What can you do in your community?

There are many ways to get involved with Zero Waste in your community! Here are examples of two community organizations in New Zealand working towards Zero Waste.

The Kaipatiki Project

Situated on Auckland’s North Shore, the Kaipatiki Project Inc. is an environmental centre geared towards connecting the community, restoring the environment, and educating the public about conservation and sustainability.

Since its origins as a small group of volunteers taking action to preserve Witheford Reserve in 1998, the Kaipatiki project has grown to become the largest urban restoration project carried out by a single group in New Zealand. Today, The Kaipatiki Project cares for over 70 hectares of native forest and bush reserve in Glenfield and is responsible for planting thousands of native trees in the area each year.

Kaipatiki also focus on getting the community involved in sustainability by providing accessible, affordable learning and volunteering opportunities all through the week. From getting muddy and volunteering on Community Planting days, to ‘Create Your Own Eden’ composting and ‘Healthy Child, Healthy Planet’ classes, Kaipatiki offers a range of opportunities for everyone to get involved in learning about and protecting our environment.

For more information about Kaipatiki and to see how you can get involved visit:

http://www.kaipatiki.org.nz/

The Mount Eden Village People

In Mt. Eden, Auckland, New Zealand, a group called The Mount Eden Village People, are working towards zero waste and a sustainable community. Since 2006, with a vision of becoming the first ‘plastic bag free’ town in New Zealand, The Mount Eden Village people have been working towards building a more sustainable community by:

• Working with their community to plant fruit trees on public land
• Offering workshops to encourage residents to grow their own food
• Implementing a community garden
• And continuing to help businesses minimize waste and use sustainable practices.

To read more about the Mount Eden Village People or to get involved in their projects visit:

http://www.mountedenvillagepeople.co.nz/

Updated October 2011