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Waste

Imagine a world where none of our rubbish is useless, products we buy are strong and last the distance, parts are cheap to replace, second-hand and local industries are booming and packaging is made to be recyclable or compostable.

As consumers, we can influence our environment through what we choose to buy and what we throw away. Now's the time to make some positive choices for ourselves, our families, our communities and for future generations!

Bags Not!

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Bags Not! Is an eco city partnership with EcoMatters Environment Trust, residents, and businesses to achieve a plastic shopping bag free Waitakere.

Led by Waitakere City Council and championed by Mayor Bob Harvey, the Bags Not! campaign aims to raise awareness of the environmental issues surrounding the over-use of plastic bags and encourage people to make small, sustainable changes to collectively make a difference.

For more information vist the Bags Not website.

Waste at home

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The best way to minimise waste at home is not to create it in the first place.
 
We all have influence over our environment through our role as consumers - what we choose to buy (or not) and what we throw away. Unfortunately there isn't a magical place called "away" where our waste conveniently disappears.

Throwing everything in the bin and endless consumerism just aren't sustainable options. But there are a lot of alternatives, so let's get creative and make some positive sustainable choices.

Waste in our community

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Together we can make a difference; a problem shared is a problem halved; many hands make light work. As cliché as these phrases may have become, they still ring true.
 
Dealing with waste together in our communities makes light work of an issue we all need to face. There are plenty of ways to get involved - read on to find out what's happening in your backyard.

Do Ya Bit - Waste

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Do Ya Bit's waste advice can help you with a range of waste topics. Whether you want to learn more about composting, worm farming, which products to buy to avoid waste or want to know what to do with hazardous waste products, contact us on 0800 326 628 or email doyabit@ecomatters.org.nz.

Waste at school

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Let's rethink waste and help our kids do the same. Their approach to waste today will have lasting future impact. Waste needn't equal rubbish bin - it's a resource just waiting to be used.
 
Magazines, plastic milk bottle tops, bread bags, Gladwrap and lunchpaper rolls can be transformed into resources for school projects.

Food waste can become fertiliser for the school gardens and even generate income for the school coffers.

10/10 Global Climate Working Bee

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When: 
Sunday, October 10, 2010 (All day)
Where: 
Thousands of places globally. For existing local actions visit www.350.org/map

Across New Zealand and around the globe, on 10/10/10 communities will be taking action on Climate Change.  From bike workshops to community gardens, home insulation to tree planting... By getting to work we'll show our leaders the world is ready for climate solutions. 

Waste at work

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Reduce, reuse, recycle and rethink are the cornerstones for any business wanting to minimise their environmental impact.
 
These tips will help start your company down the path to becoming more environmentally responsible without compromising profitability.

Recycling

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Why Recycle?

Recycling preserves precious resources - Much of what we throw away is made from materials that are running out - we're consuming faster than they can be replaced. Many of the materials that are currently going into landfill have a value and can often be used again.

Reduces consumption of fossil fuels - Making new products uses energy, usually in the form of fossil fuels which are fast depleting and non-renewable.
 
Lowers the toxic load on the planet - Many materials dumped in landfill leach harmful chemicals and create greenhouse gases. Reducing and recycling what we use reduces the need to mine for new raw materials, which often damage the environment.

Bio-diesel

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Clean Green Bio-diesel

Do you drive a diesel vehicle and want to do your part for the climate?

Now on sale at the Centre is bio-diesel made from reused vegetable oil straight from the pump at a competitive price.

For more information contact us on 827 6749

Composting organic waste

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Turning organic waste into compost is nature's way of recycling. There are a number of systems you can use, mainly compost bins, worm farms and Bokashi. Come and visit the Sustainable Living Centre's compost zone to get ideas and inspiration, or get the 'know how' at one of our regular composting workshops.

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