A new project to save non-recyclable tennis balls from landfill is keeping dogs busy.
Redzone Dogs founder Lena Tiebosch had the idea five months ago to turn used tennis balls into dog toys and start a charity.
So far she has received tennis ball donations from Burwood Park Tennis Club and Edgeware Tennis Club.
She said it was all about making the life cycle of a tennis ball longer to reduce waste.
“We involve the tennis clubs to provide us with the balls that they're going to throw, those balls can then be used by dog owners to throw them through the red zone or something like that, and then once they're down to their very last point, then That's the moment when they go to the junk.”
People can buy a tennis ball by donating 50 cents or more to Dogwatch or the Christchurch Bull Breed Rescue.
Tiebosch said dog owners appreciated the cheap toys, making it a win-win for both them and the charities.
The donated tennis balls are placed in an honesty box, which is constantly replenished.
Richmond Community Gardens operations manager Morgane Honore said their box is proving popular with locals.
“It's a great addition to our Kaupapa. We try to provide the community with a space where they can come and enjoy different aspects, and we offer projects that minimize waste going to the landfill.”
Tiebosch is calling on more tennis players to donate their old tennis balls, allowing the project to grow as more people and organizations host a box.
– By Emily O'Hagan, created with support from NZ On Air