Wash Against Waste – Another Local Initiative

Wash Against Waste (WAW) was started after a local noticed the volume of single use items thrown away after a children’s party- plastic plates, cups, cutlery, platters…expensive and wasteful. 

“What’s wrong with using crockery and washing it?”, she asked. “I don’t have enough for everyone”, was the reply. 

Friends of the Farm (FOF) stepped in and collected ( through donations and op shops) 50 bowls, mugs, tumblers, dinner plates and cutlery, plus some large washing up bowls and tea towels. 

They were sorted into easy to carry boxes and made available for loan, at no cost, to the local community.  Since then, they have been successfully used at birthday parties, fundraisers, and community events.  Local Maggie commented, “Doing the washing up together turned into a really good part of the event – people chatted and reminisced as they washed up – it was no hassle”.

Recently Bike Māngere Bridge used them at the pump track down by the Bridge.  Between 150-200 people attended.   The adults enjoyed tea and coffee, while the children made smoothies,  using the bike-powered Smoothie Machine.   The WAW mugs and tumblers were washed and returned, the banana skins went to compost and the milk bottles were recycled.   A very successful and enjoyable Zero Waste event. 

Got an event coming up?  Book crockery and cutlery by emailing friends@fof.nz , collect the items you need from Ambury Farm and return them washed and ready for the next person, all for free. 

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