|
Every business and home in the Wairarapa is being challenged by Wairarapa MP Georgina Beyer to cut the waste they send to landfills.
Ms Beyer says the Ministry for the Environment is leading a government programme to reduce rubbish - with spectacular results.
Environment Ministry staff have cut their rubbish production by 80 percent - and now more than 20 other government agencies are following suit.
The effort reflects the Government's aim to maintain New Zealand's well-earned reputation for being clean, green and sustainably managed.
"Each person in the Wellington region sends around 1,138kg of waste to landfills every year. In our region, that means we have to bury a staggering 501,000 tonnes every year. We've got to slow down."
Ms Beyer is urging every homeowner in Wairarapa to look at knocking together a compost bin out of scrap timber and every local business to think about the advantages of recycling and reusing materials.
There is more to gain than the environmental benefits of cutting down fewer trees and turning food scraps into useful compost, Ms Beyer said.
"Every ream of paper that's used on both sides is a saving to a business. Every year we extend the life of existing landfills saves money for Wairarapa households and businesses; new ones cost tens of millions of dollars and are being concentrated in fewer places.
"And it feels good to know you're doing the environment a favour."
|
|
|
