Western Bay supermarket's incredible green efforts

Omokoroa supermarket owner Steve Ling is setting the bar high on waste management - saving 90 per cent of its waste from the landfill. But it's not done yet. Photo/supplied

A Western Bay of Plenty supermarket is setting the bar high on waste management - saving 90 per cent of its waste from the landfill. But it's not done yet.

FreshChoice in Omokoroa is aiming for 100 per cent.

The results were revealed through an independent waste audit by Waste Watchers, a free service offered by Western Bay of Plenty District Council.

FreshChoice owner and operator Steve Ling said the result was a great thrill.

"It was fantastic to confirm we're diverting 90 per cent of our waste from landfill. But we're not really content with that. Thanks to the waste audit, we have more ideas on how to attack that last 10 per cent."

Steve Ling and wife Chantal opened FreshChoice Omokoroa in 2016 and employs 30 staff.

The Lings used to own a store in Methven, where the seed of the waste minimisation idea began. However, the couple found their initial efforts in Omokoroa a struggle.

"That was when we called on the council for help and they offered us a free waste audit,'' Steve Ling said.

"The waste audit team was independent and thorough and gave us really good insight into what we were doing well and what opportunities we had to improve. We are determined to help the environment but equally, there is a financial advantage too as reviewing systems is healthy for businesses."

Steve Ling said they planned to share their experience with customers and other supermarket owners.

"I think we have a great opportunity to highlight what you can achieve and influence our community and our industry in a positive way," he said.