Te Aro Zero Waste Centre

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Want a more resourceful Aotearoa? Here are five things we urgently need: 1. The long-promised update to the Waste Minimisation Act (2008). The product policy sections in particular need some attention to give the government the power to establish, oversee and enforce effective product stewardship schemes. 2. Put the Waste Disposal Levy money back where it was supposed to go. The system was designed to ring-fence funding for waste minimisation through things like reuse, repair and composting systems. Now half of it has been diverted, mostly towards wasteful disposal. 3. Set up the New Zealand Container Return Scheme. Research and experience from overseas schemes suggest this popular, no additional cost option could double recycling rates and halve litter. It will also demonstrate effective product stewardship and create business and fundraising opportunities. 4. Keep New Zealand incinerator free. Turning valuable resources into short lived products only to burn them, producing toxic fumes, is a breathtakingly stupid and short sighted approach. The idea that burning stuff makes it magically disappear belongs in the dark ages. 5. Support small to medium scale local action. Community organisations, iwi, hapū and māori enterprise, along with small to medium businesses are doing most of the best work on this around the country. They’re cutting waste while boosting local economies and resilience with additional employment. Much more could be done with appropriate support.

SpotTe Aro Zero Waste Centre, Te Aro

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Check out Te Aro Zero Waste Centre in Te Aro