Sustainability Expo Gains Momentum

Otago Polytechnic Press Release – Central Otago
For immediate release: 05.09.2007

Sustainability Expo Gains Momentum

According to recent research, approximately one-third of New Zealand consumers are already looking to take responsibility for their impacts in society and the environment and ‘feel better’ about their purchasing choices (Moxie Design research http://moxie.co.nz/Seekers_market.php)

So, the growing interest in the upcoming What’s Best expos from both businesses and the general public comes as no surprise to Expo Manager and Director of Sustainable Futures at Otago Polytechnic Steve Henry.

“As consumers and business operators we are now actively seeking goods and services that are designed, manufactured and distributed in a sustainable way” he explains.

The two expos will provide businesses who can demonstrate that they operate and manufacture in an environmentally restorative, socially responsible and financially viable way an opportunity to display their wares.

Held in Cromwell and Dunedin by Otago Polytechnic, in association with the Central Otago District and Dunedin City Councils and the Otago Chamber of Commerce, the project has also won the support of regional sustainability groups including Sustainable Dunedin City Inc and the Sustainable Wanaka Charitable Trust

Initial communication with businesses in the Central Otago and Dunedin regions has resulted in a good number of registrations with new enquiries coming in every day. Products on display will range from solar panels to building products and design, fertiliser systems and vehicles.

“This showcase will cut through any confusion our residents may have about the sustainable choices that are actually available to us right now in the marketplace” says Henry.

In Cromwell the Labour-weekend expo (20 October) will be held alongside the Polytechnic’s extremely popular plant sale which already attracts more than one thousand people per year. The displays are likely to concentrate on the products and services relevant to semi-rural living. The Dunedin expo (10 November) is likely to address the challenges of living and will run alongside the city’s second annual Designer’s Saturday event.

What’s Best 2007:
20 October, Otago Polytechnic Campus, Cromwell
10 November, Otago Polytechnic Student Centre, Forth Street Dunedin.

ENDS

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