Waste
We all produce it. And most of the time we pay no attention to where our waste goes.
Despite our 'clean, green' image, New Zealand is among the top waste-producing nations in the OECD - far, far worse than Australia (!!).
We also have the lowest rate of recycling or reuse of waste materials, with only 35% of our waste recycled or reused. What isn't recycled or reused is sent to landfill, negatively impacting our environment and (as it breaks down) creating evermore greenhouse gas emissions - which does not bode well for our future generations' ability to breathe the air on planet Earth.
Unless we make major changes, our growing population, as well as growing incomes, will only increase the number of things we consume and throw away.
Sustainable Matamata works on hyperlocal waste programmes to plug as many holes in our waste network as possible. Read on to find out more about our initiatives.
Adopt-a-Cafe
If you're an alternative milk drinker, did you know that most of the packaging is not recyclable? Tetrapaks are among the most-used packaging for long-life liquid consumables. With no Council recycling option for Tetrapaks, our local cafés have no choice but to throw used containers in with landfill-bound general waste.
Sustainable Matamata runs a volunteer-led programme, 'Adopt-a-Café, whereby residents are encouraged to collect, open, wash, and stack used Tetrapaks from their favourite local cafés. Sustainable Matamata volunteers will then collect the stacks and deliver them to saveBOARD Hamilton for upcycling into construction materials.
If you're interested in joining this mission, please email us at hello@sustainablematamata.org.nz
Education
Through community events, screenings and our newsletter, we promote waste awareness and options to reduce, reuse and recycle.
If you have a special interest in this subject, please contact us at hello@sustainablematamata.org.nz.
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