Call for bottle deposits

Zero-waste campaigners are excited for the celebration launch of an open letter next week, addressed to the beehive and calling for strong action on ocean plastics.

The Kiwi Bottle Drive has teamed up with ocean campaigners, community recycling networks, Māori zero waste campaigners, business owners and engineers to collaborate on an open letter to Parliament calling for the introduction of bottle deposits.

This cash-back-for-plastic initiative would see skyrocketing recycling rates and enormous decreases in litter across the country campaigners say.

"We’ve already had tons of organisations, community groups and businesses sign on to the letter and we're excited to make room for more, it's the start of something big," says The Kiwi Bottle Drive plastics campaigner Holly Dove.

"With China refusing our waste alongside an increase in plastic production, it's vital New Zealand addresses its plastic crisis - and fast."

"Bottle deposits are one of the biggest opportunities New Zealand has of effectively combatting ocean plastic and now we're providing a
way for organisations, businesses and community groups to show their support for clean oceans and healthy communities, by signing on to our letter," she says.

The launch event, run out of Auckland Central Library next Tuesday May 15th, will be a chance for the public to connect with oceans and plastics campaigners over free food and drinks, and take action on plastic says Dove.

"There will be speakers from across the anti-plastic movement sharing their wisdom, a chance for the public to ask questions and find out how what they can do about waste issues here in a New Zealand setting."

"It will be fun, interactive and a great opportunity to network, share kai and korero with like-minded folk."

The letter is open for any organisation, community group or business to sign in support and Dove says they've already had a great response.

"We've had tons of groups sign up and show interest thus far, including small businesses, community networks and large organisations."

"This is an opportunity to unite and take action on plastics and an important step towards a zero-waste future - come join us," she says.

To find out more check out The Kiwi Bottle website.

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