Wollongong City Council is encouraging all citizens to think twice about the food they use this week as part of National Recycling Week, taking place between 7 – 13 November.
The campaign aims to raise awareness of living more sustainability and promotes the benefits of reusing and recycling rather than adding waste to landfill.
Wollongong City Deputy Lord Mayor Councillor David Brown said there were simple ways to cut back on food waste saving time and money spent on unneeded groceries.
“Over $694 million of leftover food is thrown away and goes into landfill each year just in NSW,” Cr Brown said.
“Each of us can take small steps to ensure we only buy what we need. It’s easy to be less wasteful with a little bit of planning, a shopping list and the proper storage of food. Council is encouraging all community members to get involved this week by coming along to one of the National Recycling Week events and learn more about recycling and reuse.”
This year’s National Recycling Week is linked to the ‘Love Food, Hate Waste’ campaign being run by the NSW Office of Environment and Heritage. Plenty of great tips can be found on their website.
Cr Brown said the challenge was on for Wollongong citizens to come up with ideas to make better use of leftover food.
“We’re challenging people to send in their best recipes to feature in our ‘Second Time Round’ Recipe Book. The big question is how you make the most of what you’ve already got sitting in the fridge or in the pantry.”
Council is organising a number of events during the week to encourage recycling including a reused food cooking demonstration, a workshop on keeping chickens, a book swap and a recycling tour of the city.
“It’s a great chance to pick up some new skills and learn about recycling and reusing. You might even save some money” said Cr Brown.
National Recycling Week Events
Reuse Food Cooking Demonstration
Tuesday 8 November from 1.30-3.30pm
At this National Recycling Week event you'll learn how to jazz up your leftovers. Plus, bring your favourite recipe and we'll add the best to our community recipe book. You'll also need sunscreen, a hat, notepad and pen.
Where: Wollongong Botanic Garden Discovery Centre, Madoline Street, Keiraville.
Cost: $8, pay on the day. Bookings are essential on 4225 2636.
Chickens and Children
Wednesday 9 November from 4.30-5.30pm
Perfect for beginners, this workshop teaches you how to house, feed and keep healthy chickens. Kids are welcome if they're accompanied by an adult. Please bring a hat and sunscreen.
Where: Wollongong Botanic Garden Discovery Centre, Madoline Street, Keiraville.
Cost: $8, pay on the day. Bookings are essential on 4225 2636 or by email.
Children's Book Swap
Wednesday 9 November from 10-11.30am
Kids tired of their books? Why not trade their picture books for new ones at the Botanic Garden's book swap. Young readers can also join in on a treasure hunt, and be entertained by Bill and Ben the Flowerpot Men. Don't forget your hats and sunscreen.
Where: Wollongong Botanic Garden, Murphys Avenue, Keiraville.
Cost: $8 per child, and $16 for a family of three or more. Pay on the day. Bookings aren't required.
The Recycling Man Tour
Thursday 10 November from 9am-3.30pm
lf you think one man's trash is another man's treasure, sign up for this day out. Stops include the Corrimal Men's Shed, Retro Wombat and Coasties Big Shed. You'll also visit Renewable Recyclers and see their process for dismantling and recycling electronic waste like computers, and go to Whytes Gully for a guided tour of the landfill site. The day wraps up with a stop at the Revolve Centre. You'll need to bring your own lunch, drink and your reusable bags.
The tour is free to residents of the Wollongong Local Government Area and starts and finishes at the Wollongong City Council Building, 41 Burelli Street, Wollongong. To book call (02) 4227 7111 or email .