This summer
‘‘It is much less wasteful to use normal cutlery than wooden disposable cutlery. It takes energy and resources to make any product and most will end up in the landfill,’’ he said.
Oh Natural owner Kate Bevin said people were waking up to the impact their actions were having on the planet and being more conscious about what they used.
She said going plastic free could have more of an initial cost in terms of buying everything.
‘‘But in the long term, it costs less because you don’t have to go out and buy products again and again if you buy reusable items. Plastic free really is the way to go, it’s better for the planet and for your wallet,’’ she said.
Bevin said reusable utensils and plates were the best way to reduce waste.
‘‘But if life gets too hard and you don’t want to worry about the cleaning up, look at using bamboo or unbleached paper alternatives like bamboo cutlery and unbleached paper plates which can be composted,’’ she said.
She advised avoiding food wrapped in plastic and instead buying deli food or meat from the butcher in reusable containers.
‘‘When you are buying products, think about whether what you’re buying is reusable and longlasting or whether the packaging can be composted.
‘‘Bear in mind that not all packaging that has a recycling symbol on it can actually be recycled in New Zealand. Sad but true,’’ she said.
Mosquitoes lay their eggs in stagnant water, so empty any extra water around your property, such as full saucers under flowerpots, stagnant ponds, or puddles.
Clear any blocked drains and downpipes and keep pet bowls and birdbath water fresh.
If you have a pond, mosquitoes may lay their larvae there, but ponds attract dragonflies, which love to eat mosquitoes. To keep pond water from being stagnant, you can install a pump or fountain to keep the water moving. You can also stock your pond with goldfish or koi which will eat the larvae.
Lush backyards may look beautiful, but they retain moisture, which also attracts mosquitoes, so look for ways to prune the shrubbery to allow more air to flow through.
Lovely citronella candles offer a divine scent, are a proven mosquito deterrent and add ambience to your outdoor entertaining space. You can also burn sandalwood sticks, which have a beautiful scent, and try mosquito coils.
Patio blinds are a great solution to help create a space to relax without the irritation of insects. When installed, some even create privacy – you can look out, but people can’t see in. Putting in fly screens in windows or screening in the patio are other barriers that would keep out mosquitoes.
Mosquito nets over the bed look romantic, and add a touch of exotic elegance, but also serve as a practical way to keep mozzies away. Not just for use in the bedroom, some people use them outside over day beds to enjoy the great outdoors in comfort.