Zerowaste NZ Trust Turns 10 Years Old

Zerowaste New Zealand Trust Turns Ten Years Old

This coming week (16th to 20th July) Zero Waste New Zealand Trust is celebrating ten years of operation. Initiated with Tindall Foundation Funds in 1997 Zero Waste has grown from a little known idealist principle to a live, tantalizing and accepted prospect in New Zealand.

The Trust has made significant contributions in many areas including:

* Over 70% of the Councils in NZ have committed to aim for Zero Waste. Some Local Councils have done exceptionally well, Opotiki District Council is diverting 90% of its waste from landfill. MacKenzie, Ashburton, Kaikoura Councils all have made significant contributions in this field.

* The Trust has acted as funding manager, distributing funds sourced from The Tindall Foundation, CEG, the Sustainable Management Fund to over 300 community groups, schools etc.

* Zero Waste New Zealand trust initiated and partially funded the development of an educational framework to support the growing waste industry through the Zero Waste Academy

* Over 6000 unique visitors visit out website each month for waste information

* In association with the Green Bag Foundation the Trust were an early promoter of alternatives to plastic bags

* The Trust has been invited to speak on New Zealand’s waste initiatives in Malaysia, Ireland and Argentina in the last couple of years

While still without legislative imperatives, good data and economic incentives New Zealand has made some big strides in controlling its waste. While we once led the world in this area, we are being overtaken by many countries now. The Trust looks forward to, and welcomes the Waste Minimisation Bill currently on its way through Parliament.

The Trust supported by it’s charitable company, Zero Waste New Zealand Ltd which continues to work with companies and councils encouraging waste avoidance and the development of infrastructure within New Zealand to divert waste from landfill. Examples are making biogas from food waste, and diesel from waste oil and plastic are technologies available to be introduced here.

The Trust continues in its work and is keen to see recycling recognised as a significant contributor to saving green house gas emissions.

The Trust will be having a small birthday celebration on Thursday the 19th at their Albany office.

ENDS

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