Tourism doesn’t have to cost the earth
The tourism dollar is coming back, but at what cost? Claire Brunette investigates how New Zealand can, and does, balance the effect on the environment while still reaping the rewards in our economy.
Recycling companies close the loop
Diana Noonan investigates the work of three recycling companies saving us from ourselves.
Fashion: the good, the bad, and the greenwashed
If you’re feeling overwhelmed and bewildered about what constitutes planet-friendly fashion, you’re not alone. Claire Brunette unpicks the multilayered environmental and ethical issues within the fashion industry.
Visit the luxury hut heated by mulch
Louise Perzigian visits a luxury hut in Nelson with a low-impact price tag and a heating system powered by a giant pile of mulch.
Investigating Aotearoa’s e-waste footprint
Electronic waste is the world’s fastest growing waste stream, and in Aotearoa most of it ends up in landfill where it can leach toxins into soil and waterways. The good news is that we are taking steps to reduce
our e-waste footprint. Bonnie Flaws investigates.
Everything you need to know about natural bedding
On the hunt for a peaceful night’s kip, Theresa Sjöquist visits four natural bed manufacturers and discovers the secrets behind a healthful slumber.
Craft and transform with Rekindle workshop
A Christchurch community workshop is empowering people to learn traditional crafts using local materials, which is good for people and the planet, as Anne Gastinger discovers.
Light-earth sanctuary
Earth building is cheaper than conventional building – but only if you do it yourself, says Sam Southward. He has built four light-earth constructions at the delightfully named Absurdistan Community near Kaiwaka. Theresa Sjöquist pays a visit to find out more. The content below is available with a print or online reader subscription The following…
Recipe for an eco kitchen
Custom-made kitchen cabinetry using natural materials may be more expensive up-front, but it’s healthier, long lasting, and won’t end up clogging our landfills like cheaper products. Theresa Sjöquist talks to craftsman cabinetmaker Roland Zander about his business Natural Kitchens, and things to consider in creating more sustainable kitchens. The content below is available with a print or online reader subscription The following content is accessible for members only,…
Low-tech living in a light-earth house
No fridge, doing the laundry by hand, and carting composted humanure around in a wheelbarrow are not everyone’s cup of tea, but for Wolfgang Hiepe and his wife, Sabine Drueckler-Hiepe, it’s a good lifestyle. Theresa Sjöquist finds out why they’ve prioritised resilience and independence over convenience. Wolfgang and Sabine emigrated from Germany in 1987, full of verve and the…
How to make a charbecue
Sharon Stevens in conversation with Dennis Enright What could be better than a summer barbie with family, friends, and neighbours? To Dennis Enright, the answer is obvious: switch out the barbecue for a charbecue. “It’s a lot of fun.” You’ll still cook up your kai, and you’ll also make biochar (see sidebar). You’ll enjoy the usual social benefits, plus you’ll have a…
The sci-fi world of targeted GE
Dr Heli Matilainen explores the lightning-fast development of targeted genome engineering. We have rapidly entered the era of ‘next generation’ genetic engineering (GE). The revolution in this field is largely due to the development and introduction of targeted genome engineering/modification/editing techniques. These new techniques have been widely adopted in all relevant scientific areas at a…