Eco Member Groups GE and Organic
GE Free NZ in Food and Environment
GE Free NZ promotes the use of indigenous knowledge and traditional farming methods to maintain a safe environment and food supply. They have been at the forefront of the GE debate, providing evidence about the risks of genetically engineered (GE) organisms. Various genetic engineering technologies, gene-edited and synthetic biology have been developed recently. There is pressure to exempt them from regulation, which GE Free NZ has been actively opposing. GE Free NZ publishes on its website and in regular newsletters the latest information concerning GE organisms in the local, national and international arena. They are supported through membership.
The vision of Organics Aotearoa NZ is to make the world more sustainable through organics. Our mission is to achieve excellence and endurance in organic agriculture and commerce and grow the local organic sector. Our members act individually and work collectively to nurture and protect the environment and to enhance the wellbeing of New Zealanders.
The Soil & Health Association is the largest membership organisation in the country devoted to organics. Since 1941 Soil and Health have been advocates for organic and regenerative production that works with nature and avoids synthetic fertilisers and pesticides. Healthy soils lead to the best physical health and spiritual well-being for people and for future generations. They are the largest membership organisation supporting organic food and farming in New Zealand. Established in 1941, we’re also one of the oldest organisations of our kind in the world. Their guiding principle is oranga nuku, oranga kai, oranga tangata (healthy soil, healthy food, healthy people). Soil and Health publishes New Zealand’s leading organics and sustainable living magazine, OrganicNZ. Published six times a year, Organic NZ aims to inform and inspire Aotearoa, with in-depth features on organic gardening, farming, and growing; health, food, and additives; building and technology; pesticide reports, genetic engineering,
animal health, international issues, as well as new organic products, profiles, and recipes.
Organic Farm New Zealand (OFNZ)
OrganicFarmNZ (OFNZ) is a National NGO with two main roles; organic education and organic certification. OFNZ has local members in the regions growing organic food. OFNZ seeks to promote the benefits to our health, the welfare of animals, and the state of our environment by growing and implementing organic principles in our gardening and farming in New Zealand.
Be involved in waste management
The Challenge
The challenge is quite simple. Attempt to consume no single-use plastic during July.
“Single-use” includes plastic shopping bags, plastic cups, straws, plastic packaging…basically anything that’s intended only to be used once and then sent to landfill. If refusing ALL single-use plastic sounds too daunting this time, try the TOP 4 challenge (straws, plastic bags, plastic bottles &coffee cup lids).
The rules
- Attempt to consume no single-use plastic during July.
- Remember it’s not going to be easy! It is a challenge, not a competition so don’t worry about being perfect. Resources for plastic-free living can be found on the Plastic Free July website here:
- Collect any unavoidable single-use plastic you buy.
- Register on the website Plastic Free July and update your progress as you go.
Why you should participate
Plastic, in many areas of the world, has become a significant and deadly part of the food chain. Humans have a heavy reliance on the plastics industry; it’s a cheap product that is incredibly versatile. Plastics manufacturing and use has grown exponentially over the last decade, as has our plastic waste. 225 million tonnes of plastic is produced each year and unfortunately a significant amount of that ends up in our oceans. The Great Pacific Garbage Patch has a huge amount of plastic waste which has a detrimental effect on marine life.
Why use something for a few seconds that is going to spend the rest of your life trying to break down in landfill? We really need to change our habits.
E-WASTE
Check here for how to dispose of old computers and other e-waste: http://www.sustaintrust.org.nz/ecycle/
Household batteries can also be disposed of and recycled at the Sustainability Trust in Wellington and at Environment Centres around New Zealand.