In this member spotlight, we talk to Jemma Hovelmeier, waste prevention coordinator at Waikato Regional Council, who is passionate about reuse systems and preventing plastic pollution.
"Reuse systems seem like the way back to the future, especially with packaging industry the single biggest user of global plastic production. I find it exciting seeing more reuse systems being scaled/replicated that are near closed loop."
Tell us about your organisation
The mighty Waikato is in the heart of the upper North Island. Regional councils have a legislative mandate to achieve integrated management of the region’s natural and physical resources and to regulate discharge of contaminants into the environment. The waste we generate and how we manage that waste influences our natural resources and the wellbeing of our region. Waikato Regional Council focuses on preventing waste to reduce discharge of contaminants into the environment and enable fulfilment of our mandates.
Why did you want to join WasteMINZ?
Our waste challenges and solutions aren’t isolated, so the coordination and collaboration WasteMINZ enables is important to contribute to.
What topic/issue are you most passionate about when it comes to waste, resource recovery or contaminated land?
Reuse systems and plastic pollution. I’ve worked in resource recovery and litter monitoring/education roles over the past years and seen all the leaks in the recycling system, especially with plastics. Reuse systems seem like the way back to the future to me, especially with packaging industry the single biggest user of global plastic production. I find it exciting seeing more reuse systems being scaled/replicated that are near closed loop.