Zero Waste Programme for Churches
In partnership with Para Kore, A Rocha offers a Zero Waste programme that enables churches to create a waste minimisation system that works for them. Para Kore is a national organisation with over a decade of experience working with community groups, marae and schools towards zero waste.
We started a pilot programme with seven churches in Christchurch in August 2020.
In partnership with the Anglican Diocese of Auckland, we are planning another pilot programme for churches in Auckland in March 2021.
If you are based in a region where there are Para Kore kaiārahi - your church is able to connect with Para Kore directly to begin your zero waste journey. Contact us to find out more.
What does it involve?
The Zero Waste Programme for Churches involves:
Commitment from your church leadership to the zero waste project.
Attendance at a training workshop (with in person or online) - the workshop will combined theology, knowledge and practical advice on reducing waste i.e. reusing, recycling, composting and wise purchasing, as well as setting up systems that address the needs of individual churches.
A waste audit to assess current practice.
A report from Para Kore for your church with goals and strategies.
Provision of resources such as signage and bins.
Getting your congregation, staff and other users of your facilities onboard with the new systems.
A follow-up waste audit to measure progress.
Annual review and ongoing encouragement from Para Kore and A Rocha.
Check out this video on introducing the kaupapa behind the Zero Waste Programme for Churches. This video was recorded from the Zoom session hosted by the Auckland local group in September 2020.
You can also view the video on the A Rocha youtube channel to use the links in the video description to navigate through the video.
Even if you do not join the Zero Waste Programme for Churches, there are many other things your church can start doing to work towards zero waste. Check out our resource page on WASTE.
A Rocha’s Zero Waste Programme for Churches is supported:
In Christchurch, by Christchurch City Council through the Sustainability Fund.
In Auckland, by Auckland Council Waste Minimisation and Innovation Fund.