Winning isn’t new for Marlborough’s Marisco Vineyards, but it’s normally their wine that wins, not their recycling activity.
Farmers and growers who recycled their containers and drums with Agrecovery during a four month period were entered into a $5000 travel prize draw. Anton Rasmussen, Marisco’s General Manager for Viticulture, was very happy to hear they had won.
“Most of our wines are sold internationally so the prize will be a huge help for owner Brent Marris and his team travelling overseas to promote the Marisco brand.
“We’ve been using Agrecovery since it started so it’s a nice pay off for doing something we believe in.”
Legacy is an important element for Marisco Vineyards: “We have nearly 2400 ha over four properties, and it’s our responsibility as caretakers of this land to use good environmental practices,” says Anton.
“We want to ensure the generations to come have the ability to farm and enjoy the land as we do.”
Ten people also won a Solo Backpack Sprayer after participating in an online recycling quiz sent to farmers and growers by Agrecovery supporters such as Federated Farmers, NZ Young Farmers and Rural Contractors NZ.
Duncan Scotland of Agrecovery says the quiz was a fun way of letting people know the benefits of recycling with Agrecovery, such as the fact that Agrecovery has recycled over 1 million kilograms of container plastic, plus collected more than 80 tonnes of unwanted chemicals for safe disposal, avoiding harmful burning or burying.
“Feedback gained from the quiz confirmed that farmers and growers are extremely conscious about looking after their land for the future, just like our travel prize winner, Marisco Vineyards,” says Duncan.
“95% of all respondents agreed or strongly agreed that they want to leave their land in better condition for the next generation, while 96% agreed or strongly agreed that they try to reduce the environmental impact of their operations.
“The growth in Agrecovery participation shows that farmers are also walking the talk,” adds Duncan.
“49% of respondents said they were already recycling with Agrecovery, while a further 43% said that they will start using Agrecovery in the next 12 months. It took eight years to collect our first million kilograms of container plastic; with current growth our second million will take less than three years.”
According to Agrecovery, containers that are buried will take more than 400 years to decompose, while burning them releases harmful toxins into the air and soil. Recycling on the other hand, turns what was waste into a useful resource.
“Each 20 litre container that is recycled saves energy equivalent to 2 litres of petrol.
“It’s great for the environment, it’s great for New Zealand, and it’s free. Why wouldn’t you do it?” concludes Duncan.