Saturday, 10 December 2016

Pohutukawa Festival – Mangere Bridge School 3rd December 2016


Written by Janine Nillesen



It was another wonderful event, on a stunning Saturday in Mangere Bridge.  The Pohutukawa Festival, organised by Mangere Bridge School PTA and school staff, combined a carboot sale, food stall, best cake stall ever and white elephant, as well as performances by our tamariki.

Friends of the Farm were approached early on to provide advice and assistance around the waste that would be generated on the day.  The PTA did an outstanding job in making sure they purchased compostable products and advising car booters not to leave any waste.  They committed to sorting the waste in the food stall area, all the while serving great food and working together.

As a parent of the school and Friends of the Farm member, I set up a single waste station on the day for festival-goers.  It’s always encouraging to see that the children are very aware of the waste they create, and confidently put it in the right bin. The adults need a bit more reassurance; it’s very easy to just put waste into the landfill bin without thinking.

Taking that extra bit of time with planning and having a dedicated waste volunteer makes a huge difference. Every bit counts when it comes to reducing what we send to landfill.  In total, 58 kg of  waste was generated on the day and…

only 5 kg went to landfill!

32% was compostable, 56% recycling, 8% landfill and 4% soft plastic.

This means that we diverted 92% from landfill- a terrific team effort.

Congratulations to Mangere Bridge School for flying the Wastewise banner!

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