Totaranui - ECO Friendly and Sustainable Practices

 

Over the years, along with many other people, we have become increasingly aware of, and concerned with our environment, and the need to protect it.   Our move to Totaranui, has provided us with endless opportunities to learn and develop different ways of thinking and doing things, so with that old adage of Reduce, Re-use, Re-cycle firmly in mind,  we have stepped up doing our bit to save the world, and have added a fourth R—Resist (buying in the first place)!

We are very fortunate in Northland as our local Polytechnic has been able to offer a large number of horticulture courses over the years, and we have enjoyed participating in many of these, as well as several under the umbrella of Sustainable Rural Development - Permaculture, Herbs and Preserves, Growing Mushrooms, Growing a nursery crop and, the latest, Writing a Cookery Book, which is as much about the concept of growing and preparing seasonal food. and the increasing interest in community gardens, as about recipes, delicious as they are.

Now, with individuals and Businesses being encouraged to demonstrate their eco credentials and adhere to any number and variety of ’green charters’ we have been inspired to compile our own, and here are some of our main areas of endeavour to date:

Inspired by, and adhering (loosely) to permaculture principles, we have planted the first stage of a food forest, which has proved of great benefit to the local possum population.   They (the possums) are now on their last warning.

 

We collect and purify our own rainwater supply, and to take advantage of a re-useable source of water, we divert the grey water from our laundry to irrigate fruit trees (citrus love it) and ornamentals (not vegetables). 

To this end, we use biodegradable washing powders and cleaning products where possible and are trying out some recipes for making some of our own.

All of our organic kitchen waste is fed to our dedicated team of  egg producers, or composted and used on our vegetable garden.

 

We operate a low food miles system where possible (pineapples have so far defeated us but we are working on the bananas) by bartering, swapping, and supporting local food suppliers and growers markets.

Wherever possible we use low energy light bulbs, line-dry our laundry and only operate during daylight hours.

We do not use pesticides on our land and give priority to encouraging a diverse community of native birds and beneficial wildlife (not possums) to manage pests naturally.

We host several hives of bees, who supply us with pollination services, and honey.

Our sustainable landscape team operate as a 24 hour, 7 day a week, out in all weathers service,  venturing where few have gone before, as they seek out naturally renewable food sources.   This they return to the environment in the form of biodegradable fertiliser deposited at regular intervals, but, distressingly, mostly on the driveway.

 

 

We participate in various landcare and education groups to learn more about managing the bush and environment and are active members of Transition Towns, a movement committed to equip communities for the dual challenges of climate change and peak oil.

Our rodent deterrence team is nearing retirement age and has now been supplemented by sustainable mechanical apparatus where necessary.   The team has been put onto lighter duties, and is currently undergoing re-skilling by taking further courses in hospitality and eco-tourism.