The state of the environment

State of environment report: In order to maintain and improve the quality of our surroundings, we need to understand the natural and man-made pressures placed on the environment.

From City Scene, published on 7 June, 2009.

Our Changing Environment uses a number of criteria to assess the state of the environment.

These factors are air; biodiversity; climate; heritage; water; energy; hazardous substances and contaminated land; land use and land cover; transport; and waste. Key areas from the update are listed below, along with what you can do to help out, and what the council is doing.

For more information including, the full report, visit the State of the environment section online.

Air

What you can do:

public transport, walking and cycling help to reduce pollution
if you own a car, keep it well-maintained and drive in an environmentally sound fashion (accelerate smoothly and avoid idling for long periods)
investigate home heating options, particularly if you use an open fire to heat your home

What we're doing

Projects to increase transport choices by streamlining bus travel - such as the Central Connector - and increasing and maintaining the region's footpaths and cycleways.

Water

What you can do:

make sure your taps and all water outlets are operating properly - leaks and drips can cost you money and waste a lot of water
think about what goes down a stormwater drain - detergents (including run-off from washing your car), paint or solvents, and rubbish should not enter the stormwater system as this can pollute our harbours.

What we're doing

A number of massive infrastructure projects are recently completed or under way, including the Hobson pipeline; the Central Interceptor and stormwater separation.

Waste

What you can do:

compost your food scraps
always try to recycle.

What we're doing

The new 240-litre blue-lidded recycling bin system; MRF in Onehunga; and recyling bins and ongoing education initiatives in the community (eg Create Your Own Eden, WasteWise).