Harnessing consumer power

Kate Fenwick, the waste-free warrior, shows us how to create real change as a consumer. It’s simpler than you think.

In a world brimming with disposable everything, it’s easy to feel powerless against the tide of waste. But here’s the truth: as consumers, we wield far more influence than we think. Every purchasing decision we make sends a message to businesses about what we value. And when enough of us prioritise sustainability, industries take note. Here are a few tips on how to create change yourself.

Vote with your wallet

Every time you buy a product, you’re effectively casting a vote for the kind of world you want to live in. Supporting businesses that prioritise minimal packaging, refillable options, and sustainable materials encourages more companies to follow suit. Look for brands that offer circular economy models – where products are designed for longevity, repair, or reuse – and avoid those that rely on excessive plastic or single-use packaging.

The power of saying no

One of the most effective ways to minimise waste is simply refusing items we don’t need. Say no to unnecessary receipts, plastic cutlery, or promotional freebies that often end up in landfill. By making refusal a habit, we reduce demand for these wasteful products and encourage businesses to reconsider their offerings.

Small changes, big impact

Sustainable habits don’t have to be daunting. Swapping out disposable coffee cups for a reusable one, carrying a cloth bag, or choosing loose produce instead of plastic-wrapped options are all minor tweaks with major impact. If millions of people make these small shifts, the cumulative reduction in waste is staggering.

Speak up and advocate

Companies respond to customer feedback. If you see excessive packaging or unsustainable practices, let them know. Many businesses are open to change but need a nudge from consumers to prioritise sustainability. Whether it’s through emails, social media, or in-store conversations, your voice matters.

Community and collective action

Waste minimisation isn’t just an individual effort – it thrives on community action. Joining local sustainability groups, participating in clean-up events, and sharing tips with friends and family amplifies the impact. The more people embrace conscious consumption, the faster change happens.

Final thoughts

Consumer power is one of the most underutilised tools in the fight against waste. By making thoughtful choices, refusing unnecessary waste, and advocating for better options, we can shift industries towards a more sustainable future. Every action, no matter how small, contributes to a larger movement of change. Let’s wield our power wisely and waste less, together.

WASTEDKATE.CO.NZ

Small steps, big impact

Katikati local and waste-free warrior
Kate Meads shares some simple
food waste tips to help us all be
more sustainable

Put simply, food waste is a problem for the environment, but by thinking about some simple changes to how you buy food, store it and then consume it is an easy climate action we can all take. 

Better food storage reduces waste. There are lots of ways we can store our food better and make it last longer. Most of our fresh vegetables like carrots, lettuce and celery will store for a long time in the fridge if they are put in airtight containers. When it comes to things like lettuce leaves, storing them in the bag they come in is the worst way to store them. Take them out of the bag and put them in an airtight container with a paper towel under them - doing this will make them last three times longer. With veggies like broccoli being the flower of a plant, they are best stored like a bunch of flowers - in a glass jar with water in the fridge. 

Using a meal kit delivery service helps Kiwis reduce food waste. Planning what you are going to cook during the week is a really effective way to waste less food. Using a meal kit delivery service can be really beneficial to people who are short on time, not great at planning meals, or who just generally find they waste a lot of food. The idea of having exactly what you need to cook arrive at your doorstep once a week is really helpful. Meal kits are perfectly pre-portioned and the planning is completely removed for you. You can also pause at any time if you are going on holiday, or you can order bigger potions if you are entertaining. 

First in, first out. A lot of people who waste food do so because they lose track of what should be eaten first. My best tip for this begins when you bring home your groceries or receive your meal kit for the week. Start by moving all of the older products in your fridge, pantry and freezer to the front, and place new products to the back. Label things “eat me first” if it has an approaching expiry date, incorporate it into your meal planning, and eat what you have!

Consider food packaging. Being mindful of packaging waste is all part of the journey too. This is where I see brands needing to lead the way in providing packaging that is minimalistic or easily recyclable. Make sure your tins are kerbside recyclable, and wash soft plastics out and drop them off at your local soft plastic collection point. 

When it comes to your recycling, make sure it is clean and dry. One thing to make sure of when you have packaging that you want to recycle is that it must be clean. All containers such as plastic, glass, tin, and aluminum need to be well rinsed. Cardboard and paper need to be clean and not food-contaminated before being put into the recycling bin. Importantly, soft plastics also need to be clean and dry before you drop them to the drop off points. 

Reducing our food waste doesn’t need to be complicated – small changes at home can make a big difference to our impact on the planet.