Sustainability

It doesn’t take a genius to see that the global waste crisis is well and truly out of control.

The issue isn’t that everyday households aren’t trying to recycle. The real problem is that we are constantly surrounded by products and packaging that simply aren’t designed with the environment in mind. The latest and greatest gadgets almost always arrive wrapped in layers of plastic — convenient, yes, but at a devastating cost.

The natural world is slowly paying the price for decades of excess. For years, we have pumped unimaginable amounts of plastic into our planet. It’s caught up with us — and change is no longer optional.

Manaaki whenua...Manaaki tangata

If every business embedded sustainability into every decision they made, it could revolutionise the world we live in — not just for now, but for generations to come.

We can always do more. Yet I feel hopeful living in a creatively conscious era, surrounded by a generation that is increasingly aware of its environmental footprint. Every day, I see inspiring businesses offering innovative alternatives and thoughtful solutions. The wave of sustainability initiatives is not only encouraging — it’s powerful and worthy of our full support.

Who would have imagined?

• Clothing made from recycled plastic bottles
• Solar-powered devices and compostable tech accessories
• Filament and wool created from old drink bottles, transformed into beanies for people experiencing homelessness

Here in New Zealand, we are more than capable of remarkable innovation — and many have already proven it:

• Eco-friendly cleaning tablets that simply require water, paired with reusable glass bottles
• Furniture crafted from reclaimed pallets and beeswax food wraps
• Sustainable food cartons and coffee cups — even edible coffee cups (possibly my favourite invention yet!)
• The return of reusable nappies and the rise of eco-friendly menstrual products
• Gift hampers packaged in reusable harakeke bags — a traditional Māori practice re-emerging and ready to be shared with the world

The list continues to grow. The gradual shift is admirable, and the momentum feels genuine and heartening. We can’t rewrite the past — but choosing to do nothing would be far worse.

Of course, not everyone is ready to change. While many business owners are committed to doing better, others simply refuse. As individuals, we may feel limited — but we always have control over the choices we make and the impact we personally create.

No one is perfect. But with the challenges we’re facing globally, there has never been a more important time to act.

The Avah Kelly Collection

Something as simple as switching to bar soap can eliminate countless plastic bottles — one of the largest contributors to landfill waste. Returning to bar soap isn’t just nostalgic; it’s necessary.

The Avah Kelly Collection creates naturally made soap with sustainability at the forefront — from sourcing to packaging. We purchase in bulk to reduce waste, and we recycle and reuse wherever possible. We are constantly refining our processes to minimise waste and lower emissions.

We're committed to sustainable solutions with every package we send. 

Our soap labels are printed on 80gsm carbon-neutral, FSC-certified paper. Our mailing and gift boxes are made from ethically sourced, 100% recyclable e-flute cardboard. You won’t find plastic or shrink wrap on our soaps — and you never will.

Yes, this means our soaps may not look as perfectly polished as plastic-wrapped alternatives. Petals, oats, or salt may occasionally fall away. But that’s a small price to pay in the fight against one of the world’s biggest environmental challenges: single-use plastic. Once plastic enters landfill, it doesn’t simply disappear.

Our parcels are secured with water-activated eco-friendly paper tape. Where waterproofing is required, we use recyclable mailers made from recycled plastic — carefully chosen to balance product protection with reduced environmental impact.

It is a privilege to create natural, handmade soap for our community. But that privilege would mean little if we were contributing to the ever-growing mountains of landfill.

We believe business can — and should — be part of the solution.

And we are committed to being exactly that!