Many of the things we do to be 'greener' at home involve reducing waste, so we often think about reducing plastic packaging or using all the food we purchase. But water and energy are things we might also waste at home, and that's where the appliances we choose can help us make a difference to the planet.

The kitchen is often the heart of the home and a hive of activity, which is why there are are so many types of waste that might be created. It's here that we cook, which means storing food, washing it and using electricity to make meals. It's also where we make decisions about the products we use for things like cleaning dishes and washing hands.

The sustainable business council here in NZ has put together a comprehensive guide covering off all these issues called 'How to Buy Sustainable Paper'.

Are you renovating your home or embarking on a new build? Ecobob has some tips for making more environmentally conscious decisions about the materials you choose, from flooring to lights.

Next week is Recycling Week in New Zealand, and because waste pollution is such an urgent issue for the planet, it's an initiative we love. People are consuming more things packaged in single use plastics and landfills are being filled at ever faster rates.