|
This is a list of resources to assist with a sustainable Wellington. They’re designed to point you directly to a resource rather than a site. For tips on a Green lifestyle, see our Going Green page.
Categories on this page:
Alternative Energy,
Buses,
Cars,
Cleaners,
Compost,
Computers,
Cycling,
Energy Efficiency,
Food, Genetically Engineered,
Food, Irradiated,
Food, Organic,
Global Warming,
Health,
Hemp,
Hydropower,
Insulation,
Kids,
Māori,
Native Fauna,
Native Flora,
Other,
Pests & Weeds,
Pollution,
Population,
Recycled Timber,
Recycling,
Renewable Energy,
Rubbish,
Saving Energy,
Shopping,
Solar Power,
Sustainable Development,
Timber,
Transport,
Waste,
Weeds,
Wind Power, and
Wood.
- Alternative Energy
- See Renewable Energy
- Buses
- See Transport
- Cars
- See Transport
- Compost
- A Guide to Worm Composting
From the Christchurch City Council. - Compost—Help Nature to Help You…
Composting advice from the Christchurch City Council. - Computers
- Clean Computer Campaign
A joint project between the International Campaign for Responsible Technology (I-CRT) and Clean Production Action that will work to clean up the computer lifecycle by raising consumer, community, and worker awareness of hazards involved in manufacturing, use and disposal of ‘obsolete’ computers and by promoting new approaches to the escalating mountain of ‘end of life’ electronic product waste. From the Silicon Valley Toxics Coalition. - Cycling
- See Transport
- Energy Efficiency
- EECA’s Energy-Wise Councils Partnership Programme
Wellington City Council is a member of EECA’s Energy-Wise Councils Partnership Programme. Read about it here. - Emprove
Suite of services enable you to analyse your business’s energy use and set up systems to manage and control them.! Provided free by EECA. - EnergyInfoNZ
Designed to be the starting point for users wishing to learn more about NZ energy, and to act as an information gathering and dissemination centre. - EnergyStar Experience
A multimedia adventure that will transport you through the vastness of outer space into three virtual reality worlds. Each world will provide exciting new insight into the benefits of energy efficient products and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) EnergyStar Programs. - EnergyWise
Energy saving tips from EECA. - Home Energy Saver Tips
Designed to help consumers identify the best ways to save energy in their homes. Sponsored by the US Environmental Protection Agency and Department of Energy. - New Zealand Report for GEO Project
This report evaluates the contribution of New Zealand’s energy sector to genuine sustainable development, in terms of environmental, social and economic indicators developed by Helio, utilising New Zealand statistics. - Energy Efficiency on Retail Page
See the Energy Efficiency category on our Retail page for suppliers of products, technologies, and services. - Food, Genetically Engineered
- GE-Free NZ (RAGE inc)
A site worth checking out. Their purpose is to declare Aotearoa/New Zealand a Genetically Modified Organisms free zone until the institution of a universally acceptable code of ethics and testing procedures that accurately determine there are no possible negative effects both on human health and the environment from the release of these organisms into the food chain. Phone: 03 548 6606
Fax: 03 546 5036
E-Mail:
Postal Address: PO Box 693, Nelson - Genetic Engineering
Greenpeace International page on genetic engineering. - Greenpeace on Genetic Engineering
Greenpeace New Zealand’s pages on genetic engineering. Includes a copy of their poster and sections of what YOU can do. - Natural Food Commission
Lots of GE information organised as a public service by the Natural Law Party. Don’t let the affiliation stop you checking out this comprehensive site. - PSRAST (Physicians and Scientists for Responsible Application of Science and Technology)
Science has reached a level where its applications can cause irreparable damage at a global scale. The founders of PSRAST are seriously concerned about conditions that have been hampering impartial comprehensive, interdisciplinary evaluation of the safety of new applications of science and technology. A scientific site which breaks their information into elementary, medium, and advanced levels. Formerly the Physicians and Scientists Against Genetic Engineering (PSAGEF). - Corporate Ethics Page
See our Corporate Ethics page for organic food labels, GE-free food databases, etc. - Food, Irradiated
- Food Irradiation Campaign
See our Food Irradiation campaign. - Biology of Food Irradiation
This is the best book Mike has read on the dangers of food irradiation. It gives a very detailed discussion of the problems of food irradiation—ranging from effects on the flavours of food to the production of carcinogenic byproducts. With the decision by Food Standards Australia New Zealand (formerly ANZFA) to allow the entry of irradiated foods on a case by case basis this book will be an invaluable resource for submissions on the inevitable applications by the food industry. - Public Citizen
Has a campaign against irradiated food. They also work on sustainable agriculture and food safety issues. - Food, Organic
- Organic Farming in New Zealand
Comprehensive report from MAF. Includes reviews of the Bio-Gro and Demeter labels (sections 1.1.4 and 1.5). - Corporate Ethics Page
See our Corporate Ethics page for organic food labels, GE-free food databases, etc. - Organic Food on Directory Page
See the Food category on our Directory page for organic food groups. - Organic Food on Retail Page
See the Food, Organic category on our Retail page for sites selling produce. - Restaurants Page
See our Restaurants page for eating establishments offering organic food, etc. - Global Warming
- Heat Is Online, The
Great reference site with lots of facts and text from Ross Gelbspan’s 1997 book The Heat Is On: The High Stakes Battle Over Earth’s Threatened Climate. - Health
- Cellular Phone Antennas and Human Health
This FAQ addresses the issue of whether base station transmitter/antennas for cellular phones, PCS phones, and other types of portable transceivers are a risk to human health. - Powerlines and Cancer FAQs
Questions and answers on the connection between power lines, electrical occupations and cancer; includes discussion of the biophysics of interactions with EM sources, summaries of the laboratory and human studies, information on standards, and an annotated bibliography. - Hemp
- Hemp Fact Sheet
Hemp Fact Sheet from NORML New Zealand. - Hemp FAQ
Hemp Frequently Asked Questions (with answers!) from NORML New Zealand. - Hydropower
- See Renewable Energy
- Insulation
- See Energy Efficiency
- Kids
- Conservation for Young People
Site-based education resources to support conservation education outside the classroom. The resources are designed to help teachers plan exciting learning experiences using parks and reserves administered by the Department of Conservation. - Earth Care Ops (ECO)
Sign on to become an eco agent and accept online missions to help save the earth. - EnergyInfoNZ: Kids’ Zone
Introduces you to different aspects of energy, some exciting experiments, and a competitions section. - LEARNZ
An online educational programme for New Zealand schools. It has been created and developed by teachers for teachers with funding from the New Zealand Ministry of Education and support from the Department of Conservation, Papa Atawhai. It provides opportunities for students to participate in learning experiences outside the classroom (LEOTC). E-Mail:
- Resources at the National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research Ltd (NIWA), Taihoro Nukurangi
NIWA supports New Zealand education by providing free copies of its quarterly publication Water & Atmosphere to secondary schools throughout the country. Each year NIWA, together with corporate sponsors, provides ship time on their research vessel Kaharoa for use in a free marine education programme for 6th and 7th form secondary school students. NIWA also sponsors 4 of the annual Science Fairs held around New Zealand. - TuiTime
Developed by the New Zealand Ecological Society its purposes are to encourage teachers to make greater use of ecological studies in their teaching, to encourage students to learn about New Zealand’s unique ecology and to engage them in interactive games and activities that teach them knowledge, attitudes and values about ecology. - Māori
- Māori Language Commission
Set up under the Māori Language Act 1987 to promote the use of Māori as a living language and as an ordinary means of communication. - Māori Organisations in New Zealand
A site for information on matters Māori. Contains a virtual whare, slide shows, education resources, how to read whakairo (carvings), tikanga (customs/traditions), links to a Māori e-mail directory, bookstore, shopping site, and more. - Native Fauna
- Biodiversity Information Online
This site provides information about Aotearoa New Zealand’s native biodiversity, what is being done to help conserve and manage it, and who is involved. - DOC Native Species
DOC (Papa Atawhai) fact sheets on the Chevron Skink, Fur Seal, Giant Wētā, Great bird, Hihi (Stitchbird), Kākāpō, Kauri, Kea, Kererū, Kiore (Pacific Rat), Kiwi, Kōkako, Kōura (Freshwater Crayfish), Marine Mammals, Mōhua (Yellowhead), Pekapeka (Bats), Pepeketua (Frogs), Saddleback, Takahē, and Tuatara. These publications set 5–10 year goals and actions for saving threatened species. - Eco Subdivisions
More New Zealanders are choosing to live in areas where they can experience the natural world free of the presence of domestic pets. Basil and Ann Graeme look at some recent developments. - Fabulous Kākāpō Parrot, The
Great site dedicated to the Kākāpō. Check out how you can help. - Kākāpō Recovery Programme
History and information about the kākāpō, and details on the innovative management activities being undertaken by DOC, Te Papa Atawhai, staff to save the last 62 birds. - Karori Sanctuary
Imagine a hidden valley only a few kilometres from Wellington City. The native forest, freed from the burden of browsing possums, is growing profusely and rapidly increasing in diversity and richness. The trees are thick with flowers and fruit. Seedlings are everywhere. But the most noticeable difference to the visitor is the bird life. The forest rings with the chimes of the bellbird, the whistles and coughs of the tūī, and the shriek of the kākā. On a still night the haunting call of the kiwi is heard across the City. Phone: 920 9200
Fax: 920 9000
E-Mail:
Address: 31 Waiapu Road, Karori
Postal Address: PO Box 9267, Wellington - Kiwi Recovery Programme
The Bank of New Zealand kiwi recovery programme. A great source of information about our endangered national icon. - Native Flora
- Biodiversity Information Online
This site provides information about Aotearoa New Zealand’s native biodiversity, what is being done to help conserve and manage it, and who is involved. - Eco Subdivisions
More New Zealanders are choosing to live in areas where they can experience the natural world free of the presence of domestic pets. Basil and Ann Graeme look at some recent developments. - Which Native Fern?
This pocket book by Andrew Crowe takes you through the process of easily identifying native ferns. For instance, the identification questions start ‘Is it a tree fern?’, ‘Can you see the print of a book through the fronds?’ The book includes colour photos of every entry, growing areas, original Māori uses of the plants, and more. - Which Native Tree?
This pocket book by Andrew Crowe takes you through the process of easily identifying native trees. For instance, the identification questions start ‘Are the leaves narrow?’, ‘Are the leaves hand-shaped?’ The book includes colour photos of every entry, growing areas, heights, original Māori uses of the plants, and more. - Karori Sanctuary
Imagine a hidden valley only a few kilometres from Wellington City. The native forest, freed from the burden of browsing possums, is growing profusely and rapidly increasing in diversity and richness. The trees are thick with flowers and fruit. Seedlings are everywhere. But the most noticeable difference to the visitor is the bird life. The forest rings with the chimes of the bellbird, the whistles and coughs of the tūī, and the shriek of the kākā. On a still night the haunting call of the kiwi is heard across the City. Phone: 920 9200
Fax: 920 9000
E-Mail:
Address: 31 Waiapu Road, Karori
Postal Address: PO Box 9267, Wellington - Native Forest Action (NFA) New Zealand
No tuatara shoes. No whale burgers. No rimu furniture. A group dedicated to saving the remnants of the West Coast forests. Lots of information here. Not to be confused with the old Native Forest Action Council (now called the Ecological Foundation). Contact: Dean Baigent-Mercer
Phone: 383 5168
E-Mail:
Postal Address: PO Box 836, Nelson - Other
- Environmental Directory
This Statistics New Zealand directory brings together and documents information about publicly accessible environment-related databases and collections in New Zealand. - Pests & Weeds
- DOC Pests and Weeds
Pest and Weed fact sheets from the Department of Conservation, Papa Atawhai, (including a number on the Kaimanawa horses). Also an interesting link to why bounties don’t work (some hunters were introducing possums so as to have more to kill!). - Pollution
- EBEX21
EBEX21 (Emissions Biodiversity Exchange) is a project, which helps businesses to improve their performance by assessing their energy use and emissions. Support is also available for developing emissions reduction and energy efficiency strategies. Author: Landcare Research
Publisher: Landcare Research
Publication Date: 2001
Phone: (03) 325 6700
E-Mail:
- Pollution Hotline
For incidents which affect environmental quality: i.e. Discharges of contaminants to air, land, stormwater drains, streams, rivers, and the sea. Non-permitted work in or around streams, rivers, and the sea, and after hours consent compliance. 24 hours, 365 days. From the Wellington Regional Council, Kaunihera ā Rohe o Te Whanga-Nui-a-Tara. Phone: 0800 496 734
- Population
- Negative Population Growth (NPG)
A national membership organisation founded in 1972 to educate the American public and political leaders about the detrimental effects of over population on our environment and quality of life. NPG advocates a smaller and truly sustainable United States population accomplished through voluntary incentives for smaller families and limited immigration. - Population Action International
Dedicated to advancing policies and programs that slow population growth in order to enhance the quality of life for all people. Advocates the expansion of voluntary family planning, other reproductive health services, and educational and economic opportunities for girls and women. Tendency to U.S. of A focus. - Too Many People?
Forest & Bird’s report and suggestions on the expanding population. Not for the righteous. - Zero Population Growth (ZPG)
A US of A national nonprofit organization working to slow population growth and achieve a sustainable balance between the Earth’s people and its resources. - Recycling
- Effective Waste Management
An extensive integrated Social Studies/Science resource for teachers, from the Christchurch City Council, for Years 7–9 covering the issues of Integrated Waste Management. - Enviromart
Free, confidential service that assists Wellington organisations find markets for unwanted materials that have traditionally gone to landfill or into the sewerage system. Author: Wellington Regional Environmental Agency
Publisher: Wellington City Council: Wellington
Phone: 0800 439 242 (0800 4EXCHANGE)
Postal Address: c/o Hutt City Council, Private Bag 31912, Lower Hutt - Personal Environmental Impact Calculator
The goal of this web site is to provide an easy way for individuals to get a perspective on some of the environmental impacts of their everyday activities. - WCC Rubbish & Recycling
Find what day your recycling and rubbish is collected; view opening hours of the landfills. - Renewable Energy
- Myths Clouding Solar Energy
Debunks popular arguments against solar energy. From ANZSES. - Pulsar Pump
The pulser pump is a combination airlift pump and tromp, and pumps water with nothing but water pressure. This interesting site explains how they work and showcases one that’s been working since 1988. - Tararua Wind Farm
TrustPower explains the wind farm East of Palmerston North. - Windpower Monthly News Magazine
Your window onto the world of wind power. Looks like a good resource. - Renewable Energy on Links Page
See the Renewable Energy category on our Links page for sites of a more general nature. - Renewable Energy on Retail Page
See the Renewable Energy category on our Retail page for companies selling these products. - Rubbish
- Effective Waste Management
An extensive integrated Social Studies/Science resource for teachers, from the Christchurch City Council, for Years 7–9 covering the issues of Integrated Waste Management. - Enviromart
Free, confidential service that assists Wellington organisations find markets for unwanted materials that have traditionally gone to landfill or into the sewerage system. Author: Wellington Regional Environmental Agency
Publisher: Wellington City Council: Wellington
Phone: 0800 439 242 (0800 4EXCHANGE)
Postal Address: c/o Hutt City Council, Private Bag 31912, Lower Hutt - WCC Rubbish & Recycling
Find what day your recycling and rubbish is collected; view opening hours of the landfills. - Zero Waste New Zealand
Their objective is to encourage and motivate all sectors of New Zealand society to achieve a target of Zero Waste to landfill by an agreed date. - Saving Energy
- See Energy Efficiency
- Solar Power
- See Renewable Energy
- Sustainable Development
- Developing Ideas Digest
Publication of the International Institute for Sustainable Development. Their aim is to provide a digest of the ‘hottest’ ideas shaping the international sustainable development dialogue. The information contained in Developing Ideas is gathered from formal and informal surveys of opinion-leaders and literature in the field. - Earth Charter Campaign
Their mission is to craft a people’s agreement on a statement of ethical principles to guide the conduct of people and nations towards each other and the Earth to ensure a sustainable future. - Living Planet Report 2002 (PDF)
Shows humans are running a huge deficit with the Earth—using over 20% more natural resources each year than can be regenerated— and this figure is growing each year. Likely projections show that by 2050 humans will consume between 180% and 220% of the Earth’s biological capacity. This means unless governments take urgent action, by 2030, human welfare, as measured by average life expectancy, educational level, and world economic product, will go into decline. - Natural Step’s Four System Conditions
Definition of the four ‘system conditions’ which are essential for life, essential for the common good, and which form the basis of The Natural Step. - Resource Management Act for the Community
Contains information to assist people and community groups to more effectively participate in processes under the Resource Management Act 1991 (RMA). From the EDS. - RMAlink
Provides environmental information for groups and individuals who wish to use the Resource Management Act to protect the environment. - Roof Top Permaculture (PDF)
Report about the benefits of inner city permaculture for Wellington as well as ideas about how to go about it—the report focuses on roof top permaculture as an example. Contact: Maibritt Pedersen
Phone: 385 4462
E-Mail:
- Roof Top Permaculture Wellington Submission (PDF)
Report about the benefits of inner city permaculture for Wellington as well as ideas about how to go about it. Contact: Maibritt Pedersen
Phone: 385 4462
E-Mail:
- Sustainability Web Ring Site List
This web ring contains sites which deal with the principles, policies, and best practices for sustainable development. By following the links through the web ring, you will find information from around the world on how to deal with such crucial issues as: climate change, cleaner production, waste, poverty, consumerism, natural resource management, and governance. Click on the link above or use the navigation controls on our Home Page. - Timber
- Good Wood Guide
A listing of environmentally sensitive timber and wood products merchants and retailers. Includes the contents of the classic 1992 Good Wood Guide, with an information update, and results of the 1998 survey of timber suppliers and timber-related businesses. An excellent resource to read before purchasing timber. Author: Friends of the Earth
Publisher: Friends of the Earth and Wellington Rainforest Action Group
Publication Date: 1999
- Native Forest Action (NFA) New Zealand
No tuatara shoes. No whale burgers. No rimu furniture. A group dedicated to saving the remnants of the West Coast forests. Lots of information here. Not to be confused with the old Native Forest Action Council (now called the Ecological Foundation). Contact: Dean Baigent-Mercer
Phone: 383 5168
E-Mail:
Postal Address: PO Box 836, Nelson - Timberlands
Read Timberlands claims to sustainability. Be sure to check out Native Forest Action’s refutes to these claims. - Transport
- Origins of Traffic Growth, The
Well referenced article on traffic growth. Includes a section on how new motorways generate traffic. - SmILE (Small, Intelligent, Light, Efficient)
The transport sector is responsible for 22% of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions, and cars contribute 80% of this. Find out in these pages, why and how Greenpeace is seemingly promoting a car technology, called the SmILE Concept, in order to protect the environment. - Sustainable Transport Network
An informal network of groups with a common interest in creating a more sustainable transport future for New Zealand, thereby realising the full range of benefits associated with improving transport energy use in New Zealand. Includes a website-based software package to put car drivers and potential passengers in touch with each other. Hosted by EECA. - Victoria Transport Policy Institute (VTPI)
An independent research organisation dedicated to developing innovative solutions to transportation problems. Their website has numerous information resources addressing a wide range of transport planning and policy issues. VTPI also provides consulting services. E-Mail:
- Wellington City Car Club
New Zealand’s first car-sharing programme is being started in Wellington. This pilot programme is being run by Budget Rent a Car Ltd and is aimed at inner city residents. Instead of owning a car, members choose to use one of a pool of vehicles, paying for use on an hourly basis. Phone: 802 4548
E-Mail:
- Transport on Directory Page
See the Transport category on our Directory page for groups involved in environmentally friendly methods of transport. - Transport on Retail Page
See the Transport category on our Retail page for companies selling electric cars, etc. - Waste
- See Rubbish
- Weeds
- See Pests & Weeds
- Wind Power
- See Renewable Energy
List last updated 2005-09-13. New items in the preceding 30 days are (marked) as such. For suggestions or corrections, please contact the web master.
|