Waste in our community
 
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.
 
 
Let the good times roll Tackling waste in your community needn't be a chore. With a classic Kiwi can-do attitude, and a creative approach, waste can become a great reason to get together and have fun. Take the Parau Resident and Ratepayers Association in Waitakere City. They held a 'Trash to Trolley' event in May 2008. Trolleys built using waste collected in the neighbourhood will be raced in a trolley derby. How hard can it be? Initiate a community waste reduction project today.
 
Operation Spring Clean Is there some public land in your neighbourhood that could do with a little tender lovin' care? Each year, Keep Waitakere Beautiful Trust organises Operation Spring Clean to promote waste reduction in the community. Read more about this annual initiative.
 
Expanded recycling capacity Waitakere and Auckland Cities are now recycling plastics #1 to #7 (check for the ID number on the bottom of plastic containers.) In Auckland City, you can now also recycle Tetra Pak cartons. This expanded community service represents a saving for Waitakere City residents, who can now put less plastic waste into their user-pay rubbish sacks and will reduce rubbish going to landfill. Call your local council for more details on the new recycling criteria.
 
Recycling nation There's a whole community of people and organisations all over our region who'd love to get their hands on your waste! That community is just a tap on your keyboard away. Visit The Waste Exchange or Zero Waste, just for starters.
 
Waste minimisation project EcoMatters has been working with Auckland City Council since May 2006 on a community-based project to raise awareness of council recycling services available to residents and to promote waste minimisation. The project's aim is to increase recycling rates and reduce the level of waste sent to landfill. This is achieved by featuring a recycling roadshow at local community events and working with local residents to help them come up with their own solutions for minimising waste in their community.
 
EcoWise Community Awards Would you like to reward a Waitakere City based volunteer who works tirelessly to reduce waste in your community? Why not nominate them for the EcoWise Community Awards?
 
Share resources You wouldn't believe the number of DIY tools that are rarely used and end up in landfill. How about sharing hedge clippers, weed eaters, the mower or chainsaw across the back fence or with friends/family and split the purchase costs and maintenance of the tools? (Might be an idea to set up an agreement beforehand in case of disagreements.)
 
Inorganic rubbish collections Ideally, we're trying to promote a more environmentally sustainable approach to our inorganic waste - reusing, reducing, recycling and rethinking. Councils' yearly or biannual inorganic collections do sort and recycle some inorganic waste. But we'd like to encourage you to be more proactive and take responsibility for the waste generated in your community. There are plenty of ideas right here on the EcoMatters site.
 
Support second hand shops Before you head down to the local shopping mall, consider whether your local op shop may have what you are looking for. By supporting your local op shop you are keeping your money in your community and are often supporting charitable community work. Also, think before you throw! Can the items you are looking to discard be donated to support the good work of local charities such as the Auckland City Mission, RMS Refugee Resettlement or the Salvation Army?
 
 
 
 
 
What's on...
Event Calendar
 
 
 
 
Recycling Roadshow
at Avondale market!
25 May, 8 June & 15 June
 
 
 
Manurewa Marae putting their food scraps to good use