Do your bit to reduce rubbish

Photo: JASON OXENHAM

ECO LIFE: EcoMatters Trust sustainable projects manager Aaryn Barlow with some examples of ways to live more sustainably.

Aucklanders who want to do their bit to preserve the environment can get free expert advice on a range of ways to live sustainably.

The EcoMatters Environment Trust has launched Do Ya Bit, a region-wide service that people can use to learn about everything from water conservation to composting.

Sustainable projects manager Aaryn Barlow came up with the idea and applied to the Environment Ministry for funding to set it up.

He says householders often don’t know where to go or what to do to reduce energy use and save water.

"We felt there was a real need in Auckland to create a one-stop-shop for people to find out where to go, and what to do, to live a more eco-friendly life."

The trust has experts on topics to do with sustainability, including finding green transport options or driving more efficiently. It can also help with home composting systems and water-saving shower heads.

Mr Barlow says the advice offered is objective and the website is an ongoing project which will include a social networking aspect.

Learning environmentally friendly ways of disposing of household waste is important for Aucklanders, who could compost 40 percent of the waste currently going to landfills, says Mr Barlow.

Waste education project manager Jenni Drummond says composting material rather than throwing it in the bin would help reduce methane emissions.

"It’s an awesome resource to fertilise land and grow your own vegetables."

Contact Do Ya Bit on 0800-326-628 or go to the website www.doyabit.org.nz.

- © Fairfax NZ News