Most Kiwis will be taking time off over the summer, and while most of us are probably looking forward to relaxing before next year kicks back in, some will be looking for things to do. 

If you’re searching for ideas, Kate Hall has a few ideas for sustainable activities you can do over the summer break. 

Waste audit 

Go through one week's worth of rubbish and see what the main culprits are, then make a plan for how to reduce those in the new year (e.g. bread packets, see if your local bakery will let you bring your own cloth bag to get bread or find a recipe and start making your own). 

Gardening 

Start small with herbs or start even smaller by getting a book out of the library on gardening (Edible Garden by Kath Irvine is great and NZ based). 

Pick your own fruit 

Go to a pick-your-own berry spot and stock up – preserve or freeze them to eat all year round!  

Beach cleanup 

Attend a local one or do your own at your favourite beach (we enjoy beaches a lot during summer so it's great to give back!). 

Explore a regional park and learn about the local ecology  

Start a conversation 

At a BBQ or Christmas function, talk with someone about sustainable living, what/if their values are sustainable – keep the convo positive and curious. 

Start a compost

Summer is ideal because everything breaks down faster – and you have time to set one up! A worm farm, bokashi or compost is great. 

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