The owners of the organic shop in Hastings said they have seen an increase of people thinking more sustainably at this time of year.
"It's become trendy to do buy local and sustainable," she said, "People buying reusable gifts and things like stainless steel pegs. We keep running out of them – it's hilarious."
Keats said people are also purchasing more gifts that have a purpose like beeswax wraps, sustainable coffee cups and bamboo plates and cutlery.
"These are useful presents that don't cost the earth and don't cost us the Earth," she said.
Environment Centre Hawkes Bay general manager Richard Croad said there are several easy things locals can do this Christmas to decrease waste - starting with food scraps.
"They don't need to go in the rubbish or down the waste disposal unit either," he said.
"Compost, bokashi and a worm farm are my preferred choice for food scraps - even digging them straight into the garden is a valid option and infinitely better than going to landfill."
Croad said staying local on Christmas Day can also minimise environmental impact.
"It's going to be a cracker day – so why not bike or walk if you're off to family or friends," he said.
Croad admitted that sustainability and looking after the environment is a complex and multi-layered subject, saying, "I applaud anyone making a conscious effort to reduce their footprint."
He added that Christmas and the New Year is a great time to start making small steps to a more sustainable lifestyle - supporting local, staying local, recycling or reusing Christmas packaging.
The general manager's final tip for a sustainable Christmas is a simple, yet often forgotten one.
"Take care of one another," he said.
"It's been a tough year for most - we need to be kind to each other as well as the planet."
