Christmas decorations bring warmth and sparkle to the holiday season, but many of our festive favourites especially those drenched in glitter pose a surprising challenge when it comes to the environment. This year, as we deck the halls, let’s take a moment to understand the impact of our decorations and learn how to make greener choices right here in New Zealand.
The Environmental Cost of Glitter and Plastics
Many traditional Christmas decorations, from plastic baubles to tinsel, are made from non-recyclable plastics (like PVC). But the real troublemaker is often the sparkle itself: glitter
Glitter is a Microplastic: Most conventional glitter is made from a thin sheet of plastic (usually PET or PVC). bonded with aluminium and cut into tiny pieces. These pieces are classified as microplastics (defined as plastic pieces less the 5mm in size).
Polluting Waterways: Once decorations shed glitter or are thrown away, the glitter often makes its wat into our drains, rivers and eventually the ocean. Because its too small to be filtered out by most wastewater treatment plants, it contributes to the massive microplastics pollution problem, harming New Zealand’s precious marine life that mistakes it for food.
Non-Recyclable: Due to their composite nature (plastic, metal and often glue/paint), and their tiny size, items covered in glitter and often the decorations themselves cannot be recycled in standard household bins across New Zealand.
♻️ How to Dispose of & Recycle Common Decorations in NZ
When it comes time to pack up or purge your collection, proper disposal is key. Never put glitter-covered items or non-numbered plastics in your standard recycling bin!
| Decoration Type | Recommended Action | Environmental Notes |
| Glitter/Glitter-Covered Item | Throw in general waste (the red bin). Before tossing, try to contain loose glitter in a jar or bag to prevent it from immediately entering the environment. | Must be landfilled. Their microplastic content makes recycling impossible. |
| Plastic Baubles & Tinsel | Throw in general waste or donate/repurpose them. | Most are made of non-recyclable plastics (often PVC or mixed resins) and can contaminate a recycling batch. |
| Broken/Old Fairy Lights | Take to an e-waste recycling point. Many local councils (Territorial Authorities), transfer stations, or electronics stores offer free e-waste drop-offs. Search online for your nearest collection point. | Lights contain valuable metals and wires that should be recycled, not landfilled. |
| Wrapping Paper | Check the “scrunch test.” If it stays scrunched, it’s usually recyclable (plain paper). If it springs back (due to plastic coating or foil), it goes in general waste. Avoid metallic or glitter paper. Ribbons and bows must be removed and go in the bin. | Recycling rules can vary slightly by council, but non-paper content (glitter, foil, plastic lining) is always a contaminant. |
| Natural Items (Wreaths/Trees) | Compost, use a local green waste service, or check your council’s kerbside collection for Christmas trees. Remove all non-compostable elements (wires, plastic bows, glitter). | This is the best option! Returns nutrients to the earth. Be careful about introducing non-native or pest species. |
💚 Sustainable Swaps for a Greener Christmas
You don’t have to sacrifice sparkle to be green! here are some friendly alteratives suited for New Zealand.
- Choose Natural Decorations: Opt for items like pōhutukawa flowers (naturally fallen, where appropriate), pinecones, dried citrus slices (oranges, lemons), cinnamon sticks, popcorn garlands, and fresh greenery (like holly or ivy). These are beautiful and naturally compostable.
- Use Eco-Glitter: Look for certified biodegradable glitter. These are typically plant-based (like cellulose) and are designed to break down safely in the environment. Just be sure to check the certification, as some “biodegradable” labels are misleading.
- Invest in Quality from Local Makers: Buy decorations made from durable, natural materials like New Zealand native wood (if sustainably sourced), glass, or metal. Support local artisans who create items built to last for decades, reducing the need for yearly replacements.
- DIY and Repurpose: Create your own ornaments from upcycled materials like old fabric, buttons, or broken jewellery. This gives them a unique, quirky character and keeps items out of landfill. It’s a great school holiday activity!
- Store Thoughtfully: Invest in good storage solutions (clean bins, divided boxes) to protect your decorations from year to year. The longer they last, the lower their environmental footprint.
By making a few small changes in what we buy and how we dispose of our decorations, we can ensure our holiday sparkle doesnt come at the cost of the planet or New Zealands Beautiful natural environment.