esr.org.nz

ESR Auckland Branch August Meeting

Date and Time: 7.30pm, Thursday 20 August 2009.

Where: Room 3.407, School of Engineering, University of Auckland,
20 Symonds St, Auckland.

Speakers John Stansfield and Dorte Wray.
John Stansfield describes himself as having had a life sentence in the community and voluntary sector with no time off for good behaviour!  He is the executive director of Clean Stream Waiheke Ltd, an innovative community owned recycling and waste elimination company, a director of the Waste Resources Trust a community education and advocacy group and the founder of Orapiu grove farm organics partnership.  A passionate gardener and keen fisherman John is also a champion of community directed initiatives. In 2006 John was recognized as a fellow in social entrepreneurship as one of fifteen great NZ change-makers.  John lives on Waiheke Island where he is active in community affairs.
Dorte Wray is the Social Enterprise Intern with Clean Stream Waiheke Ltd, working on a variety of recycling and waste reduction projects.  She is Waiheke born and bred and loves having the opportunity to learn about, and take part in, community-run initiatives and innovations in her own island community.

Abstract:  John will talk about an age where environmental and social responsibility are recognized as market advantages, the risk of P.R. spin and greenwash poses a palpable threat to progressive change.  More than ever before we need our experts to be resolute, speak the truth and take the role of critic and conscience of society.  In this address John will explore the unique role engineers have in the contribution to public policy debate by drawing on his experience in sustainability.
Dorte will talk about simple answers to everyday problems.  While half the world starves wealthy nations are grappling with what to do about food waste. International research has shown that up to a third of food purchased ends up in the rubbish.  Once in the waste stream, most food waste is sent to landfill where it becomes a major source of the greenhouse gas methane.  There is a range of ways to deal with this, but Dorte will argue that, as a problem largely of human behaviour, large scale engineered solutions are not the best option.
Contact John La Roche johnlaroche@xtra.co.nz