“Trash to Trade” upcycling event series to give Kiwis the means to tackle their waste

Upcycling is the process by which waste materials are transformed into new materials or quality products of environmental value. When: Weekend dates between 19-26 May. Where: locations around Grey Lynn.

Attuned to public outcry over issues like plastic waste and the need to safeguard our oceans, Grey Lynn 2030 is pleased to announce its second instalment of the “Trash to Trade” event series. This event gives everyday Kiwis the means to reduce waste, buy less, and upcycle common materials into useful products—while having fun at a family-friendly event.

This year’s event series offers a variety of inspiring activities for the whole family to enjoy from Sunday 19 May to Sunday 26 May. Artisans will utilise business waste to create upcycled products for potential new revenue streams, showing how commonly wasted items can be turned into innovative new things. Upcycled art and sculpture pieces will be on display and available for purchase from a variety of local artists.

DIY enthusiasts can enjoy waste upcycling workshops, which will be conducted by skilled professionals demonstrating how common waste materials can be given a new life as useful everyday items.

For the kids, a Zero Waste Treasure Hunt will be conducted around Grey Lynn, starting at the Farmers Market, featuring many learning stops, selfie opportunities, and a zero waste treasure prize at the end.

Organiser and Grey Lynn 2030 Co-Chair, Brigitte Sistig, says “We invite the community to come out to Trash to Trade, be creative, and tackle waste in Aotearoa New Zealand – starting from your own home or business. We can all make a difference.”

What is upcycling?
Also known as creative reuse, upcycling is the process by which waste materials are transformed into new materials or quality products of environmental value.

Full Event Schedule
Sunday, 19 May
10am - 2pm
Upcycling art exhibition and auction, workshops, visuals, talks, and music at the Old ASB Bank Hall in Grey Lynn Village, 1 Tuarangi Rd

Saturday, 25 May
2pm - 3.30pm
Upcycling workshop for children at the Grey Lynn Library, 474 Great North Road

Sunday, 26 May
9am - 11am
Zero Waste Treasure Hunt for kids starting at the Grey Lynn Farmers Market (Grey Lynn Community Centre), 510 Richmond Road
9am - 12pm
Upcycling art exhibitions and workshops at the Grey Lynn RSC, 1 Frances Street

What is Trash to Trade?
Growing out of 2018’s first Trash to Trade Competition, this event is an upcycling platform where people show their talent in transforming business waste into something attractive and usable. The upcycling concept is deeply embedded in the framework of sustainability, addressing the climate crisis and environmental problems like waste going to landfill.

About Grey Lynn 2030 Transition Community
Grey Lynn 2030 is part of the international, grassroots Transition Towns movement (www.transitionnetwork.org). The goal of Transition Towns is to bring people together to explore how we – as communities – can respond to the challenges and opportunities related to climate change and other environmental issues. Transition Towns works on the belief that communities have within themselves the innovation and ingenuity to create positive solutions to the converging crises of our time. Grey Lynn 2030 is a participatory community organisation that builds and promotes neighbourhood spirit and cooperation, while working towards a vision of a self–reliant, positive, resilient, vibrant, connected and sustainable community.

For more information please visit www.greylynn2030.co.nz

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