Ngā Hua te Taio

Good news stories (and more) for the planet 

Kia ora, Salient reader! Welcome to our fortnightly column on the environment, sustainable living, and the small, stubborn act of hope amongst a world on fire! Check in every second week for waste-free recipes, genuinely good news, and practical ways to lend a hand—nudging a happier, healthier earth a little closer into view.

Who Are We?

You may have wondered, who is behind this strange new surprisingly-hopeful page in the back of my Salient? Maybe you’ve tried one of the recipes and been blown away by the simplicity and deliciousness of what you’ve just created. Well, here’s a little about us:

We are a group of university students flatting just down the road from Kelburn campus who, perhaps like you, have noticed that we are facing some fairly big concerns for our planet. Rooted in a Christian faith, we feel that whilst things are pretty (really) bad, there is still reason to feel hopeful, and the least we can do is try. Most of us authors have made the call this year to cut all of the plastic out of our groceries, not because we think we’ll change the world, but as an act of hopeful defiance against a system that is choking our planet. 

So far the contributors to this column have been Simon, Leah, Jachin, Claire, and Micah. If you’d like to put a face to a name, ask us a question, or come check out our epic jar pantry, feel more than free to send an email to simonlangham06@gmail.com. In the meantime we will keep bringing you fortnightly recipes, good news stories for our planet, and ways that you can get involved in our local area—making a small, but important difference. 

Waste-free recipe of the week:

Hummus—that gloriously flavoursome, deliciously spreadable, protein rich super food. It’s just a shame it has to come in those pesky single-use plastic tubs. If only there was a way to make it at home, for a fraction of the price with none of the waste? Well, you’re in luck! There could not be a simpler or more time, energy, and cost efficient treat to make than hummus. 

You will need: 

• A can of chickpeas (or two) 

• A blender, food processor, or whizz stick (immersion blender for the less whimsical of heart)

• A splash of oil (olive is extra delicious but canola works just fine too!)

• Some flavours (for a classic blend try tahini, lemon, garlic, salt and pepper; I have also tried adding varying combinations of brown sugar, balsamic vinegar, and paprika—all with delicious results!)

• To take your hummus to the next level, roast some of your favourite veges beforehand and add them into the mix too

Now that you have collected your supplies, blitz them all together and watch as the hummus emerges before your eyes. If it appears too chunky, simply add some water and keep blending! 

Happy dipping, spreading, or just eating with a spoon!

Get involved:

Ever wander through Kelburn campus with a banana skin, some last morsels of your muesli bar you just can't stomach any more, or a smooshed piece of sandwich you dropped? Never fear, for a compost bin is near!! We have the scoop on a new compost initiative on the corner of Kelburn Parade and Salamanca Road. Why are we chucking perfectly good garden fertilizer into our rubbish just to sit in a dump and smolder? On your way down the hill—to the city, the train station or your flat—drop all your greenery into the signed bin! Be a part of the cauldron of juices brewing for gardens around Kelburn! BUT, please be nice to this new compost bin. Only put food items in, guidance will be provided on a sign.