Kia ora!

We are excited to invite you to join the Green Loop!

Our mission is to divert commercial food waste from landfills to local farms and turn it into nutrient-dense, carbon-sequestering compost at no cost to farmers.

Our three-year pilot aims to provide 400 tonnes of compost.

Learn more about our story here.

Close-up of a person's hand planting soil with a sunset in the background, featuring two circular logos promoting eco-friendly farming practices, including a map of Taranaki and a green leaf with roots.
Diagram of a sustainable food cycle. It shows a map with arrows indicating a process: composting Bokashi in a trash bin, growing healthy local food, and reducing climate change to mitigate natural disasters, emphasizing a green loop for environmental sustainability.

Why?

Currently, most food waste in Taranaki is sent to the Bonny Glen landfill, located 189 km away. If separated, the waste is transported to Hampton Downs, Waikato (294 km). There is no local infrastructure or incentive for diverting waste from commercial businesses.

Green Loop offers a regional alternative that processes waste locally, drastically reducing emissions from transport and landfill methane. Compost is returned to the land, supporting a circular model.

How?

Local businesses producing food waste (restaurants, rest homes, schools) are being provided with Bokashi equipment and easy instructions. The sealed bin is collected weekly and transported to local farms.

The material is delivered to local farms where it undergoes the Johnson Su composting method to create nutrient-rich material for soil regeneration and carbon sequestration.

What benefits?

  • Significantly reduce environmental impact by diverting organic waste from landfills using a localised system

  • Turn food waste into nutrient-dense compost using a proven method

  • Connect farmers and business owners and grow a community mindset

  • Restore Taranaki’s soil health

  • Support farmers’ transition to other crops or regenerative growing

  • Climate change mitigation through reduced landfill emissions and carbon sequestration through the soil

  • Move Taranaki toward a circular model of food production

Green rolling hills with trees and fences, Mount Taranaki in the background partially covered by clouds, under a blue sky.

Meet our Team!

This is our Green Loop team! If you want to get in touch with us, simply fill in the form below and we’ll get back to you shortly! Ngā mihi!

A woman in a hat and casual clothing standing outdoors in a garden, gesturing with her hands near large compost bins.

  • Operations Manager

    Mieke is Organic Projects Manager at Sustainable Taranaki and is leading behaviour change towards turning food waste into resources.

    With over 30 years of experience in the hospitality industry, Mieke brings a unique blend of practical insight, environmental awareness, and community engagement to her work. For the past four years, she has dedicated herself to teaching and inspiring others to connect with the land through accessible, hands-on practices.  Mieke has a deep passion for composting and soil health, focusing on simple, effective ways to regenerate soil using natural methods.

A woman with curly brown hair and blue eyes standing outdoors with green foliage in the background, wearing a black t-shirt with a logo that says 'Sustainable Taranaki' and depicts a stylized globe with a leaf and water elements.

  • Business Lead

    Sophie is the Business Support Manager at Sustainable Taranaki and is leading initiatives to help Taranaki businesses rethink, reduce and divert their waste. 

    Sophie has a background of over 20 years in the tourism industry, in mostly business management, marketing, communications and sustainability-based roles.  She has a Masters in Sustainable Tourism Management, and a passion for circular economy and sharing good news stories in sustainability and conservation.  

A man with glasses, a beard, and a smile standing outdoors in a lush, green forest next to a warning sign that depicts a kiwi bird, indicating a kiwi crossing area.

  • Communications Manager

    Elric has been managing Sustainable Taranaki’s comms for 3 years now and is passionate about reducing waste and supporting our local community. He is a super-keen composter as well! :)

Man standing in front of dense tropical greenery, wearing a black T-shirt with

  • Development Coordinator

    As a passionate educator, Joe is excited to lead the team with the goal of making Taranaki a healthier region. Joe was born in the UK but grew up in Inglewood and has returned to New Plymouth with whānau after spending 15 years overseas, where he co-founded a Green School in Guatemala.

Close the Loop on food waste! 🥨
Join us today!

Contact us using the form below ↩️

Contact us

Interested in joining the Green Loop? ♾️

Fill out our contact form and we will be in touch shortly. We can’t wait to hear from you!