Plastic waste is one of the greatest challenges of modern life.
Unfortunately, in New Zealand we have one of the highest rates of per capita waste production in the developed world. We are only recovering a small volume of plastic waste for further use or recycling. Too much of the plastic packaging and items we make are used only once and then thrown away. We can do better.
At school, we are asking that students do not bring any single use plastic into school in their lunch boxes. This will reduce our waste to landfill and allow our school resources to be directed to other projects.
To raise awareness of plastic use in school Annette, Tina and their Year 11 Kaitiakitanga group will produce artwork from milk bottle tops from the staffroom and look out for locally run beach clean ups.
Did you know that you should only put the following in your Kerbside recycling bin:
- Plastic bottles (grades 1, 2 and 5) from your kitchen, bathroom and laundry.
- Plastic food containers (grades 1, 2 and 5).
RECYCLING YOUR SOFT PLASTICS AND PLASTIC BAGS – these can’t go in your recycling bin, but you’re right in thinking they can be recycled! Soft plastics – including plastic bags, courier bags and chip packets – can be dropped off at your local supermarket or retailers who are part of the Soft Plastics Recycling Scheme.
You can also support Mammoth – a New Zealand business using recycled plastic bottles to manufacture polyester insulation – they also manufacture it down the road here in Ōtara. You would not only be insulating your house making it a warmer and drier, but you would be helping achieve a more sustainable environment. Click the following link for more detail mammoth.co.nz
