Welcome/project update

 

Welcome to the November Sustainable Living Space newsletter. We will endeavour to bring you information about a range of events about sustainability, both local and further afield. There is much happening out in the wider environmental sustainability circles. This month’s local events include details about the February SLS Community Meeting and Draughtproof your House, Ethical Shopping, the Green Domestic God/dess . We have added Community House News this month,

The SLS will advertise local events or activities, so please forward details to the Sustainable Living Space project@sustainablelivingspace.org.au ^[1].

 

Sustainable Living Space Events

 

Sustainable Living Space Project Community Meeting and Retrofitting Workshop – Draughtproof your Home

With Maurice Beinat

Thursday 11 February, 7.00pm – 9.30pm

Draughts occur when warm air rises and is replaced by cooler air entering through cracks and gaps in your home and can lead to big energy bills and while reducing the effectiveness of your home’s insulation.  Effective weather seals on all external doors, brush seals on internal bathroom, toilet and laundry doors, exhaust fan seals and elimination of recessed down lights will all contribute significantly to reducing air leakage. Draught proofing is the necessary first step to improving the thermal performance of your home. In this workshop we will explore the many sources of drafts, and what you can do the prevent draughts.

Venue: Meeting Room 3&4. Ringwood Civic Centre, Braeside Ave RINGWOOD

Time: 7.00pm – 9.30pm

GOLD COIN DONATION

For more information, contact Chris or Sue at North Ringwood Community House 9876 3421 or email project@sustainablelivingspace.org.au ^[1]

 

 

Please assist us to arrange catering by calling North Ringwood Community House – 9876 3421 by February 10 to RSVP or email to project@sustainablelivingspace.org.au ^[1]

 

 

 

SLS Green Film Night – Volunteering Opportunity

The Green Film Night has become a popular event operating between the City of Maroondah and Manningham, giving us the opportunity to see some thought provoking and inspirational films. Bernadette has organized the film nights over the last two years, and is preparing to move into other ventures. For the SLS to continue to provide this service to the community, we are seeking the expression of interest from among the SLS community to organize the monthly Green Film Nights, or for two people to share the role between the Cities of Manningham and Maroondah.

If you would like more information or would like to become involved with the SLS Green Film Night, please contact Chris on 9876 3421 or project@sustainablelivingspace.org.au ^[1].

 

Ethical Shopping Workshop

With Bernadette Thomas

Do you care about where and how the goods you buy are produced?  Are you interested in shopping with a conscience?  Then come along to the ethical shopping workshop.  We'll discuss how to be a conscious shopper and develop shopping habits that will help you reduce the environmental and social costs of your purchases.  Topics for discussion include waste, fair trade, genetically modified food, labour and much more.

Date: Sat 28 February

At: 10.00am – 1.00pm

Venue: Heide Room, City of Manningham, Doncaster Road Doncaster

Free Admission

You too can be a Green Domestic God/dess

It’s easy being green when you know how!  Our presenters

• Jo Raydan from TriNature,
• Warren Morey from Melrose Health,
• Lucinda from Going Green Solutions

will let you into their secrets about how to use household cleaning products, domestic goods and various consumable items including spreads and condiments in your more sustainable home. (Some items can be purchased at the market tables.) Cath Connelly’s Harp will relax and inspire

Date: Thursday 4 March 2010

9.30am – 3.00pm

Venue: Function Room 3, ity of Manningham, Doncaster Road, Doncaster

Cost: $5

 

What would you like to know?

The Sustainable Living Space Project is committed to offering educational opportunities that will assist you in becoming more sustainable. To assist us in our program development, we would appreciate your suggestions on subjects you would like to learn more about.

These subjects could relate house and garden, how to shop ethically and sustainably, home reno’s, personal care, resurrecting the old crafts, mending for beginners, the spirituality of sustainability… and I’m sure there are many more! Please send your ideas to project@sustainablelivingspace.org.au ^[1]

 

Community House News

PERMACULTURE DESIGN CERTIFICATE

Learn about the interrelationships between water, soils and climate and sustainable garden and orchard design. Includes visits to a permaculture property. Date will be across Term 1 & 2

Time 100 hours

Cost $555 full/ $400 concession/$260 if ACFE funded Code ENVIRO1110

Please contact Jeanette at Yarrunga Community Centre  03 9722 8942 for more information

FREE TALKS 

Biodiversity impacts of climate change

Date Thursday March 4

Time 7.00 pm – 8.30 pm Code ENVIRO 2110

 

Home energy audit – Green Loans

Date Thursday March 18

Time 7.00 pm – 8.30 pm Code ENVIRO 3110

Maroondah City Council has agreed to fund the cost of these talks as part of the Sustainability partnership between DSE, MCC and Yarrunga

Yarrunga Community Centre is located at 76 – 86 Croydon Hills Drive Croydon Hills

For bookings please contact P:  (03) 9722 8942 F: (03) 9722 9458 E:programs@yarrunga.org.au

 

Sustainability Suggestions

GREENFLEET HELPS YOU OFFSET YOUR VEHICLE GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS

Greenfleet is a not for profit organization which is making a difference and helps address the effects of climate change. Greenfleet is helping to restore Australia’s native forests with its tree planting programs, and is working in collaboration with other land restoration projects such as Bush Heritage Fund to revegetate our countryside.

For $55 (tax deductible) Greenfleet will plant 17 native trees, indigenous to the area, to offset the green house gas emissions that an average car produces in one year.  Greenfleet supporters are both individuals and businesses.

For more information:

Individual supporter enquiries: 1800 032 999

Business supporter enquiries: 03 9642 0570

Postal address: PO Box 16011

Collins Street West, VIC 8007

Email: Info@greenfleet.com.au ^[2]

Web: www.greenfleet.com.au ^[3]

 

PUBLIC TRANSPORT MONSTER PETITION

For many years, there have been calls to improve public transport to the Outer East by building a rail service to Doncaster. These calls have included both light and heavy rail options. As the community embrace the need for more sustainable transport network as part of the response to climate change, and increasing petrol prices and traffic congestion are an incentive to leave the car at home, interest in a rail service is growing, Residents of the City of Manningham and the Outer East have an opportunity to lobby the State Government to build a rail service to Doncaster by signing the Public Transport Monster Petition.The petition calls for State Government support for several key eastern public transport upgrades, including the Doncaster rail — a project first floated in 1969 yet never delivered. It asks the State Government to deliver the following:

1. A full and public feasibility study for a heavy rail line to Rowville
2. A greater commitment to the extension of the Metro rail tunnel from Domain to Caulfield
3. A full and public feasibility study for an increase in capacity on the Belgrave/Lilydale and rail Glen Waverly lines
4. Improved facilities for passengers, particularly at interchanges located in central activity districts – Ringwood, Dandenong and Box Hill
5. Fully accessible public transport facilities and vehicles.

You will find copies of the petition permanently located in the Libraries in Manningham,or can find other sites for the petition on the council website www.manningham.vic.gov.au/monsterpetition ^[4]

 

Sustainability Grants and Rebates

SHOWERHEAD AND LIGHT EXCHANGE

You can save water and power by using more efficient appliances in your home. The Victorian Government is helping households to replace their old water guzzling showerheads, and incandescent light globes with reduced flow showerheads and energy efficient globes. For more information, contact Sustainability Victoria on 1300 363 744.

 

VIC GOVT REBATES

The Victorian Government is offering rebates for a number of water saving and energy efficiency initiatives that households can take. These rebates include Rainwater Tanks, Grey Water systems, Replacement Single Flush with Dual Flush Toilet, Garden Mulch, Solar Hot Water systems. For more information, contact Sustainability Victoria on 1300 363 744 or www.resourcesmart.vic.gov.au

 

AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT ENERGY EFFICIENT HOMES PACKAGE

The Energy Efficient Homes Package aims to install insulation in Australian homes to make them more energy efficient, reduce energy use, cut power bills, and increase comfort in homes. The Home Insulation Program provides assistance of up to $1200 to install ceiling insulation to eligible owner-occupiers, landlords and tenants.

For more information:  www.environment.gov.au/energyefficiency ^[5]

 

Sustainable community

Keeping you in touch with sustainability activities in your community.

Wed 27 or Thu 28 Jan 10am –3pm

Enrolment for DIPLOMA OF PERMACULTURE – ELTHAM College Training Services   F/t or p/t study available

The course focuses on designing for the challenges of peak oil, climate change and the development of sustainable communities.

Course work combines design, a scientific approach and practical application with ingenuity and imagination.   

NOTE: Course starts 9 Feb

Info: 9433 9859 ects@elthamcollege.vic.edu.au ^[6]  www.ects.vic.edu.au ^[7]

 

Mon 1 Feb 9am – 5pm , also 23 Feb

SUSTAINABILITY IN ACTION – Resource Efficiency Training

Environmentally-friendly businesses are those that make a conscious decision to choose sustainable practices. Customers, staff and suppliers increasingly want to work with and for these businesses. Sustainability in the workplace is fast becoming essential to give businesses the competitive edge.

This workshop was developed for small and medium-sized businesses that wish to adopt more sustainable practices.

What will be covered

•          A brief overview of relevant environmental legislation.

•          Opportunities that can lead to reduced resource use, cost savings and reputational gains. 

•          An introduction to easy-to-use tools to help you successfully measure water, energy use and waste disposal.

•          Communicating your business’s environmental goals to staff and customers.

•          Expert assistance with the development of a draft Action Plan to reduce your water, waste and energy use.

Handout: A resource pack that includes case studies, information on grants and funding, and useful contacts for future assistance

Reg: http://www.vecci.org.au/Training/Training_Course

Contact: VECCI on 8662 5333 kschnekenburger@vecci.org.au ^[8]

486 Albert Street East Melbourne3002

Cost:Small and medium sized businesses, employing less than 100 staff, that are interested in reducing their resource use and saving money.

-       $ 230/ $200 for VECCI Members

Bring: Copies of your recent electricity, gas and water bills. Any existing action plan, such as a WaterMAP or WasteWise action plan you have.

 

Mon 1 Feb   12.30pm –          LECTURE BY CLIMATE SKEPTIC LORD MONTKTON

Viscount Monckton of Brenchley (Christopher Lord Monckton) will be giving a lecture tour ‘to educate’ the Australian public.  Australian Climate skeptic, Professor Ian Plimer, who will accompany Christopher Monckton on this tour, said:

“Given the now generally-acknowledged lack of understanding among the Australian general public of the underlying reasons for a “Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme” and the likely effects thereof, it is critical that the public gets a chance to hear a globally-recognised presenter to explain the rational understanding of the whole issue. http://www.australianclimatemadness.com/

NOTE: The CAC suggested pre-attending the lecture reading: http://www.safecom.org.au/gristmill-skeptics.htm

VENUE TBA

Cost: About $20

 

4 Feb 2.00pm DEVELOP THE ARTISTS SPACE – Upper Yarra Community Environment Park

To get us started on a great and exciting year we are calling anyone who is interested to come along on Thursday 4th Feb at 2pm to plot and plan for the next steps in creating the artists’ space. We have a small budget for landscaping around it, so we thought we could start with that. Last year there were suggestions of a central circular space with sculptures and …   If you would like to add your suggestions and help with this community art project then come along.

There is also a suggestion that the Park be used as a venue for the Open Studios weekend so if you are interested in that, get in touch.

uycepark@gmail.com ^[9]

711 Old Warburton Road, Wesburn 5967 2416

 

Fri 5 Feb – Sun 14  Mar        

PARTAKE IN A SUSTAINABLE GARDENING ART EXHIBITION

We are asking artists to exhibit works in any medium and respond to the idea of gardening sustainably, with particular emphasis on growing our own food.

Info: meredith@baag.com.au ^[10]

http://www.gallery.baag.com.au ^[11]

            BULLEEN

Bolin Bolin Gallery at Bulleen Art & Garden

 

Fri 5 Feb 10.30am – 12.30pm

SEED SAVING – Heide Museum of Modern Art

Join Dugald Noyes, Heide head gardener, for a hands-on demonstration and talk on how to save and store seeds for propagation. Participants leave with a fact sheet and Heide seeds.

Info and Bookings 9850 1500 info@heide.com.au ^[12]

http://www.heide.com.au ^[13]

BULLEEN

Assemble Sidney Myer

Educ Centre, Heide Museum of Modern Art

7 Templestowe Road

 

Sat 6 Feb        LAUNCH OF “KICK REFLEX OUT OF NATIVE FORESTS – BOYCOTT WOODCHIPPING”

Nippon Paper this year purchased the Maryvale Mill, where seven of every ten trees logged in Central Gippsland and the Central Highlands are pulped for paper, including Reflex paper.

The event will include a launch of campaign materials, bands, BBQ and community picnic.

Organised by the Friends of the Earth

For info or to help out please contact: lauren.caulfield@foe.org.au ^[14]

Venue: VICTORIA’S CENTRAL HIGHLANDS

More details regarding bus travel and car pooling will be released shortly

 

6-21 Feb SUSTAINABLE LIVING FESTIVAL The very best examples of ecological and social sustainability.

The Festival raises awareness and provides tools for change by showcasing tangible solutions to the ecological and social challenges we face through interactive workshops, talks, demonstrations, artworks, exhibits, films and live performances.

In 2009 the Festival at Federation Square attracted over 124,000 visits and engaged more than 450 community volunteers. In its eleventh year, the Festival is getting even bigger!

The 2-week format will enable individuals and communities across Australia to host and promote their own sustainability event, extending the reach of the sustainability message even further.

Get Ready for the Safe Climate Decade!

Info: info@slf.org.au ^[15] (03) 9249 1888   www.slf.org.au/calendar ^[16]

MELBOURNE CBD and various locations

 

Sun 14 Feb 12 noon sharp

LAUNCH OF TRANSITION DECADE – Mass convergence public meeting

The Transition Decade. A ten year social and structural transition that enables the restoration of a safe climate.

How can you be part of creating the transition decade?  Join with a growing network of groups and passionate people who are linking their work to form a collaborative campaign to restore a Safe Climate

•          Sign up: Your organisation or yourself

•          Work together towards the transition decade: With other organisations & projects

•          Spread the campaign: In your sphere of influence (family , friends, colleagues, local politicians etc)

•          Plan your own transition timeline

•          Support the transition volunteer

Info: www.t10.net.au ^[17]

 

Sun 14 Feb – 2 pm

GARDEN SPEAK: SUSTAINABILITY IN THE ARTS – Heide Museum of Modern Art

Join Guy Abrahams, former director of Christine Abrahams Gallery and now presenter for Al Gore’s Climate Change Project, for an engaging discussion on the causes and impacts of climate change and how the arts can show leadership in the community to take action.

Info and Bookings: info@heide.com.au ^[12]

9850 1500  http://www.heide.com.au ^[13]

BULLEEN Sidney Myer Educ Centre

Heide Museum of Modern Art

7 Templestowe Road

 

Sun 21 Feb 3pm

THREE PRESENTATIONS BY BZE

- Zero Emissions Transport by 2020: How do we get there?

- Going Zero Emissions – Local and Global– Also featuring Dr Jacobson via video link from Stanford University in the USA

- Zero Emissions Electricity Grid: How Do We Get There?

MELBOURNE Federation Square

 

(SLS welcomes input from the community on environmental or sustainability activities your group, club or organization is running. To express your interest in having your activity included in the next SLS newsletter please contact Chris Easdown by email project@sustainablelivingspace.org.au ^[1]

Sustainable Living Space Contact Details   Chris Easdown Sustainable Living Space Project Worker   p: 9876 3421 e: project@sustainablelivingspace.org.au [1] w: www.sustainablelivingspace.org.au [18]   Postal Address: Sustainable Living Space C/O North Ringwood Community House 120 Oban Rd, Ringwood North 3134