South Canterbury embraces recycling week challenge

It's Recycling Week in NZ. It reminds us we can all make a positive difference in our environment everyday by reducing, reusing and recycling.

Here's some inspiration from our Timaru team. Enviro NZ and the South Canterbury Eco Centre are behind a week-long community challenge that aims to divert 1,500 single use cups from landfill.

Fifteen local cafes have taken up the cause and will be helping their customers switch from disposable to reusable cups. “Did you know New Zealand uses 295 million single use cups per year? Fifteen minutes is the average time it takes to drink your morning coffee. So we decided to set a goal of diverting single use cups from landfill,” says Enviro NZ education advisor Angie Wynn.

“Cafes and the public have embraced the concept. Verde cafe in Geraldine only offers reusable cups as a takeaway option now. Eat cafe in Fairlie offers a $4 coffee if you bring your own cup. Hydro cafe in Twizel has taken up the Chunky cup loan scheme in case customers forget their cup.”

Small changes start to add up. BYO Cup Week is making it easier for people to still enjoy the things they love while combating waste at its source.

Picture caption: Alice Brice of the South Canterbury Eco Centre with Enviro NZ’s education advisors Corrie Andrews and Angie Wynn