includes how the materials or ingredients are sourced, and how it is made and packaged.

We have been improving the quality of the materials used in our products, many containing ingredients certified by programmes such as the Better Cotton Initiative (BCI) and Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), as well as those which are recyclable and reusable.

More than 3500 of our products are part of the Better Cotton Initiative (BCI) and our goal is to source 50 per cent of our cotton products through this initiative by 2024. BCI sourced products have a lower carbon footprint due to a reduction in fertilisers and pesticides used in the cotton farming practices of farmers in the initiative. We have already made significant changes to the way we source materials, including for our cotton and timber-based products.

Over the past 16 years, we have had an ethical sourcing programme in place to protect the welfare of workers in our supply chain.

So, when you purchase a BCI product such as the Living & Co apron or printed beach towel, or an H&H women’s tee, you’ll know you’re giving a gift that’s better for the people who made it and the environment.

When it comes to choosing gifts for the littlest members of the family, it’s encouraging to know that more than 500 of our products use wood or paper derived from responsibly managed forests carrying Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) or similar certification. Our Play Studio range which includes puzzles, a treehouse and a colourful wooden train set are made of FSC wood and guaranteed to delight.

A pile of packaging on Christmas morning reminding you that Santa’s been is a happy sight – until you realise it’s all heading for landfill.

Our sustainable packaging solutions which have increasingly been rolled out in store and for our online orders, is helping to change that. More than 1500 items on our shelves have been improved to eliminate unnecessary plastic or ensure they can be recycled in New Zealand, meaning buying these products will generate less waste.

Packaging of online orders is progressively seeing plastic-fillers for boxes being swapped out for paper-based alternatives that can be easily recycled in usual kerbside bins. This will be particularly good news for those of us who will be turning to online shopping to get the Christmas gift list ticked.

Additionally, we have soft plastics recycling bins in 16 stores across our store network, which allows customers to drop off their soft plastics into recycling bins, diverting them from landfill.

Entertaining

With a wide range of sustainable products perfect for festive entertaining, you’re able to have celebratory fun while also looking after the planet.

The Living & Co Acacia paddle board cheese knife set is ideal for a casual barbecue lunch at home, while the Living & Co Lora napkin set will add an extra-special touch to the Christmas dinner table. Reusable products such as the Fiesta Green biodegradable palm leaf plates are an eco-friendly alternative to plastic plates for beach picnics, and stainless steel straws in a cocktail is the best way to toast to the festive season, summer or start of a new year.

Community giving

This year, The Warehouse Group has again partnered with Variety – The Children’s Charity and Women’s Refuge to bring joy to children who would otherwise miss out at Christmas.

Last year, The Warehouse Group brought joy to more than 16,000 Kiwi kids who received a gift for Christmas thanks to funds raised and gifts donated by team members and customers through the ‘Be The Joy’ campaign.

As part of the initiative, proceeds from a special 2020 Christmas collection designed by Trelise Cooper, will also go towards supporting Variety. The range includes reusable tote bags, Christmas baubles and a Christmas giving platter.

Whether you’re looking for gifts, entertaining with all the whanau, or wanting to support your local community, we are enabling Kiwis to look after the sustainability of our environment and communities this Christmas.

To find out more about Be The Joy and other initiatives, and to follow our sustainability journey visitthewarehouse.co.nz/sustainable