A Christmas market taking place in Wānaka tomorrow (Saturday November 20) will give locals the chance to source great Christmas gifts which don’t harm the environment.

The market will feature “all the fabulous upcycled products that are being made right here in Wānaka and our surrounding communities,” Wānaka Wastebusters communications coordinator Ruth Blunt says.  

Taking place in Wastebusters front yard from 10am-2pm, the market will offer an assortment of Christmas gift options with stalls selling upcycled items like tote bags, masks and hats made from repurposed clothing, as well as natural shampoos, plants in macrame holders, metal creations, candles and more. 

Wānaka Preschool will be selling honey wraps and playdough as part of a fundraiser and there will also be a selection of goodies from the Wastebusters shop on offer, plus Wānakup will be on site serving coffee.

There will also be a dedicated gift-wrapping area where people can get tips on how to wrap without waste using flowers, fabrics and jars that can all be reused.

Ruth said Wastebusters had created the market to reduce waste during a time of year that can have a high cost, both environmentally and financially.

“We see Christmas as one of the most unsustainable times of the year, for both people and the planet,” she said. “We often end up buying stuff people don’t need or want, and preparing too much food and seeing it wasted.”

“Wastebusters wants to create a whole new waste free holiday tradition with this fun, sustainable community event.”

It also does double-duty by providing the many people who visit Wastebusters to find goods to upcycle with an opportunity to showcase their work.

“By inviting these upcyclers to share our space, we hope our community gets inspired and sees what’s possible with materials you can get at Wastebusters,” Ruth said.

The market will take place at Wānaka Wastebusters from 10am-2pm. Cash only.

PHOTO: Supplied