22yr old finds "Tip of the Iceberg" in landfill

Media Release, 21 February 2007

22yr old finds "Tip of the Iceberg" in landfill

Founded in 2006, the unique website www.DonateNZ.com which offers Kiwis a way to clear out their cupboards, help their community and save the environment, is already proving an amazing success. Over 10,000 items have been donated to NZ schools, early childhood centres and charities through the site in its first year, but 22 yr old founder Claire Sawyers says, "It's just the tip of the iceberg."

From pre-loved computer monitors, to old silverware and even live animals, donations through www.donatenz.com promise to revolutionise the way we handle and view, our unwanted stuff. "Annually we send 3.5 million tonnes of stuff to landfill, a huge cost to both the community and our environment," Sawyers says. "But 100 times this sits unused in our homes, garages and storerooms, representing an even greater cost - one of lost opportunities."

For businesses, donating through the site presents additional cost savings, but it's rarely this reason alone that prompts them to donate. Peter Koning of Auckland Commercial Painting says "We had certain products and we thought we could give them away instead of dumping them. If someone can find some benefit from it, that would be good."

Individuals, who make up the greatest group of donors, hate waste and passionately seek re-use. T.Johnson says, "We had some surplus stuff and didn't want to throw it away. We have become a throwaway society. A local school needed it and that was great."

For recipients such as Rowandale School, the opportunities are patently obvious. Heath McNeil, Deputy Principal, says, "DonateNZ membership means we can use our resources in a better way . with DNZ I look on the website and within the week I have something the children or teachers can use." The results speak for themselves. In less than 4 months the Decile 1 School received a Flatbed Scanner, Computer Monitor, Brother laser printer, filing trays, high grade paper rolls, new frisbees and several boxes of Black pens.

Only just a year old, DonateNZ.com is already achieving locally, winning the Papakura Business Award in 2006 for Best Emerging Business. With climate change and environmental responsibility on the tip of everyone's tongue, this business is sure to achieve internationally with its ability to deliver a sustainable recycling and re-use solution to all New Zealanders with a click of a button.

Sawyer's message is a simple one: "Don't dump it, Donate it!". She adds, "If everyone reached for their mouse before their trailer our world would be a better place."

ENDS

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