ZWN members are driving awesome community initiatives to shift us out of single-use throwaways – at places like local markets and special community events. We want to celebrate this mahi and grow this movement! We’re keen to hear more about other reuse schemes.
In Kaitaia, CBEC has Wash Not Waste, a zero-waste management for events with a wrap-around 10 step zero-waste management plan + reuse food and drink-ware system. At the local market, they say they, “started with just two stalls, Ikarus Coffee and Mani’s curry that are now served in insulated stainless steel cups and plates FREE to use in the Market, then leave at our recycling stations! We hope to have most stalls moving over to reuse over the next year.” They have fully equipped mobile stations with stainless steel/silicone/recyclable plastic reuse containers included to cater food and drink for 1000 people (or more, as dishes are washed and bins are changed).
Meanwhile the fantastic crew at Nonstop Solutions in Wellington is also going full throttle. They have provided reusable serviceware and a wash up station at events like the annual Island Bay festival, and have been working with Victoria University assisting them with their single-use cup free (SUC-free) campus, and ensuring that their Open Day and O-week event remain SUC-free.
On Waiheke, the Good To Go System has been rolled out at the Ostend Market every week by Waiheke Resources Trust and the market organisers. Good to Go provides free, reusable cups, plates and cutlery for all on-site food and beverages. Their system will make Waiheke Ostend Market truly zero waste as “reuse eliminates waste before it starts.”
How to do it:
Reuse Aotearoa has a detailed guide for setting up reusable serviceware/packaging at markets (& events) in Aotearoa New Zealand
https://reuseaotearoa.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Reusable-serviceware-at-markets-December-2023.pdf
Takeaway throwaways has great info about existing schemes both here and overseas that can be incorporate into more existing events and businesses
https://takeawaythrowaways.nz/reuse-schemes-at-home-and-abroad
The future is full of REUSE SYSTEMS!