News

November 10th was Equal Pay day. NZ women earn on average 14% less than men so with 14% of the year remaining, women are effectively working for free for the rest of the year. This is depressing but it's also good chance to think about how we can help to close the gap. Purchasing from businesses owned by women is one way. At The Rubbish Whisperer we consciously choose to support NZ businesses owned by women. Here some of our favourites: Smooch manufacture our new make-up remover and have a great range of other skin care products - made in Nelson; business owned...

When Julie Morgan accepted a position with Christchurch-based company The Rubbish Whisperer, she had no idea how it would impact her life. Originally from the United Kingdom, Julie and her husband, Kris, fell in love with the small community town of Diamond Harbour while on holiday in New Zealand. Soon after purchasing their first home in the area, Julie fell pregnant with her first child. Wanting to be a full time mum, Julie stopped working to raise her children. After the earthquakes in 2011, Julie was less eager to go back to work, especially if it meant commuting 45 minutes...

“In only the past twenty years, people have come to expect plastic straws in every drink,  an example of extreme waste being generated for minimal convenience.” (Plastic Pollution Coalition) Straw Free September, it’s become an annual, global movement. A month where we are encouraged to politely refuse the straw, helping spark thought and discussion around the massive impact cheap, disposable single-use plastics are having on our environment. It is hoped, that this simple trigger encourages us to look more widely at what other unnecessary and easily replaceable plastics we rely on as part of our daily lives. Plastic Straw rescued...

LOCATION: SALAMUMU, UPOLU, SAMOA OWNERS & MANAGERS: DANIEL MENDOLA & ALLY DODSON This place is truly one of a kind. Owned and managed by a driven, inspiring young couple who place great importance on delivering a high quality sustainable tourism experience, it is set on the beachfront of a picture-postcard lush tropical paradise. The family friendly resort attracts active, independent, nature loving guests keen to make the most of the impressive marine environment and jungle wildlife.   What did you want to be as a kid? Ally – an archaeologist Dan – a fighter pilot What living person do you most...

Submissions are open to have your say on NZ's plastic bag ban.  Make your submission here so that the bag ban can result in meaningful change. Submissions close at 5.00 pm on Friday 14 September 2018.  There is a 57 page consultation document but if you don't want to read it then here are some important points, and check out Wanaka WasteBuster's submission. The bag is only on bags with handles, so plastic bin liners, produce bags and dog poo bags will still be on sale. Plastic bags with handles will still exist, they will just be thicker. How much thicker is a key...