KEY POINTS:
Prime Minister Helen Clark challenged New Zealanders today to get sustainable, but Greens co-leader Jeanette Fitzsimons countered, saying the Government could do a lot more.
Ms Clark launched the sustainability challenge and related website, www.sustainability.govt.nz, in Wellington today.
"The challenge specifically asks New Zealanders `what's your next step? Everyone can play a part by taking a step towards sustainability which works for their lifestyle," she said.
The aim of the challenge was to meet steps on the new on-line sustainability portal in the run up to New Zealand hosting World Environment Day next June 5.
Ms Clark was the first to register a sustainable step, having decided to take reusable bags to the supermarket. Environment Minister Trevor Mallard pledged to buy products with less packaging or recyclable packaging.
Mr Mallard said households consumed 35 per cent of energy generated in New Zealand.
He said government agencies were implementing 170 sustainability initiatives.
Ms Fitzsimons said she was doing everything on the tip list.
"I'd like to give New Zealanders another tip for sustainability; work for a government that will make the big sustainability decisions, like how we use coal and what happens to the world's forests."
She said it was great the public was being urged to use compost bins; "but it is a bit off when its own restaurant Bellamy's doesn't, dumping tonnes of food waste into the landfill each year."
Parliament was one of the worst offenders when it came to recycling; electric water coolers had replaced water carafes in select committee rooms and dishwashers with low energy ratings were being bought, Ms Fitzsimons said.
She challenged the Government to meet Green policies on emissions trading, transport, forestry, illegal timber.
- NZPA
