Splore setting the standard for a Zero Waste Event

The sun shone down on the Splore Festival for an amazing three day event in mid-February (thanks to my mum for buying me a ticket!). As well as soaking up the atmosphere, enjoying the fabulous food (the best I’ve ever experienced at an outdoor event) and marvelling at the stunning location I was super impressed with the overall organisation and the commitment to sustainability.  Splore set a high standard for a  Zero Waste event that should inspire all event organisers. Splore partnered with ACZWA (Auckland Community Zero Waste Alliance) to make sure all waste items ended up in the right place and not in the landfill and to create a clean and green environment.

Here are some of my observations:

  • Refundable Globelets removed the need for disposable cups and demonstrated why we need container deposit legislation – kids do all the clearing up when there is an economic incentive (my photo below is of Nathanial who told me he had “hit the big time” by collecting Globelets to receive the $2 refund – for each cup!)
  • There is now a full range of economically priced compostable products for stallholders to use – they no longer have the excuse that “doing the right” thing is too hard or expensive (at Splore all the stallholders were audited to ensure they used compostable containers)
  • The 3 bin waste stations – recycling, organics and landfill waste – worked really well because they were staffed by friendly, happy volunteers (including Winnie pictured below from Grey Lynn 2030 Waste Away.  All the waste was then sorted through at the Trash palace to achieve an impressive diversion from landfill (I understand it is likely to be about 80% but Splore don’t have the final figures yet)
  • Wash against Waste is an inspired idea to reduce the need for disposable packaging
  • Cigarette butts are still a big challenge. Splore is held in a smoke free regional park but of course smokers still needed their fix. Many brought their own ashtrays (eg film canisters ) but unfortunately a majority of smokers drop their butts even in a “leave no trace” environment (would love to know the answer to solving that one).

Congratulations to the Splore team on a truly inspirational event. I look forward to event organisers in the Waitemata Local Board area taking your lead to host Zero Waste festivals of such a high standard.

More information 

The Art of Sustainability at Splore  (far more than just waste)

Auckland Community Zero Waste Alliance – guidance and advice

 

Ciclovía on Quay reclaims Auckland’s streets

Ciclovia on QuayThe idea for holding a Ciclovía in Auckland was first proposed over four years ago by Cycle Action Auckland (I was on the committee back then). It was at a time when the concept for “open streets” was becoming popularised overseas following on from the first Ciclovias in Bogota, Columbia where streets are closed for promenading at the weekend.

During the Rugby World Cup Quay street was closed every weekend for party central and people could see how possible it was to reclaim the streets for people.   In 2012 the Playing in the Streets event on Queen Street also demonstrated what could be achieved from a temporary road closure.  (and on Waiheke they held their own Ciclovia in 2010 in support of keeping traffic off the Esplanade)

Over the last year further momentum has been been building for a Ciclovía as plans get underway for the transformation of Quay Street into a pedestrian Boulevard. A Ciclovía is a logical way to trial the use of the space and to give a glimpse of the future opportunities for our waterfront.  The Waitemata Local Board has been championing for an event to happen and was fully supportive of the proposal when it was first suggested by the city centre transformation team at the end of last year.

So it was fantastic to take part in Ciclovía on Quay on Saturday 8 February organised by Auckland Council, Waterfront Auckland and Auckland Transport. I especially enjoyed seeing children take advantage of the wide open space to experience freedom on their bikes and scooters.

As I cycled around the comment I heard the most was “can this happen every weekend”!

Video of Ciclovía on Quay here

 Pippa Coomimpromptu ciclovia before the Pride parade on Ponsonby Road Feb 2014Impromptu Ciclovia on Ponsonby Road

In preparation for the Pride Parade on 22 February 2014 Ponsonby Road was closed to traffic from 4pm.  This was a fabulous opportunity to experience the freedom of cycling and walking along the strip without any conflict with cars.

Perhaps next time we can take advantage of all the expense and time that goes into the Parade’s traffic management plan with an official Ciclovia beforehand on Ponsonby Road.

 

 

GCSB Bill Protest

 “To sin by silence when we should protest makes cowards out of men”  Ella Wheeler Wilcox

The GCSB Bill provides for the unjustified intrusion into our rights to privacy.  It is opposed by the NZ Law Society, the Human Rights Commission, the Privacy Commissioner and I am sure the majority of NZ’ers. We can’t sleep walk into the further erosion of our democratic rights by the National Government. Great to see all the protesters out yesterday.

BeSpoke – Cycle Style at Silo Park

bespoke Cycle Style Cycle style – fashion comes together with gorgeous bikes – is back for the third time.  This year Frocks on Bikes and Cycle Action have teamed up with Freshconcept, Waterfront Auckland, Auckland Transport and Fashion in the Big Little City  to create BeSpoke. This is my last year of Cycle Style ( I’m handing over the Frocks on Bike coordinator role) so I am particularly looking forward to what is on offer this year at a fabulous outside venue. I am also honoured to be taking part in the Dalston show at 1pm with the Velociteers.

Sunday 10 March, 12-6pm, Silo Park, Wynyard Quarter

Cycle Style was born in the streets, markets, and parks we love and ride everyday. So how better to celebrate it than with a full market of local designers and bicycles, fashion shows, street food, music and more in the heart of Auckland’s waterfront.

BeSpoke is a fabulous event for ALL Aucklanders and a great way to introduce friends to the fun of life on a bicycle.

The line up for Sunday

1pm            Dalston (fashion show)
1.45pm       Velociteers (entertainment)
2pm            KAF Kids (kids fashion show)
2.30pm      Sitka (fashion show)
3pm            Kingdom Of. (fashion show)
3.15pm       C-Unit (entertainment, boys on unicycles)
3.30pm      Starfish (fashion show)
3.40pm      Myles and Dan Dj set begins
4pm            We’ar (fashion show)
4.30pm      203H (fashion show)
5pm            Vintage (fashion show)

Videos from previous cycle styles:

July 2010 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9SkEfeRD9mU

March 2012  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mc8yeQw5b6U

 

 

 

Sleeping rough for Lifewise

On June 28th at approximately 6.30pm, I’ll be joining a bunch of influential Kiwis at the annual Lifewise Big Sleepout. We’ll be homeless for the night in a determined effort to bring critical attention and funding to this solvable issue.
To get a first hand glimpse into the life of a rough sleeper (someone on the extreme end of homelessness), I’ll  be sleeping outside, at an open air venue in Auckland’s City Centre, in the dead of winter with only a piece of cardboard and a sleeping bag.

I am impressed with what the Lifewise team do providing sustainable solutions to social issues rather than putting a ‘band aid’ on the problem.  Even though it will be a challenge as I hate being cold and deprived of sleep, I feel really privileged to be part of an awesome event that raises funds and awareness for the issue of homelessness.

I’ve committed to raising at least $1000 via my fundraising page http://www.fundraiseonline.co.nz/PippaCoom/

About the Big Sleepout

The Lifewise Big Sleepout is an annual event aimed at raising serious funds and channelling significant attention in the direction of solving homelessness in the city of Auckland. It is a night where influential New Zealanders forgo their creature comforts for a night of ‘rough sleeping’ as a way of making a public stand against homelessness. Put simply, it’s a no-holds-barred approach to exposing what is often an invisible issue. The ultimate aim of the Lifewise Big Sleepout is bring an end to homelessness – for good. The continued success of this event goes a long way to meeting this highly achievable goal. As a result, we remain equipped to address the issue of homelessness at every level of influence – meeting the immediate and the long-term needs of the homeless while at the same time working strategically with non-government and government bodies to find solutions. Check out The Issue for more info on the work of Lifewise in this area.

http://bigsleepout.org.nz/author/pippa-coom/

 

 

Cycle Style 2012 – new date and time

Sunday 25 March inside Shed 10 on Queens Wharf, noon – 5pm

  • A stylish celebration of urban cycling in Auckland
  • Cycle fashion shows for a variety of ages and styles
  • Try out a selection of urban bikes & indulge in local fashion

Come for the whole afternoon to enjoy the festival atmosphere and unique entertainment or select a specific show to attend

The Cycle Style Programme:

  • Noon Cycle Style entertainment
  • 12:30 Fashion show: Dalston
  • 1pm Velociteers – synchronised cycling performance
  • 1:30 Fashion show: Starfish
  • 2pm Fashion show: TBC!
  • 2:30 Auckland Hard-court Bicycle Polo
  • 3pm Fashion show: We’Ar It
  • 3:30 Vintage show: K Rd
  • 4pm Join a group ride around Queens Wharf
  • 4:30 Finale show

Presented on selected bikes from T-Whites, R&R, Cyco and our boutique suppliers – try it all on-site.

Street food also available

Cycle Style is a free event presented by Frocks on Bikes and Cycle Action Auckland in association with Auckland Transport and Waterfront Auckland. ALL WELCOME

We encourage you to get to Cycle Style by bicycle, walking or public transport.  See www.maxx.co.nz

The inaugural Cycle Style was held in 2010 – check out the video here

Please direct any queries about Cycle Style to the event coordinator, Craig Neilson  hello@craigneilson.com

Sustainable city showcase

 Sustainable Business Network’s impressive showcase is on tomorrow Wednesday November 9th at Shed 10, Queens Wharf

Come to the Sustainable City Showcase any time from 7am to 7pm to check out the latest vision for sustainability.

The days starts at 7am with the Conscious Consumer Commuter Challenge. FREE fairtrade Kokako or Atomic coffee for commuters on foot, bike, boat, bus or train.

Plus delicious sustainable food on sale all day- from Ripe Deli, Cosset, the Library Café, Little Bird, French crepes, Paris Berlin Organic Bakery, organic meat barbecue, mussel fritters, gluten free and vegan food, and a whole Farmers Market to do some early morning shopping.

The event on Facebook
 
I will be there from dawn to dusk with Frocks on Bikes and Grey Lynn 2030

Christchurch fundraiser afternoon tea

Supported by Grey Lynn businesses and the Grey Lynn Business Association (organised by Soala Wilson of the Works Hair Salon – I’m just very happy to be able to go and help publicise the event)

Sunday 6 March
5-7pm

Enjoy an afternoon tea for a worthy cause alongside entertainment by jazz musician, Isaac Crandell-Tanner on the saxophone and poetry by John Adams.

A buffet selection of cakes, savouries, sandwiches, tea & coffee.

All proceeds go to the 2011 Red Cross Christchurch Earthquake Appeal.

Bookings by phone: 09 360 8470
Door sales on the day (if seats available)
$50 per person (cash or cheque only made out to Red Cross)
Urban Jungle Café
571 Great North Road
Grey Lynn
Auckland 1021
(cnr Surrey Cres & Selbourne St)
Plenty of off-street parking and well served by public transport.  Wheelchair accessible.

Bikes for Life: Rally for a safer cycling city

Sunday 5 | December
11am | Midday
Queens Wharf –
Auckland’s newest people place – cycle to the rally and a enjoy a ride around the wharf

We invite everyone:

  • who has ever ridden a bicycle
  • who would cycle if it was safer and easier
  • who want their family and friends who cycle to be safe
  • pedestrians and motorists – we all share the same road

To call for urgent action for world-class cycling safety in Auckland.

Organised in association with Cycle Action Auckland in response to the recent spate of deaths and rising levels of cycling injuries.

More details at www.caa.org.nz.