Every third Saturday of the month, eco-warriors take over Papakura Library’s foyer to showcase a range of goods.
This is no ordinary market, however - it’s Sustainable Papakura, and the goods are all repurposed, recycled, and renewed.
The charitable trust is dedicated to protecting the environment through stopping waste. The market is its shop window, but it is also involved in swap shops, workshops, urban gardening, sewing and the war on plastic.
The market started in Pahurehure and Sustainable Papakura continues to lead by example, with the markets acting as a community hub where people can come together to learn about sustainability.
Its members are community event regulars, pointing out ways people can have a positive impact, from reusing takeaway containers to leaving disposable nappies on the shelf.
Its sustainable shopping bags, made from upholstery material, fabric remnants, old clothes, discarded curtains and unwanted remnants, are a Papakura fashion statement.
“We just want to reduce environmental damage and make Papakura a healthy place to live,” Rosemary Nash says.
“It’s about the generations to come. We all need to think about the future of our town and our planet.”
Papakura Local Board chair Brent Catchpole says the groups’ members are tireless and their workshops with young people at The Corner are proof that generations can share common goals.
“They have passed on skills to many people, and they continue to work in schools.”
Sustainable Papakura’s bags and other items can be purchased from the market at the library, the next on 17 August from 10am to 1pm.
