We send about 3.2 millions tonnes of waste to landfill each year in New Zealand, and it makes up about 5 per cent of our carbon emissions. It's a big issue, but an area in which you can take a lot of action.
About 70 per cent of the waste produced in the home can be reused, recycled or composted.
Here are some tips to get you starting on reducing the waste mountain.
More resources
Guide: Sustainability Trust's No Throw Guide
Infosheet: Reduce the packaging ending up in your bins
Service: E-waste recycling. If you can't fix it or repurpose it, bring it to Sustainability Trust for recycling or responsible disposal.
Ask an expert: Liam and Hannah on living zero waste
Ask an expert: Build a sustainable wardrobe
Website: The Nappy Lady, aka Kate Meads, on waste free parenting. She runs workshops and classes and has lots of online guides.
Directory: Wellington region recycling directory
Directory: Wellington city kerbside recycling guide (note, different councils recycle different stuff, so check in with your local council about what they do and don't take).
Video: TedX Talk by Charles Moore, Seas of plastic, on the Great Pacific Garbage Patch
Website: Sustainable Coastlines, for hands-on help cleaning up our oceans
Story: Fighting the Waste Mountain, Radio New Zealand, September 2017
Service: Conscious Consumers, helping you support ethical and sustainable businesses
Our free library has more than 600 books, DVDs, magazines and other educational
resources. They cover a range of topics, including sustainable and ethical living, climate change, energy, politics, food, gardening, ethical living, DIY and crafts, social justice and the environment.
Whether you rent, flat, or own your own house, there are lots of ways you can make your home more efficient, healthier, and cheaper to run. Efficient resource use is good for you, good for your wallet, and great for the planet.
A growing number of schools are putting litterless lunches policies in place to reduce the waste that goes to landfill. Here are some tips to get on board whether it's your school or home policy.
