Less Waste. Greater place.
Published on 31 July 2023
The eight councils of the Wellington region are excited to announce the launch of a regional collaborative effort aimed at transforming waste management and fostering a sustainable future for our region. Introducing the Wellington Region Waste Management and Minimisation Plan 2023–2029, also known as the WMMP, this comprehensive plan represents a unified effort to combat waste across our beautiful region.
'Less Waste. Greater Place.' This simple yet powerful mantra encapsulates the essence of the WMMP. As a collective, we must confront the pressing issue of waste generation, which not only affects the aesthetics of our environment but also has far-reaching consequences for climate change, biodiversity, ocean health, and public health.
The alarming truth is that our current consumption habits are generating an overwhelming amount of waste, leading to overflowing landfills and a significant impact on the environment. However, the good news is that each one of us holds the power to make a difference.
WMMP (2023-2029) | COMMUNICATIONS AND ENGAGEMENT STRATEGY 18
From Masterton and Ōtaki, to Wellington, and everywhere in between, we are encouraging individuals, businesses, and local councils to come together and take decisive action against waste. The WMMP is not just another plan; it's a promise to reduce waste through individual and collective efforts.
Whether you're a producer, consumer, or processor of waste, you can contribute to waste reduction. Simple changes like buying less, composting food waste, using reusable items, and becoming recycling experts can lead to tangible change and pave the way for a cleaner, greener future.
This ambitious initiative aims to tackle waste on a regional scale, bringing together the Masterton, Carterton, South Wairarapa, Upper Hutt, Lower Hutt, Wellington, Porirua, and Kāpiti Coast councils under one unified plan. Together, we will create a thriving region that prioritises waste reduction and sustainability.
The WMMP comprises a comprehensive strategy that includes a statement of proposal and a draft plan with intricate details for those who wish to delve deeper into its provisions. Additionally, each area will have its local action plan tailored to meet the unique needs and opportunities of each community. Initiatives like kerbside recycling, food waste collection, organic waste options, litter monitoring, and advocacy for better national policies are just the beginning of our journey towards a cleaner, greener Wellington.
Education and awareness are crucial components of the WMMP. We have allocated funding for robust waste education programmes to ensure that everyone understands the impact of their actions and can make informed choices about waste consumption and disposal.
But we don't want to do this alone; we want your input! Your opinions matter, and we value your feedback. We have a submission form available until 1 September, where you can share your thoughts on the plan, suggest improvements, or highlight any aspects we may have overlooked. Together, we can fine-tune the WMMP to create an even more effective waste management strategy.
Head over to lesswastegreaterplace.co.nz to find out more about the Wellington Region Waste Management and Minimisation Plan 2023–2029 (WMMP) and have your say. This is a unique opportunity for residents, businesses, and communities to unite in building a cleaner, greener future for our beloved region. Let's join forces, take action, and make a difference together. Let's do this!