Koonwarra assists Kongwak to become "Waste Wise"
13 May 08
Koonwarra accepted the challenge to become Waste Wise in 2005 becoming Australia's first Waste Wise village. Being Plastic Bag Free followed in 2006.
The Koonwarra Sustainable Communities Centre is pleased to have recently worked with the traders of Kongwak to help them achieve this status also.
On Sunday, 4 May the town of Kongwak celebrated its achievement of becoming Waste Wise and Plastic Bag Free. For the past few months, the business owners and market have worked on reducing their reliance on plastic bags by creating their own recycled fabric bags and encouraging patrons to bring their own bags when shopping. They have also set up a system of bins at the market and can now take litter, recycle and collect food to compost. Alison Taylor, Manager of the Koonwarra Sustainable Communities Centre stated that "by raising awareness of the need to recycle and reduce our waste of people coming to the town, Kongwak contributes to our development towards a sustainable society." The project has had a unique character because of the market which is renowned for great second hand clothes, local food and great coffee.
 |
 |
| Lisa Benn from Gippsland Regional Waste Management Group enjoying shopping at the Kongwak Market |
Market shoppers watching the presentations |
The project was funded by the Gippsland Regional Waste Management Group and run by the Koonwarra Sustainable Communities Centre. Present at the launch were shop owners from Kongwak who received certificates for becoming waste wise, Councillor Bob Newton from South Gippsland Shire Council, Alison Taylor, Manager of the Koonwarra Sustainable Communities Centre, Neil Smith from the Gippsland Regional Waste Management Group and Jane, Manager of the Kongwak market.
Neil Smith from Gippsland Regional Waste Management Group handing out Waste Wise Certificates to the Kongwak businesses - Alison Taylor from the Koonwarra Sustainable Communities Centre holding up an example of the recycle bags made by community members