An eco-organisation is urging Kiwis to think twice before throwing out the Christmas ham.
Wellington Sustainability Trust spokesperson Diana Macdonald says food wastage is a big problem during the festive season.
But there are few simple tricks that can help.
"Shop at local markets, don't buy pre-packaged veges, choose things that are seasonal, plan your food around what can be frozen or turned into other meals."
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Ms Macdonald says to defrost your freezer now - before Christmas - to free up space, and to think about who made gifts, and where.
"The big thing about purchasing products overseas, even if they are cheaper, is that the cost of getting them to New Zealand is quite high. Cut down on travel emissions - buy local."
Ms Macdonald says gifting experiences such as a sports game or concert also saves waste.
"Give someone an experience… one I like to give away is a voucher to the most exclusive restaurant in the city, which is my house.
There are just two sleeps until Christmas.
Newshub.