What is Sustainable Taranaki all about??
Have you heard their name before?
There are many arms to Sustainable Taranaki firstly they are a Not-for-Profit Organisation or as I like to say For Purpose – and today this column will focus on just one of those Nature Clean Ups
What are their key objectives
• Empowering the local community: not only leading cleanups but also supporting local groups and hapū to run their own events
• Discussing and educating about waste issues in Aotearoa New Zealand: including impact of littering, how to reduce waste, recycling...
• Encouraging people and businesses to take ownership of the protection of their local taiao (environment)
• Bringing people together and building connections in the community
• Inviting people to stay active while protecting our environment and giving back to their community
• Exploring different parts of Taranaki
Restoring Our Coastlines: Sustainable Taranaki's Nature and Beach Cleanups
Taranaki's natural beauty is one of its greatest treasures, but maintaining it requires collective effort. Sustainable Taranaki's Nature and Beach Cleanups program exemplifies community-driven environmental stewardship, bringing together volunteers to protect and rejuvenate our local landscapes.
Community Engagement and Environmental Impact
Since its inception, the Nature and Beach Cleanups initiative has mobilized hundreds of volunteers across the region. In 2024 alone, 194 participants collected over 2,175 liters of rubbish, with 48% diverted from landfills through recycling and upcycling efforts. These cleanups not only remove waste but also foster a sense of community and shared responsibility for our environment.
From April 2023 – April 2025 Taranaki Nature Clean Ups involved 566 Volunteers and 891 hours spent collecting 7,465 litres of rubbish - of which there was 47% diverted from landfill and 60.5 kilometers cleaned.
Collaborative Efforts and Local Partnerships
Sustainable Taranaki collaborates with various local organizations and businesses to enhance the effectiveness of their cleanups. Events like the Waitara Beach cleanup have seen support from local artists and zero-waste educators, enriching the experience for volunteers and emphasizing the importance of community involvement in environmental conservation.
How to Get Involved
Residents interested in participating can find upcoming events and volunteer opportunities on Sustainable Taranaki's website. No prior experience is necessary, just a willingness to contribute to the well-being of our natural surroundings. If you have an area that you are passionate about and would like to promote and would like support with (equipment, contacts, communication) to do that then then either check out the Sustainable Taranaki website or contact Volunteering New Plymouth to help with details
Where can you learn more? If you are keen to learn more about Sustainable Taranaki, a Volly Voice session is aired on Access Radio on Sunday at 2pm. This show is also available by going to the either Access Radio Taranaki website, these recordings can be found under Community and scroll down to Volly Voices or to Volunteering New Plymouth website and look under Volunteers and Volly Calls and there will be a link to the podcast
Who can you contact?
If this sounds interesting to you then contact us at Volunteering New Plymouth by emailing Wendy at admin@vnp.nz
If you do not have access to the internet, then contact Wendy by phoning 06 758 8986 or Ph/Text 022 571 4228 for more information.
What is the meaning of this?!
Cast your eyes at this picture below and see if you know this common idiom.
Simply 'Like' this post if you think you know the answer, and the big reveal will be posted in the comments at 2pm on the day!
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Head here and hover on the Following button on the top right of the page (and it will show Unfollow) and then click it. If it is giving you the option to Follow, then you've successfully unfollowed the Riddles page.
What's your best cost-saving tip?
Just when we thought the cost of living couldn't climb any higher...it does. While things like fuel prices are out of our control, many of us are looking for small, practical ways to stretch our dollars a bit further. So let’s put our heads together!
Over the next little while, we’ll be sharing tips to help you save money — and we’d love to hear yours too. What’s working for you right now?
Here are a few ideas to get started:
🎉 Plan ahead for the year (birthdays, events, travel) to avoid surprise costs
🪙 Check out $2 shops for everyday items like stationery, baking paper, foil, and cling wrap - often much cheaper than the supermarket
🐖 Bring back the piggy bank and save your loose change
🔨 DIY where you can - like mowing the lawn instead of paying someone
💵 Set a daily budget before heading out and stick to it (cash can help!)
🧴 Stretch household products by diluting things like shampoo or dishwashing liquid
Got a tip that’s helping you save? Share it below, the tip might make a huge difference to someone else.
The Cost of Living: Meal Ideas 🍽️
Continuing our series on how to manage the rising cost of living, this week we’re diving into the kitchen. We want to know your "secret weapon" recipes.
Share below your go-to meals that are:
💰 Budget-friendly (won't break the bank)
🥞 Delicious and easy to whip up
🍜 Great for leftovers (dishes that stretch for several days)
Whether it’s a legendary 20-cent lentil soup or a clever way to dress up basic mince, please share your meal ideas in the comments below!
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