What you want to know
Everyday the consumable products we use in our homes, workplaces, schools, groups, communities, cities & country generate huge quantities of waste. The disposal of this waste adversely impacts on environmental well-being and when measured globally, on the sustainability of our planet. Did you know that 80% of all goods manufactured find their way to landfill within 6 months of production?
What you can do
Reduce: Think critically when making your next purchase
- Avoid excessive product packaging
- Buy products in refillable containers
- Do not buy more than you need
- Repair items rather than dispose of them
- Go homemade e.g. baking, clothing & household cleaners
- Make a commitment to reduce your waste today
- Let your supermarket/store manager know you won’t buy unless minimum packaging is used
- Swap stuff with a friend/colleague
Reuse: Less waste more savings
- Remember to take your reusable cloth bags to the supermarket & keep one handy for those unplanned purchases. Say no to plastic bags!
- Reuse bottles, jars, boxes etc for storage of other items
- Shop at outlets which allow you to bring your own containers for refilling e.g. Taste Nature
- Take unwanted household items to the Green Island Recover Store or donate to a community organisation if still in good condition/working order.
- Businesses & Community Organisations: join the Waste Exchange, a waste recovery programme, trading items (otherwise destined for the landfill) for reuse.
Recycle: find out What, How & Where to Recycle in Dunedin
Kerbside recycling:
- 1 & 2 plastic bottles
- Aluminium & steel cans
- Glass bottles & jars
- Paper & cardboard
- Ask businesses if they provide customers with a recycling service i.e. product stewardship or extended producer responsibility programme.
- Scrap metal
- Car batteries
- Cell phones
- Paint and more
For more information about waste and resource recovery visit these great websites:
- Dunedin City Council: http://www.dunedin.govt.nz/services/waste-minimisation
- Ministry for Environment: http://www.mfe.govt.nz/
- Zero Waste Trust: http://www.zerowaste.co.nz/
- Sustainable Dunedin Network: http://www.dect.org.nz/
- Sustainable Living: http://www.sustainableliving.org.nz/