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The materials economy – extraction, manufacture, distribution, consumption and disposal of goods and materials – is estimated to be responsible for 70% of global carbon emissions.
Most environmental damage happens at the point that resources are extracted from the earth.
Mahurangi Wastebuster Trish Allen says there are many reasons why people need to learn to use resources wisely.
“If people don’t separate and recycle properly but dump their waste in a landfill, that causes carbon dioxide and methane to be released into the atmosphere, which contributes to climate change,” she says.
“But, more importantly, it is a waste of resources, some of which are finite.”
Allen says we all need to value these resources, separate them and send them to be recycled into another product – keep them in the system.
In other words, a circular economy.
“As an example, we can now separate and save clean plastic bags and drop at participating supermarkets and Warehouse stores to be sent on to Future Post in Waiuku where they are re-manufactured into fence posts that are not only a great product, but last for many years.
“It is an example of valuing and re-using a resource.
“Apparently, studies show that the world’s economy is currently only 7.8% circular, but, if we can get to 18% circular, we can hold global warming to two degrees.”
Allen says the key messages that will be delivered at the Zero Waste Living Workshop in Wellsford, on March 30, will be that each of us can make a difference and there is hope.
“Small changes in our everyday lives that are totally achievable do add up.
“It’s not hard – we just need to make a bit of an effort.”
