Guest Speakers | Networking | Drinks & Nibbles | Crop Swap

Nau mai, haere mai ki Closing the Loop in Upper Hutt.

Join the Zero Waste Network and Sustainability Trust for an evening at the Whirinaki Whare Taonga where we will host a ‘Crop Swap’ and learn all about zero waste and the circular economy. Come along to connect with the local zero waste community, and hear from guest speakers who provide practical examples of how to be a part of a thriving circular economy in Upper Hutt and Aotearoa.

Drinks & nibbles are provided.

This is a free community event and everyone is welcome!

Speakers

• Lani Rotzler-Purewa - Para Kore
• Linda Martin - Upper Hutt Repair Cafe
• Tracey Blunn- Food 4 Thought

What is Closing the Loop?

Closing the loop events are an opportunity for networking, learning and sharing knowledge. We visit communities throughout the country to explore different aspects of the circular economy and when we can't travel we go online. Every event features guest speakers that provide practical, unique examples of how they contribute to creating a circular economy in their local community and Aotearoa.

Closing the Loop aims to increase the understanding of zero waste and the circular economy. We provide the space to build and strengthen connections between all parts of our supply and recovery chains, including; the public, local practitioners, producers, designers, retailers, resource recoverers, recyclers, councils.

What is a crop swap?

Traditionally for backyard gardeners and home bakers, Crop Swap Aotearoa is a national movement in which members of the community share surplus goods from the kitchen or garden, "give what you can, take what you need." Our event will be a bit untraditional in its approach, but we aim to honour the core Crop Swap values. This event is not a direct swap but is an unstructured sharing where you generously bring what you have and mindfully take what you need.

What can I bring?

Anything from your garden (fruit, veg, herbs, seeds/seedlings, flowers/cuttings, sprouts), homemade goods (preserves, jams, bread, baking, ferments, teas, kombucha, starters), crafts (art, ceramics, knitting, sewing, woodwork), repurposed goods (books, magazines, recipes, unwanted garden tools, jars), plants, safely foraged goods... be creative as this list is not exhaustive! The only ‘rule’ is that this is a non-monetary exchange, encouraging sharing and circularity. If you don’t have anything to put on the table, ka pai! Please join us anyway. If you are unsure please email isy@zerowaste.co.nz.

Crop Swap ethos:

Inspired by the origins of Crop Swap Taranaki, as well as Food 4 Thought and Crop Swap Te Whanganui a Tara, this event is guided by the principles of Toha Atu, Toha Mai - I share with you, you share with me. This event is not only for sharing food, it is a place to understand circularity, celebrate abundance and generosity, and gather as a community.

Zero Waste:

Please do your best to help us keep this event zero waste. You can do this by bringing reusable bags/baskets/containers, having food in reusable containers/dishes or ones that you are happy to give away, and avoiding any single-use plastic.

What is the circular economy?

The circular economy is an alternative to throw-away thinking and our ‘make-use-dispose’ economic model. In a circular economy waste has been designed out of the system, no excess is produced, and all resources are recovered. A circular economy is restorative and regenerative by design and recognises the intrinsic value of all living things and the ecosystems that sustain life. It creates strong, resilient and equitable communities where people have what they need to live happy and fulfilling lives.

Please RSVP to reserve your spot.

For more info email isy@zerowaste.co.nz