When I asked former refugee women in Auckland to start sewing for Waste Free Celebrations, I did not anticipate their level of enthusiasm. I thought they might be happy to have the work, but let's face it, Christmas is a christian tradition and I wasn't sure they'd jump at the chance to celebrate the birth of Jesus.

Fourteen Afghan women refugees in Auckland are joining the Waste-Free Celebrations Sewing Circle to produce reusable gift bags and reusable Christmas Re-Crackers™ for Christmas this year.

Just how much food and drink (and packaging) do we get through at Christmas?

For many of us, overindulging in food (and / or drink!) is our favourite part of the Christmas season. However, the amount and type of packaging that these foods use is often given little thought.