Our commitment to a greener future
Real Living retirement villages are deeply involved in their local communities and strive to contribute to environmental conservation efforts through their recycling initiatives. At the same time, we recognize that our residents enjoy learning new things, and we take great pride in combining these interests. As part of this, a group of Warkworth Oaks residents recently visited LESS, the new trading name for Mahurangi Wastebusters.
LESS Waste Warkworth operates from a yard near Snells Beach, and its mission extends far beyond just recycling and waste management. Their goal is to educate and empower the community to minimise landfill waste, making a tangible, positive impact on the environment. The site features a hands-on drop-off yard, where recycling is sorted, reusable items are recovered, and waste is diverted from landfill. They also run a second-hand store and even produce compost from garden prunings and organic waste.
LESS hosts zero-waste education talks at their on-site Learning Hub. During their visit, Warkworth Oaks residents gained valuable insights into proper recycling practices. For example, they learned that the council collection only accepts plastics labeled 1, 2, and 5, and that aerosol cans are not accepted. However, plastic and metal lids can be removed and recycled, with local New World supermarkets accepting them for this initiative.
At Warkworth Oaks, recycling efforts include separate collections for batteries, various types of lids, and soft plastics. Residents also learned that biscuit containers, such as those used for rice crackers, belong in general waste rather than soft plastics recycling. Another initiative embraced by Warkworth Oaks residents is food scrap collection. Participating residents receive a bench-top caddy to collect their scraps, which are then emptied into a designated small wheelie bin. The scraps are collected weekly, significantly reducing general waste and leading to cleaner, less odorous waste bins.
The visit concluded with a stroll through the LESS second-hand shop, which accepts a wide range of items—from construction materials, wood, and windows to furniture, clothing, toys, and home décor. Residents thoroughly enjoyed exploring the shop, and, of course, a few purchases were made!
The trip to LESS is just one of the many engaging and educational outings that Warkworth Oaks has organised this year. Another particularly captivating trip was the visit to CUE Haven, a community-driven ecological restoration project near Warkworth. Established in 2008, this initiative has transformed a 24-hectare former dairy farm into a thriving native forest reserve. Over 5,000 volunteers have contributed to the planting of more than 170,000 native trees, helping to restore wetlands, connect bush remnants, and enhance biodiversity.
During their visit, residents enjoyed an enlightening talk about the project’s impact and goals. Many then took a scenic walk through the bush, culminating at the viewing platform at the top of the property. From there, they were treated to breathtaking panoramic views of Kaipara Harbour and the lush regenerating native forest—a perfect way to appreciate the beauty of conservation efforts in action.
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