Taking out the trash
Three developments last year encouraged me to think that at long last we were making some progress against the quantity of litter in New Zealand. First, the supermarkets deciding to phase out plastic bags, followed by the bins in supermarkets where all ‘‘scrunchable’’ plastic can be dropped off for recycling and then — in Blenheim anyway — the decision by The Marlborough Express to stop throwing free community newspapers onto road verges.
The plastic bag-free supermarket is yet to happen (but could have happened a lot sooner if Countdown had got onboard years ago when New World instituted a charge only to renege because of a public backlash). If Countdown had co-operated so that both supermarket chains were on the same footing it would have been probably a matter of months before plastic bag use fell off as it has overseas.
I have noticed a big improvement in the overall appearance of our suburban streets since the Express changed its delivery system and it is rare now to see a newspaper blocking a gutter or stormwater drain, lying forlornly on a road verge or blowing all over town on a windy day.
That’s a big plus for our town as is the supermarket scheme to recycle all ‘‘scrunchable’’ plastic. I do this every week, usually taking a plastic bag I’ve picked up from the roadside, full of other plastic bags (washed if necessary) I’ve picked up, as well as plastic wrap from toilet paper, frozen veg, bread bags etc. Previously all that would have gone to landfill, so another plus for the environment.
That’s why in 2018 I would like to see the council and residents talking seriously about wheelie bins. A council survey showed we wanted them but we didn’t want the expense. Well, that’s something we have to decide how to manage because in this day and age we cannot afford to continue to send thousands of black plastic bags to landfill every week. We have to find the money, — and the sooner the better — so let’s get some talking started and continue taking steps that make our environment better for future generations.
LINDA MACDONALD
Blenheim, February 9. selected for the wine tasting. Kim Crawford Pinot Gris is a wonderfully lifted aromatic of pear, ripe apples, honeysuckle, and spiced apple cake and Nobilo, Sauvignon Blanc displays a pale straw colour with green tints and brilliant clarity. It is a good palate weight with tangy acidity and a clean well balance finish.
We are privileged to be there from Blenheim to salute Kim Crawford, Pinot Gris and Nobilo, Sauvignon Blanc to stand in our world stage.
CHANDRIMA MUKHERJEE Blenheim, February 16. reported, we’ve been working towards a solution with the landowner, Environment Canterbury and the Department of Conservation.
KDC visited the Station at the first available instance to look at the track on January 25. Our District Plan includes rules limiting indigenous vegetation clearance. In this case we are concerned, as is Mr Douglass, that these limits were being exceeded.
On January 25 we asked the landowner to stop work while this issue was investigated. On February 2 we received confirmation the work had stopped and will remain stopped until the outcome of an ecologist’s visit to the site in the week beginning February 12.
We have just over 40 staff working for a district that covers more than 2000 square kilometres, more than 3000 properties and 3500 residents. Recent events have shaken our little district and its residents and resulted in ongoing challenges. Despite the earthquakes ongoing impacts, we take all our responsibilities very seriously and are working our hardest to ensure our district plan rules are abided by.
KATE HUNT
KDC Biodiversity/Planning Admin Officer
Blenheim, February 6.