Major change to Taupō recycling
At the beginning of this year, China stopped accepting plastic waste. As a result, Taupō District Council will no longer be taking plastics with the code 3-7. This will begin on October 1. Contractors will put a message in the bin if you have recycled 3-7 plastics. Cans, bottles and some plastics will still be accepted, but the rest - such as yoghurt pottles, ice cream containers, shampoo bottles - will be considered rubbish.
These codes - 3-7 plastics - have been recyclable since 2006, so Taupō residents had become used to putting these plastics into the recycle bin. That process had seen them able to divert about 34 million containers from landfill.
Taupō District Council say, "Look at the plastic to find the triangle with the number on it. We will accept 1-2 plastics, 3-7 will need to go into a refuse bag. People need to think about what they purchase, consumers can drive the change in the market, we want you to go in and think about alternatives."
Read the full story here.
Image: Stuff
Poll: Do you think NZ should ban social media for youth?
The Australian Prime Minister has expressed plans to ban social media use for children.
This would make it illegal for under 16-year-olds to have accounts on platforms including TikTok, Instagram, Facebook and X.
Social media platforms would be tasked with ensuring children have no access (under-age children and their parents wouldn’t be penalised for breaching the age limit)
.
Do you think NZ should follow suit? Vote in our poll and share your thoughts below.
-
84.5% Yes
-
14.3% No
-
1.3% Other - I'll share below
What's your favourite recipe for courgettes?
Kia ora neighbours. If you've got a family recipe for courgettes, we'd love to see it and maybe publish it in our magazine. Send your recipe to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, and if we use it in the mag, you will receive a free copy of our January 2025 issue.
Spring gardening tips
Dreaming of a garden bursting with colour and fresh produce? Shane Fairbairn, Ryman Healthcare’s Landscape Manager, shares his top tips to make it happen. You’ll be set to create a gorgeous, relaxing space in no time - grab your trowel, and let’s dig in.
Click read more for more information.