A popular Auckland zero-waste initiative, Wash Against Waste, is back in action a year after suffering a major setback.
This time last year, EcoMatters Environmental Trust staff returned to work after a summer holiday to find their beloved trailer had been stolen.
“It was a horrible blow as we had put a lot of time and effort into developing this project," says Sarah Jane Murray, Waste Minimisation project manager.
"It could’ve been the end, but we were determined not to let it disappear."
Trailer a crucial component
The pop-up trailer is rented out for use at music festivals, markets – even weddings – to wash and reuse crockery, in order to reduce the amount of disposable containers, plates and cutlery used at events.
It was built in November 2013 and was a prototype partially funded by a $23,800 grant from Auckland Council's Waste Minimisation Innovation Fund. It soon became a fixture at the New Lynn Night Markets and other events that wanted to reduce the amount of waste going to landfill.
Starting over after theft
Although there were a few ghost sightings of the trailer Sarah Jane says it was never recovered.
She has spent the last year managing the build of a new trailer, which was funded through insurance money and community support, and has taken the opportunity to make some design enhancements.
“We had a solar panel and water tank on the top of the last version, which made the trailer very heavy and a bit more complicated to set up. Our new trailer uses a califont to heat the water, which makes it lighter and easier to set up.”
A 'great initiative'
Ian Stupple, Auckland Council's General Manager Waste Solutions says the trailer is a great initiative to encourage waste minimisation at events.
"It's a great idea for reducing waste, and fits well with Auckland Council’s focus on supporting community action and behaviour change."
What’s more, Sarah Jane says anyone can get involved and help out, from seven-year-olds to 70-year-olds.
“The visibility of the trailer at events is extremely beneficial to zero-waste behaviour change, involvement and engagement. It raises the issue of waste at events and shows a positive and practical solution to the problem.
“Everyone knows how to wash dishes, right?”
