Those Abandoned Shopping Trolleys
Some of you know I started a petition about shopping trolleys last week. Many people have signed and shared it already (many thanks). If you support the kaupapa, as I’m sure you do, please share it (again) via social media, Neighbourly, email etc. You’ll find it here –the preamble explains it all!
www.change.org...
Yesterday afternoon I talked with two members of the staff at our small, local Countdown supermarket. Here they do not have a dedicated staff member collecting the trolleys from the carpark. And it is against company policy to collect trolleys (Head Office OSH regulations).
When the supermarket receives calls about misappropriated trolleys, they forward the request to Head Office for them to notify the contractors, and of course it's holidays right now. I understand that. But when it’s NOT holidays and there are delays in collecting the trolleys that gives more opportunities for the idiots to move them again, damage them, or push them into areas where other people have been working hard to beautify.
You and I and other responsible people are merely the ambulance at the bottom of the cliff when we report missing trolleys to the rightful owners, or return them, or use Snap Send Solve or other apps. What I am asking for is PREVENTATIVE action put in place by the stores HQ. There are systems out there which could be used, preventing damage to the environment, waste of resources, time.
I've got better things to do with my time than taking action with misplaced trolleys, haven't you? It would be a big task to change the mindset of the idiots... so hopefully the supermarkets and stores will live up to their sustainability policies and take positive action.
Please, if you haven’t already, would you sign and share the petition? That would be fantastic!
Poll: Do you think NZ should ban social media for youth?
The Australian Prime Minister has expressed plans to ban social media use for children.
This would make it illegal for under 16-year-olds to have accounts on platforms including TikTok, Instagram, Facebook and X.
Social media platforms would be tasked with ensuring children have no access (under-age children and their parents wouldn’t be penalised for breaching the age limit)
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Do you think NZ should follow suit? Vote in our poll and share your thoughts below.
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84% Yes
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14.7% No
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1.3% Other - I'll share below
Spring gardening tips
Dreaming of a garden bursting with colour and fresh produce? Shane Fairbairn, Ryman Healthcare’s Landscape Manager, shares his top tips to make it happen. You’ll be set to create a gorgeous, relaxing space in no time - grab your trowel, and let’s dig in.
Click read more for more information.
What's your favourite recipe for courgettes?
Kia ora neighbours. If you've got a family recipe for courgettes, we'd love to see it and maybe publish it in our magazine. Send your recipe to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, and if we use it in the mag, you will receive a free copy of our January 2025 issue.