Hi all,

I live on a small farm about 6km from Lismore. We are self contained for water and sewage and largely for energy, this will improve as soon as we install our wind generator.

Local council has written to all residents down my road and an adjoining one 'offering' a garbage collection service. This we don't need as our household produces one small garbage bag of rubbish each week. We do have a lot of recycling which I drop at the tip every week.

My point is this, I know Council has to respond to requests by residents, but why doesn't our Council work towards minimising everybody's rubbish rather than giving everyone massive waste bins which just encourage people to be lazy and not make an effort to shop wisely and recycle.

It is quite a lot of effort to reduce waste, especially in the beginning when I had to think very carefully about what I purchased and from whom. The biggest waste generators I found to be fresh meat and vegetables from the local supermarket. I now purchase meat from a butcher who uses minimal packaging and fruit and vegetables pretty much the only packaging is the second hand cardboard box.

Surely education and convenient recycling facilities are the way to go. Anyone in my area interested in campaigning Council?

Cheers
Helen