Zero waste awards – exciting new category

Dedicated waste minimisation will reap rewards for some lucky members of the Queenstown Lakes District community, QLDC solid waste manager Stefan Borowy said.


The Zero Waste Awards have returned this year, featuring a new top award which will net the recipient $1000.


Jointly sponsored by the council and Streetsmart, the “Making it Happen Award” will be given to the business, school, individual, iwi or community group which enters the best waste reduction project.


“Projects in this category can range from cutting-edge to solid, proven ideas,” said Mr Borowy, “we want to see them all.”


“I’m sure there are businesses, individuals and groups with great ideas who need some cash to help reduce their waste. This is the perfect opportunity to get a plan down on paper and make it happen.”


The “Making it Happen Award” will be judged on how much waste the project will divert from landfill, and its alignment with the QLDC Waste Management strategy (online at http://www.qldc.govt.nz/Documents/ContentDocuments/WasteStrategy.pdf)


QLDC is also pleased to announce the sponsors for the other four Zero Waste awards for 2008:


Wanaka Wastebusters for the $500 school award for efforts towards reducing, reusing or recycling.


Youth Hostel Association for the $500 individual award for efforts towards reducing, reusing or recycling.


LLL Limited for the $500 business award for efforts towards reducing, reusing or recycling.


Wanaka Sky-dive for the $500 innovate award for the most innovative solution to reduce, reuse or recycle.


Mr Borowy said the sponsors are all companies who are leading the way in reducing waste and acting sustainably in their industries.


“There’s lots of fantastic work going on in the Queenstown Lakes District to reduce waste, reuse and recycle, so I hope we get lots of entries.


The Zero Waste Awards open today (7 March) and close Friday 4 April.


The awards ceremony will be held at the Millennium Hotel on Thursday 17 April. Awards will be presented by QLDC Mayor Clive Geddes, Neal Absolom Chairman of WasteMINZ and the sponsors.


Entry forms can be picked up from council offices and libraries in Queenstown and Wanaka, Wakatipu Recycling Centre, Wanaka Wastebusters or downloaded from www.qldc.govt.nz or www.wanakawastebusters.co.nz  from Monday.