We are so proud of the kids in our first workshop last 5 November 2011 which was a raving success! And their smiles says it all:
Good thing there is another workshop for those who are interested!!! Suitable for kids ages 6-12 years old, FREE art packs for the “Rebuild a Recyclable City” project are available from any Christchurch City Libraryand SCAPE also has Kid’s Workshops for the “Rebuild a Recyclable City” for those interested to attend.
Rebuild a Recyclable City – Kids’ Workshop
Dates: 19 November 2011
Times: You have two options: 10.30am – 12.00pm and 1.30pm – 3.00pm
Venue: Creative Junk, 25 Disraeli Street, Addington, Christchurch.
Price: $5
Bookings are essential because there is a limit to 12 per workshop. Please phone Creative Junk 03 379 4040 or email
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Do you think your own big green idea has what it takes to be the next green revolution?
A lot of great ideas are shelved under the table because of funding concerns or the weight of financial assistance needed to research its marketability. This is where Sustainable Initiative Fund Trust (SIFT) can help you.
Project proposals for SIFT financial assistance are invited from individuals, businesses and organisations and possible financial assistance could include early stage funding with a grant (or loan) to determine project feasibility, to develop a business plan or proof of concept, a repayable loan for more mature projects or much larger more commercial projects, or by taking an equity position as a joint initiative, or a combination of these.
For more information on how to apply for SIFT’s financial assistance, click here.
Photos via Flickr Creative Commons: Windmill by Tamburix, Bokashi by Jaydot and BPA-free Water Bottle by ZMCNichols
I have read about a interesting blog aboutIncorporating Sustainability in Business Reportingand it totally sums up what sustainability should be for a business. We have approached sustainability on a piece-meal basis and have not fully integrated it to the whole of our businesses. Hence, it is not unusual for a company to have an internal corporate sustainability policy but still turn a blind eye on their supplier sustainability.
What really will earn our business a two thumbs up?
The best thing to do is for business to develop their sustainable policies further and their annual report should show transparently and authentically what are their sustainability measures and how it has affected their company. Read the rest of this entry »
“We need to be the change we want to see in the world” – Mahatma Gandhi
Ordinary Joes are overwhelmed by the issues about the environment and coupled with greenhouse effect, CFCs, climate change, and carbon tax, it has become harder to communicate the importance of taking care of the environment. We are trained into thinking that being green is a crusade or a form of protest but really it is just discovering or re-discovering a new way of living that is in tune with Mother Nature.
If we have a hard look at the big picture, we will realise that the core is actually us – you and me!
So, I want to share with you this inspiring video from TED:
I think we just need a little bit of encouragement and confirmation that we, too, can make our own difference to our world.
Photo via Flickr Creative Commons: Child Trying to Free a Butterfly by Aafromaa
Although there will be no council led Earth Hour event in Christchurch this year there is still a lot happening close by, with many doing there own thing with others or at home. For those lucky enough to now have power switching off the lights for an hour might not be the most fun thing to do but it would be worth getting out and about and joining others.
If you can’t do anything for Earth Hour at least start to think about how we can start to make plans to mitigate and adapt to global warming here in Canterbury. Christchurch has an excellent opportunity to create a new highly sustainable and low impact city and ready for 100 years of warming (and sea level rise). Once we have had enough time to recover we should think about this. Go beyond one hour a year and think of the Earth and our place in it for the next 100 years.
At the close of another week here are some of the cool/interesting things we have found from around the world:
LoveNotes – Love Notes is a New Zealand company that provides a collection service to businesses to upcycle their one-sided non confidential paper into note books. Love it!
Children’s toys made from recycled wood and plastic from Go Green Games.
We having been building up our phone book this year with some really interesting new contacts. One really exciting new addition that we will be keeping a close eye on, is The Sustainable Futures Institute.
This is a research based group, made up of masters students, academics and experienced professionals that all work collaboratively towards sustainable solutions to current environmental issues. The aim is to use research to proactively guide sustainable development, so that the best decisions can be made to protect the future of New Zealand.
One great element is that the institute is entirely independent, which offers a fresh perspective to waste and sustainability research. The group is entirely funded by donations which are received through the institutes charitable trust status. This adds further integrity to the cause, as the research and reports can be read knowing that the conclusions are entirely with the best resolutions in mind.
The resources page is fantastic, with guidelines and suggestions for businesses and educators.
The projects, timelines and publications offer a realistic point of view of New Zealand, in terms of industry, current environmental trends, and a fast forward into the future – if we do not address current threats to our ecosystems.
To get more information of the Sustainable Futures Institute, visit the website at www.sustainablefuture.info
We having been building up our phone book this year with some really interesting new contacts. One really exciting new addition that we will be keeping a close eye on, is The Sustainable Futures Institute.
This is a research based group, made up of masters students, academics and experienced professionals that all work collaboratively towards sustainable solutions to current environmental issues. The aim is to use research to proactively guide sustainable development, so that the best decisions can be made to protect the future of New Zealand.
One great element is that the institute is entirely independent, which offers a fresh perspective to waste and sustainability research. The group is entirely funded by donations which are received through the institutes charitable trust status. This adds further integrity to the cause, as the research and reports can be read knowing that the conclusions are entirely with the best resolutions in mind.
The resources page is fantastic, with guidelines and suggestions for businesses and educators.
The projects, timelines and publications offer a realistic point of view of New Zealand, in terms of industry, current environmental trends, and a fast forward into the future – if we do not address current threats to our ecosystems.
To get more information of the Sustainable Futures Institute, visit the website at www.sustainablefuture.info
Environment Minister Nick Smith has announced $1.15million in grants from the Waste Minimisation Fund for eDay 2010 and new e-waste processing facilities. NZ needs to recycle 80,000 tonnes of electronic waste each year to recover resources and reduce pollution.
http://feeds.beehive.govt.nz/release/govt+steps+e-waste+recycling and more here http://www.infonews.co.nz/news.cfm?id=58879
5 fantastic recycling ideas for used tyres – tyre swings and shelters for seedlings are some easy and fun to make solutions.
Barak Obama has informed the public of his intention to have solar panels installed on the roof of the White House. Solar panels had previously been installed by President Jimmy Carter, but then removed when Ronald Reagan was in office.
Video dedicated to the opening of the Oikos Theatre in London -the construction of the pop – up theatre has been nicked named junkitecture. A fantastic dedication to the arts taking a leading role in sustainable building.
India has been touted the ‘world’s toxic waste dump for electronic goods’ – and fantastic example of how the West need to further consider the implications of the every rising rate of consumption of electronic goods.
100 days without oil – a blog that takes a critical look at oil consumption, that as the resource is going to become harder to come by, the writer considers the huge dependence we have on oil in modern society.
This site allows you to give away unwanted household items, or request items that you really want! Check out the website to see how successful freally has been overseas. A huge range of items are advertised from washing machines to skateboards!
http://www.freally.com/
Small towns in France swap lorries in favour for horse and cart as their method for collecting household waste!
We come to the end of another week at the SIFT office – we have included a mixture of tid – bits for this weeks Friday Favourites. Have a great weekend, and remember, Sunday is dedicated to activities focused on reducing carbon emissions – visit www.1010nz.com to see what’s happening in your area.
Environment Minister Nick Smith has announced $1.15million in grants from the Waste Minimisation Fund for eDay 2010 and new e-waste processing facilities. NZ needs to recycle 80,000 tonnes of electronic waste each year to recover resources and reduce pollution. Click here for more beehive news.
5 fantastic recycling ideas for used tyres – tyre swings and shelters for seedlings are some easy and fun-to-make solutions to keep you busy this summer!
President Barak Obama has informed the public of his intention to have solar panels installed on the roof of the White House. Solar panels had previously been installed by President Jimmy Carter, but then removed when President Ronald Reagan was in office. Click here for more information.
An insightful video dedicated to the opening of the Oikos Theatre in London -the construction of the pop – up theatre has been nicked named junkitecture. A fantastic dedication to the arts taking a leading role in sustainable building.
India has been touted the ‘world’s toxic waste dump for electronic goods’ – This article is a fantastic example of how the West need to put further consideration into the implications of the every rising rate of consumption of electronic goods.
100 Days Without Oil – a blog that takes a critical look at oil consumption, that as the resource is going to become harder to come by, the writer considers the huge dependence we have on oil in modern society.
This site allows you to give away unwanted household items, or request items that you really want! Check out the website to see how successful freally has been overseas. A huge range of items are advertised from washing machines to skateboards!
Faster is not always better! Small towns in France have changed their means of waste collection by swapping the contemporary lorries in favour for horse and cart as their method for collecting household waste!
Writer Annie Leonard has completed a book based on her questioning of where does trash come from and where does it go.
Another viewpoint to consider – this blog article was presented to SIFT by one of our blog readers “Recycled Reads: 50 Freegan Living Blog Posts we can all learn from”.
Any one you would like us to press for answers? Send your interviewee suggestions and questions to
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Q and A with Gareth James – General Manager of Transpacific Waste Management South Island. Topic: Post Earthquake Waste Management.
1) One week after the earthquake, how well do you think the Canterbury region has dealt with the clean up from the earthquake?
Extraordinarily well. It is a credit to all involved, who have stepped up and ensured that Christchurch avoids major potential health issues from rotting food waste.
2) Was there an action plan in place to deal with waste following a natural disaster?
For many aspects there was, but the food waste “mountain” was probably not expected. A plan for the tens of thousands of tonnes of spoiled food waste was quickly developed between Transpacific Waste Management, CCC2, and the perishable food waste haulers early last week and is working well. The Christchurch kerbside collection system continued as per normal, will full collection services around even the damaged parts of the City.
The perishable waste is being moved out of the City through a 24 hr per day operation involving transport haulers, transfer stations, CWS waste transport to Kate Valley and the landfill itself. Drivers and operators have been brought in from around NZ to allow trucks and the landfill to be double-shifted (ie essentially non-stop), and this will continue for at least another week.
3) Has there been more demolition waste/materials disposed of than what was initially anticipated?
The waste mountain from Sunday onwards into transfer stations and thence to the Kate Valley Landfill has been almost exclusively perishable food waste from distribution centres, supermarkets, breweries, etc who have to remove the contaminated food waste urgently from their premises. The earthquake demolished most high rack storage systems in these large warehouses, and bottles smashed, spilling alcohol, sauces and the like over all of the other products, creating a stew of vile smelling putrescible waste. This waste has taken priority over all other waste material and will continue to do so for the next two to three weeks (as the cool stores start getting cleaned out).
There has been little demolition waste at transfer stations as this is all going to cleanfills in and around Christchurch. The public had a steady stream of demolition type waste material into the three CCC2 public transfer stations over the weekend, but not a lot more than on a normal weekend. This material goes to cleanfill, not landfill.
4) Was/is waste management made enough of a priority following a natural disaster? and do you think that with an urgency to cleanup and demolish unsafe buildings, the effects on the waste streams are too much of an after thought?
It was a major priority of Transpacific Waste Management, CCC2 (Christchurch City owned company), Civil Defense, and Christchurch City. Civil Defense gave urgent dispensations from consents and other legal impediments to moving all types of waste materials away from the damaged sites, which assisted greatly. The priority accorded was what was needed.
5) Are there any key waste tips that you can suggest for people who are still cleaning up their houses and properties?
Don’t rush to take the rubble type material to transfer stations, as we need to get rid of the putrescible waste first. Don’t put rubble into wheelie bins, as they become too heavy to lift.
Quick – Fire Thursday
Q and A with Gareth James – General Manager of Transpacific Waste Management South Island. Topic: Post Earthquake Waste Management.
Q) One week after the earthquake, how well do you think the Canterbury region has dealt with the clean up from the earthquake?
A) Extraordinarily well. It is a credit to all involved, who have stepped up and ensured that Christchurch avoids major potential health issues from rotting food waste.
Q) Was there an action plan in place to deal with waste following a natural disaster?
A) For many aspects there was, but the food waste “mountain” was probably not expected. A plan for the tens of thousands of tonnes of spoiled food waste was quickly developed between Transpacific Waste Management, CCC2, and the perishable food waste haulers early last week and is working well.
The perishable waste is being moved out of the City through a 24 hr per day operation involving transport haulers, transfer stations, CWS waste transport to Kate Valley and the landfill itself.
Q) Has there been more demolition waste/materials disposed of than what was initially anticipated?
A) The waste mountain from Sunday onwards into transfer stations and thence to the Kate Valley Landfill has been almost exclusively perishable food waste from distribution centres, supermarkets, breweries, etc who have to remove the contaminated food waste urgently from their premises. The earthquake demolished most high rack storage systems in these large warehouses, and bottles smashed, spilling alcohol, sauces and the like over all of the other products, creating a stew of vile smelling putrescible waste. This waste has taken priority over all other waste material and will continue to do so for the next two to three weeks (as the cool stores start getting cleaned out).
There has been little demolition waste at transfer stations as this is all going to cleanfills in and around Christchurch.
Q) Was/is waste management made enough of a priority following a natural disaster? Do you think that with an urgency to cleanup and demolish unsafe buildings, the effects on the waste streams are too much of an after thought?
A) It was a major priority of Transpacific Waste Management, CCC2 (Christchurch City owned company), Civil Defense, and Christchurch City. Civil Defense gave urgent dispensations from consents and other legal impediments to moving all types of waste materials away from the damaged sites, which assisted greatly. The priority accorded was what was needed.
Q) Are there any key waste tips that you can suggest for people who are still cleaning up their houses and properties?
A) Don’t rush to take the rubble type material to transfer stations, as we need to get rid of the putrescible waste first. Don’t put rubble into wheelie bins, as they become too heavy to lift.
SIFT would like to thank Gareth for taking the time to answer our questions. For more information on waste management in Canterbury visit:
Country Road with the Red Cross launches Fashion Trade, 1 July
Following on from Olivia’s blog on the Lyttleton Harbour Festival of lights and the ‘clothing swap-o-rama-rama’, we have found out that there is another opportunity for eco-friendly fashionistas to pay it forward with their well worn duds.
Introducing the launch of Fashion Trade on 1st July, being run by Country Road in co-operation with the Red Cross. Fashion Trade is a clothing donation program that focuses on rewarding Country Road customers, and their social conscience, by giving a $10 Country Road voucher to be spent in store on any item over $50 in value, when clothes are donated to the Red Cross (must include at least one Country Road item of clothing). Country Road is an international brand with 11 stores throughout New Zealand. The clothes are going directly to the Red Cross which has 6 shops in the Canterbury region, so you can be sure that your donation is reaching people in who are in need. More information on Fashion Trade here. or to find out more about the work of Red Cross visit www.redcross.org.nz
Spare a thought to the effects textiles have on local landfill every year: Textiles waste accounted for 4% of all waste to landfill in the 2007/08 year, which to make more tangible equates to approximately 126,000 tonnes. Think about every time you overfill your suitcase to go on holiday (it is about that much added to landfill per person per year).
Follow Country Road’s lead, and ask your favourite clothing retailers what they are doing to minimise the amount of textile waste that is landing in Canterbury’s landfills. As the consumers, our power is in our wallets; by preferring to spend with the brands that instill a social conscience and are actually reducing their impact on the environment, than less environmentally aware brands who are sure to follow suit.
This got us thinking of all the cool ways to reinvent your current wardrobe, or tips to reduce the amount of textile waste that is being sent to landfill.
1)Have a swapping session – (This really is one for the ladies!) – but it requires no money to change hands, just a big enough lounge to sprawl all of your no longer worn clothes, and sitting room for who ever else is invited to swap your clothes with. Beware, it can get ugly!
2)Quality over quantity. In a buy now society, sometimes it is hard to resist opening up the wallet and splurging on the current must haves. Restricting your buying to fewer, higher quality purchases, will ensure that they last beyond one winter and will take a lot longer before they reach landfill.
3)Be environmentally conscious when choosing what your clothes are made out of – We have wools from numerous animals, bamboo, mercot, cotton and hemp to name a few, these natural fibers wear beautifully – and if you shop carefully, a lot of labels are now listing their fair trade inclusion – so you know the farmers and manufacturers are getting a just deal too. So you no longer need to buy anything with poly in the ingredients list.
4)Buy vintage and second hand. There are lots of great second hand and vintage stores around Canterbury including places like Save Mart and also online like Trademe.
Fashion Trade - www.countryroad.com
Following on from Olivia’s blog on the Lyttleton Harbour Festival of lights and the ‘clothing swap-o-rama-rama’, we have found out that there is another opportunity for eco-friendly fashionistas to pay it forward with their well worn duds.
Introducing the launch of Fashion Trade on 1st July, being run by Country Road in co-operation with the Red Cross. Fashion Trade is a clothing donation program that focuses on rewarding Country Road customers, and their social conscience, by giving a $10 Country Road voucher to be spent in store on any item over $50 in value, when clothes are donated to the Red Cross (must include at least one Country Road item of clothing). Country Road is an international brand with 11 stores throughout New Zealand. The clothes are going directly to the Red Cross which has 6 shops in the Canterbury region, so you can be sure that your donation is reaching people in who are in need. More information on Fashion Trade here. Or to find out more about the work of Red Cross visit www.redcross.org.nz
Spare a thought to the effects textiles have on local landfill every year: Textiles waste accounted for 4% of all waste to landfill in the 2007/08 year, which to make more tangible equates to approximately 126,000 tonnes. Think about every time you overfill your suitcase to go on holiday (it is about that much added to landfill per person per year).
Follow Country Road’s lead, and ask your favourite clothing retailers what they are doing to minimise the amount of textile waste that is landing in Canterbury’s landfills. As the consumers, our power is in our wallets; by preferring to spend with the brands that instill a social conscience and are actually reducing their impact on the environment, than less environmentally aware brands who are sure to follow suit.
This got us thinking of all the cool ways to reinvent your current wardrobe, or tips to reduce the amount of textile waste that is being sent to landfill.
1)Have a swapping session – (This really is one for the ladies!) – but it requires no money to change hands, just a big enough lounge to sprawl all of your no longer worn clothes, and sitting room for who ever else is invited to swap your clothes with. Beware, it can get ugly!
2)Quality over quantity. In a buy now society, sometimes it is hard to resist opening up the wallet and splurging on the current must haves. Restricting your buying to fewer, higher quality purchases, will ensure that they last beyond one winter and will take a lot longer before they reach landfill.
3)Be environmentally conscious when choosing what your clothes are made out of – We have wools from numerous animals, bamboo, mercot, cotton and hemp to name a few, these natural fibers wear beautifully – and if you shop carefully, a lot of labels are now listing their fair trade inclusion – so you know the farmers and manufacturers are getting a just deal too. So you no longer need to buy anything with poly in the ingredients list.
4)Buy vintage and second hand. There are lots of great second hand and vintage stores around Canterbury including places like Save Mart and also online like Trademe.
