In an effort to help more people reduce their household waste, Wastebusters is running a new series of low-waste living workshops this month.  

The workshops will include information on plastic-free swaps and alternatives, tips for successfully and affordably refilling, low waste shopping, easy waste free recipes, handy bathroom swaps, plus tried and tested ways to reduce food scraps.

Kicking off in Wānaka on May 24, the series will also be held in Frankton (May 25), Lake Hāwea (May 30), and Arrowtown (May 31).

"The series will be fun, informative and, most importantly, tailored specifically for households within our local communities,” Wastebusters’ programme lead Nicola Cross said.

A survey conducted by Wastebusters in 2021 showed that people in Wānaka and Queenstown wanted information on how to shop more sustainably and reduce their household waste.

“We have developed the household workshop series in response to this feedback," Nicola said.

New Zealanders among the highest generators of plastic waste in the world, using 31kg of plastic packaging annually.

“We'll equip our communities with the tools, information and resources they need to make those small changes that can make a big difference,” Nicola said. 

“We want to help them feel empowered to reduce plastics in their own households and save money doing it.”

From July, plastic produce bags, straws, tableware and cutlery are among the items to be banned under the government's commitment to phase out hard to recycle plastics.

"We want to help prepare people for these changes and provide information on the alternatives and reusable options available to them.”

Tickets are available now at the Wastebusters website and the $10 price includes snacks and nibbles.

"We look forward to bringing these workshops to our communities in Wānaka and Queenstown,” Nicola said.

Wastebusters' Low Waste Living events have received financial support from the Queenstown Lakes District Zero Waste District Programme.

PHOTOS: Supplied