Some of the highlights in recent memory for Wellingtonians were the film premières of Peter Jackson’s films, namely The Lord of the Rings: the Return of the King and King Kong. The city, closed to traffic, was manageable, and I venture to say that most Wellingtonians were not too upset at the inconvenience.
   In cities across Europe, it is not uncommon to have carless days, but not one forced on people due to a fuel crisis. I remember one Sunday in the late summer where I drove from Amsterdam to Bruxelles as one city began its carless day and the other ended one. These are annual, where on one summer Sunday a year people can explore the city using public transport or bicycles or go on foot. People enjoyed a day exploring their cities free from exhaust. Oh, and it’s good for the environment.
   Do other Wellingtonians see this as a good idea?

carless day · cars · Environment · Infrastructure · public transport · summer · Sunday · Wellington · Whanganui-a-Tara

In my work at Jack Yan & Associates, I came across a company called Nanosolar, which, according to our description, ‘is poised to mainstream the idea by printing solar cells, rather than use conventional silicon cells.’ Without getting into the technical stuff, I believe our city should lead the way in sustainable energy such as solar power. If the city can help drive prices for solar cells down by adopting them on a wider basis, then it will help everyday Wellingtonians meet their electrical needs without hurting their wallets quite as much. And allow Wellington to be the envy of other capital cities. At the very least, we need to examine the implications here, rather than have steep power bills that do not help ordinary Kiwi families.

electricity · Environment · green movement · Jack Yan · Nanosolar · solar cells · solar energy · solar power · sustainability · technology · Wellington · Whanganui-a-Tara

Earlier this year, Wellington City Council was proposing to get rid of the green recycling bins, due to a shortfall in the budget, and replace them with plastic bags. Public outcry and a petition ensured the status quo, and the Council has been forced to look for ways to save money elsewhere.
   It seems a no-brainer to continue the recycling programme rather than use more resources to make plastic bags, or sting Wellingtonians with an extra c. $60 per annum.
   We’d be interested in your comments, and if there are more things we can do with our recycling to become even more environmentally responsible.

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Environment · green bins · recycling · sustainability · waste · waste management · Wellington · Wellington City Council · Whanganui-a-Tara