Sustainable Living Space

Business Survey

admin — Sun, 21 Feb 2010 08:09:12 +0000

The Sustainable Living Space Project is investigating ways to support businesses in the outer east to operate more sustainably. As part of this process, we are surveying businesses from the outer east region to determine their level of interest and involvement in environmentally sustainable practices in their workplace, and ways in which the Sustainable Living Space Project can support sustainable business practices

cforms contact form by delicious:days

SUSTAINABILITY TRAINING TERM1, 2010

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Date	Course	Provider	Time	Contact
Feb-11	Draughtproof your Home	Sustainable Living Space Project	7-9.30pm	9876 3421
Feb-26	Ethical Shopping	Sustainable Living Space Project	10am – 1pm	9876 3421
Term 1,2	Permaculture Design Cert	Yarrunga Community Centre		9722 8942
Mar-04	You Too Can be a Green Domestic God/dess	Sustainable Living Space Project	9am – 3pm	9876 3421
Mar-04	Biodiversity impacts of climate change	Yarrunga Community Centre	7–8.30pm	9722 8942
Mar-10	Lights and Insulation	Sustainable Living Space Project	7-9.30pm	9876 3421
Mar-18	Home energy audit – green loans	Yarrunga Community Centre	7–8.30pm	9722 8942

Mar 11,18	Grow your own Vegetable and Herb Garden	Park Orchards Learning Centre	10.30-11.30am	9876 4381
	100acres walking tour	Park Orchards Learning Centre		9877 4381
18-Feb	Recycling for Savings	Bulleen & Templestowe Community House	9.30am – 12.30pm	9850 3687

Term2	Permaculture	Arrabri Community House		9294 7530
Feb 3 – MaR 24	In the Garden	Arrabri Community House	10am – 2pm	9294 7530
	Herb Garden	Arrabri Community House		9294 7530
14 Feb or 12 Mar	Cheesemaking	Arrabri Community House	9am – 4pm	9294 7530
Every Wed	Arrabri Nursery Sales	Arrabri Community House	10am – 2pm	9294 7530

USERS GUIDE TO LIVING SUSTAINABLY – MARCH

admin — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 03:01:42 +0000

Users Guide to Solar Hot Water

Presenter : Kevin Fregon

Heating Water for domestic use represents a large part of our home energy use. By installing a solar hot water system, we can make substantial savings to our energy bills as well as making a difference to our ecological footprint. This session will explore a range of issues concerning installing solar hot water systems on your home or appartment

Wednesday March 3, 7.30pm – 9.30pm

North Ringwood Community House, 120 Oban Road, North Ringwood

Users Guide to Water Tanks

Presenter: Jenny Francis

Are you considering harvesting rain water by installing a water tank? This is the workshop for you. In this session we will explore the reasons for catching rain water, how to choose the right tank for you, where to locate your tank, as well as installation and flow maintenance issues.

Wednesday March 10, 7.30pm – 9.30pm

North Ringwood Community House, 120 Oban Road, North Ringwood

Users Guide to Grey Water

Presenter: Jenny Francis

We can reduce our water consumption by reusing our grey water in our garden. There are some limitations to the use of grey water. In this workshop, we will explore the reasons for reusing grey water, the composition of Greywater, Garden friendly grey water, distribution techniques, as well as your plants and grey water

Wednesday March 17, 7.30pm – 9.30pm

North Ringwood Community House, 120 Oban Road, North Ringwood

Our Presenters:

Kevin Fregon from the Moreland Energy Foundation has researched solar water heating systems and draws on this experience to present this session

Jenny Francis who coordinates a conservation group at Sassafras has been developing and teaching courses on sustainability for 15 years. Jenny has a Masters of Environmental Science which includes environmental hydrology and is a permaculture enthusiast. She and her partner are developing their property in the Dandenongs using sustainability principles. Jenny has always been an advocate of water tanks, is currently “off mains” and has recycled grey water for over 15 years. Her experience includes simple diversion systems to a sophisticated natural worm farm approach which recycles all “waste” water to the garden. She places particular emphasis on the use of environmentally friendly cleaning products in the home.

For more information, please contact North Ringwood Community House on 9876 3421 or project@sustainablelivingspace.org.au

February Newsletter

admin — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 04:34:21 +0000

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.

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

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

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.

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

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

Web: www.greenfleet.com.au

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:

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

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

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 www.ects.vic.edu.au

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

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

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

http://www.gallery.baag.com.au

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

http://www.heide.com.au

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

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 (03) 9249 1888 www.slf.org.au/calendar

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

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

9850 1500 http://www.heide.com.au

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

Sustainable Living Space

Contact Details

Chris Easdown

Sustainable Living Space Project Worker

p: 9876 3421

e: project@sustainablelivingspace.org.au

w: www.sustainablelivingspace.org.au

Postal Address:

Sustainable Living Space

C/O North Ringwood Community House

120 Oban Rd, Ringwood North 3134

DRAUGHTPROOF YOUR HOME – FEB 11

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7.30pm – 9.30pm

PRESENTER: Maurice Beinat – from ECOMASTER

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.

DRAUGHTPROOFING YOUR HOME – FEB 11,

admin — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 03:11:38 +0000

7.30pm – 9.30pm

PRESENTER: Maurice Beinat – from ECOMASTER

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.

December Newsletter

admin — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 03:08:41 +0000

Welcome/project update

Welcome to the December 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 Showerhead and Light Exchange, Victorian Government Rebates, NT Women’s Ceremonies, Community Harvest and Green Building Fund and Walk Against Warming.

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

Sustainable Living Space Events

SLS Green Film Night

The SLS Green Film Nights will resume in 2010.

Please let us know of any film titles that would appropriate for the Green Film Night for us to follow up.

SLS Retrofitting Workshops / Community Meeting – 11 Feb

In 2010, the SLS will host a series of workshops introducing how to make your home more sustainable in conjunction with our Community Meeting. The workshops will be presented by Maurice Beinat from Ecomaster. In these workshops, Maurice will draw from his experience in retrofit upgrades to discuss the principles of each step in retrofitting your home, as well as the pros and cons of the various products available. The workshops reflect the sequence which Maurice recommends to follow when you are renovating to make your home more sustainable. These workshops are a must if you are interested in living more sustainably.

FEB 11: DRAUGHT PROOFING

MAR 11: LIGHTS AND INSULATION

MAY 13: WINDOWS

For more information, please enquire to North Ringwood Community House on 9876 3421 or to project@sustainablelivingspace.org.au

What would you like to know?

Please send your ideas to project@sustainablelivingspace.org.au

Sustainability Grants and Rebates

SHOWERHEAD AND LIGHT EXCHANGE

VIC GOVT REBATES

AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT ENERGY EFFICIENT HOMES PACKAGE

For more information: www.environment.gov.au/energyefficiency

Sustainable Living Space Calendar of Events

FEB 11: DRAUGHTPROOF YOUR HOME

7.30pm – 9.30pm

PRESENTER: Maurice Beina- ECOMASTER

Gold Coin Donation

FEB 27: ETHICAL SHOPPING

10.am- 1.00pm

Manningham Healthy Lifestyle Festival

City of Manningham – Heide Room

PRESENTER: Bernadette Thomas

Do you care about where and how the goods you but 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.

MAR 4: YOU TOO CAN BE A GREEN DOMESTIC GOD/DESS 9.30am – 3.00pm

City of Manningham Healthy Lifestyle Festival

Manningham City Council – Function Room 3

Cost: $5

It’s easy being green when you know how! Our presenters will let you into their secrets about how to use environmentally friendly cleaning products, domestic goods and consumable items in your sustainable home. Our presentations will include Trinature products, Melrose Health organics as well as household items. Cath Connelly will inspire with the Celtic Harp.

MAR 11: LIGHTS AND INSULATION

7.30pm – 9.30pm

PRESENTER: Maurice Beinat – ECOMASTER

Gold Coin Donation

There’s more to lighting than a ‘light’. The lights you have may not only be energy guzzlers, they could be wasting your heating and cooling through draughts and displacement of insulation.
Low voltage lights, spot lights and regular filament bulbs are all power hungry for the amount of light they produce. We will discuss the relative merits of the various types of lights and various replacement solutions for your home. We will also consider a range of insulation options for your home, including wall, ceiling and floor insulation, with respect to the appropriate R-value for where you live.

APR 17-8: DEEP ECOLOGY WORKSHOP

9.00am – 5.30pm

PRESENTER: JOHN SEED (Rainforest Information Centre)

Deep ecology is a philosophy of nature which sees that underlying the environmental crisis is the psychological and spiritual disease stemming from the illusion of separation between humans and the rest of the natural world. In this workshop we participate in a series of processes and rituals that dissolve the separation between persons and planet using music , poetry, personal sharing, experiential and creative exercises.

Cost: $200 waged / $100 unwaged

For more information, contact project@sustainablelivingspace.org.au or 98876 3421

The Green Building Fund

Round 2 open until 12 January 2010 at 5pm

Applications to either stream will be accepted up to 5pm local time on the publicised closing date. Further round dates will be published as they are finalised. Description: The Green Building Fund program is one of the three elements of the $240 million Clean Business Australia initiative. The other elements are the Climate Ready Program and the Re-tooling for Climate Change Program. The Green Building Fund ($90m over 5 years) aims to reduce the impact of Australia’s built environment on green house gas emissions, by reducing the energy consumed in the operation of existing commercial office buildings. The program will provide grants through two streams of activity.

Stream A: targets owners of existing commercial office buildings. It supports them to reduce their energy consumption, by retro-fitting and retro-commissioning of these buildings. Grants ranging from $50,000 to $500,000 are available, for up to 50% of project costs.

Stream B: targets relevant industry associations. It will provide a limited number of grants to develop the knowledge, skills or capability of those involved in the operation of commercial office buildings, to improve energy efficiency and reduce emissions. Grants of up to $200,000 are available, for up to 50% of project costs.

Contact: Further information about the Green Building Fund please contact the AusIndustry hotline on 13 28 46 or email hotline@ausindustry.gov.au.

HOME SUSTAINABILITY ASSESSMENTS – GOVERNMENT PAID FOR!

The Australian Government is offering all home owners and renters a FREE energy audit.

This can determine where you may be using energy inefficiently in your home as well as providing information on ways to reduce your energy usage by promoting energy efficient practices and helping you create a more comfortable home.

Enjoy the benefits of a greener more energy efficient home and book your FREE Home Sustainability Assessment today!

What will you get?

This independent assessment by a qualified expert assessor will provide advice from the smallest behaviour change to major investments such as a solar hot water system or photovoltaic panels. The assessment is valid for six months.

What is involved?

The assessment involves the physical inspection of major energy and water systems relating to thermal comfort, water heating, lighting, refrigeration, cooking, entertainment, water efficiency and outdoor consumption, and waste management. The data is entered into a sophisticated assessment software tool to allow environmental impact calculations.

How long does it take?

Each assessment should take around 1.5 hours to complete.

How can I book for an assessment?

Call 1800 985 076 for referral to local assessor

‘No interest’ Green Loan from the Australian Government

Many households who take up a Home Sustainability Assessment may be interested in taking out a NO INTEREST loan to undertake the home improvements suggested in the assessment report. The government covers the interest on borrowing of up to $10,000 for a period of up to four years.

For more information : www.environment.gov.au/greenloans or call 1800 985 076

Other news

LIVING WITH THE BUSH

This is a new coalition of individuals and groups who believe that Improving community safety in the face of increasing risk from bushfires is not a choice between human welfare and environmental integrity. This is a false choice and if pursued will result in giving people a false sense of security while ignoring other more important safety measures.
“We are an independent coalition of like-minded people who love the bush and want to continue to live in it. Bushfire safety is a big part of our lives. But we also know that wanton removal of vegetation is not a panacea”.
Extra info and to sign up to their charter: http://livingwiththebush.org/dp/

Community Harvest Website

– now online at www.communityharvest.org.au

Feeding our hearts, communities and environment, as we feed ourselves.

The site is still under construction and contains information about local food and community.

Key features of the site to enjoy and share now are:

events calendar
video material
Relevant links and articles

Features that are in development:

Local food directories for the Yarra Ranges, Cardinia, Casey, Wider Melbourne, Victoria and Australia local producers, restaurants and retailers that stock local foods, local-food community groups, community gardens
Food Maps – listing local producers according to their area, community gardens, food-related community groups, local food businesses and more…
Interactive forum – so you’ll be able to connect with others to share information, ask questions, solve problems and more, through a network of like-minded people…
Newsletter – most likely a quarterly or bi-monthly update to help you stay on top of latest issues, opportunities, news and more…
Information about the Community Harvest Project – where we’re coming from and why, goals, strategies, and actions…
Resources on growing and processing food, working with your community, starting local-food businesses and community initiatives.

Kerry Dawborn

The Community Harvest Project

On behalf of all involved with the Sustainable Living Space Project, we wish you a safe and happy Festive Season and a Happy New Year.

Ivitation to Desert Women’s Business at Yulara NT

26^th to 30^th March, 2010

“The time has come,” says Nellie Patterson, Pitjantjatjara Elder from Central Australia (pictured above), “for us to come together as sisters, so we invite you to join with us, to come and sit, to come and listen, to witness and learn.”

This means that we come with an open heart and an open mind as we participate in activities such as bush tucker, craft, painting, singing and dancing. And yet in doing this we will be learning much more about our sisters and how they interact with their world.

You also need to be aware that there will be a certain amount of discomfort (no comfy armchairs or showers!) Much of the time we will be sitting on the Earth so think deeply whether your body is prepared for a journey away from the supports that you are accustomed to having around.

Total cost for this cultural experience is $985, which includes money to be shared with our Aboriginal sisters, for their food and service to us. A deposit of $400 is required by 26th January, 2010 and the balance of $585 by 5th March 2010. (No refunds after 26^th January, 2010)

For information & bookings please contact:

Lorraine Moses

0428 406009

Email: lorrainemoses1@bigpond.com

Keeping you in touch with sustainability activities in your community.

12 DEC: 12 NOON

WALK AGAINST WARMING & HUMAN SIGN

NOTE: Please wear white or light-coloured tops and hats
The Walk Against Warming is one of Australia’s biggest days of community action on climate change. Similar Walks will be happening across the country, and across the globe as communities everywhere come together to tell their leaders they want action for a safe climate

This December, our world leaders are gathering to decide how much they’re prepared to do about climate change.

As World Leaders are gathering to discuss what action they are prepared to take on climate change, we’ll be walking down Swanston Street to Princes Bridge, where we will form a giant Human Sign to send them a message that Australians want a safe climate future.
Join thousands of Victorian individuals and families concerned about climate change for The Walk and to form a massive human sign on Princes Bridge – a sign so big they’ll get our safe climate message all the way over in Copenhagen.

Let’s make Melbourne’s Walk Against Warming HUGE…

RSVP: www.waw.org.au

To get involved contact: Victoria McKenzie-McHarg, Environment Victoria, 9341 8112 or 0428 480 409 victoria@envict.org.au

12 DEC: 9.00 – 9.30pm

CANDLELIGHT VIGIL

Melbourne City Square

Bring posters, signs, candles to mark the end of the Walk Against Warming day

As part of a weekend of climate action organized with our partners at TckTckTck, people all over the world will gather at iconic and strategic locations in their communities. Together, we will light candles of hope to stand in solemn solidarity with the citizens of the nations whose very survival is threatened by the climate crisis.

These nations are calling for a “survival pact,” for commitments by the developed world to cut emissions enough to get the atmospheric concentration of CO2 back to 350. They know the simple, mathematical truth of global warming: 350 = Survival

For other vigils and to see if there is a vigil near you that you can take part in, see: http://www.350.org/australia-map

Sustainable Living Space

Contact Details

Chris Easdown

Sustainable Living Space Project Worker

p: 9876 3421

e: project@sustainablelivingspace.org.au

w: www.sustainablelivingspace.org.au

Postal Address:

Sustainable Living Space

C/O North Ringwood Community House

120 Oban Rd, Ringwood North 3134

You Too Can Be a Green Domestic God/dess

admin — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 01:20:21 +0000

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

When: Thursday 26 November

From: 9.30am – 3.00pm

At: Federation Estate, Greenwood Ave, Ringwood

Cost: $20 (includes lunch)

Bookings: North Ringwood Community House

120 Oban Road, North Ringwood

Tel: 9876 3421

Please book by 24 November 2009

(Brought to you by the Sustainable Living Space Project)

PROJECT WORKER’S REPORT TO COMMUNITY FORUM

admin — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 23:58:57 +0000

Sustainable Living Space Project – A Community Learning Partnership

1 Project Partners

North Ringwood Community House , Park Orchards Community House , City of Maroondah, City of Manningham, Eastern Volunteer Resource Centre

2 Aim of Project

-To develop strong partnerships between the partners

•Identify whether the community needed an environmental education and resource centre in the Outer East

•Develop a strong and sustainable community environment network in the Outer East

3 Community Engagement Tools

•Community Survey – 384 surveys returned

•Focus groups

•Community Worker brainstorm

•Key person interviews

•Collaboration charts

4 Building relationships and networks

•Green Film Night

.Festivals – eco bus tours, garden tours

5 Survey Findings

•90% responded some degree of concern about environment

•96% feel in some way informed about how to live more sustainably

•Water conservation, greenhouse and climate change most important issues

•24% aware of local resources

•72% – local environmental education, community based activities would encourage them to be more sustainable

•56% concerned about water and climate change, 17% biodiversity, 14% waste/litter

•56% felt somewhat informed on how to live sustainably, 21% very informed

•69% were involved in environmental activities – association with increasing age, and involvement in envtal activities

•Most of this involvement was at home

6 Findings re Environmental Education

•72% indicated that they were not aware of educational opportunities in the outer east

•What would encourage people to learn to live more sustainably?

oCommunity Based Events 25%

oLocal Environmental Education Resource Centre 24%

oPractical Advice in the home 24%

oMore info on Local Environment Groups and Activities 23%

•70% would access an environmental education centre in the Outer East

7 Focus Group Findings

•Discuss benefits of sustainable living space in the Outer East

–Economic – space for emerging technologies

–Social and Cultural – sharing, cooperation, social connection, meeting space for groups, learning and fun

–Environmental – independent “one-stop-shop”, help people make informed decisions, provide catalyst for more sustainable choices •Key Person Interviews

•Process should be community driven

•Use skills that exist within the community

•Create hub for information, workshops, campaigns

•Bring key people together

•Networking, sharing, connecting is vital for success

•Reduce isolation of small groups

•Communities working together

•Options for Consideration

•Project Governance

•Community Forum for further input into project

•Transition Towns Approach – research

•Explore other initiatives – BLEEP, Yarrunga CH, Ted Ajani Reserve

•Interim Actions – website, e-news, green film night /ecotours, explore potential sites and funding options

SUSTAINABLE LIVING SPACE 2009

Implementation of Findings

1.Education

2.Establishing an Environmental Education Resource Centre

3.Business – explore relationships with green business

1 Education Program

Project aims to resource Community House network as education arm

•House Coordinator’s Forums

– identify needs and interests of houses

– agreed common fees policy

– participating houses advertise all programs

– guest speakers

•Coordinated program of courses offered across 2 municipalities – SLS resource houses with tutors and course ideas if required

•SLS developing workshops – Green Domestic God / Goddess, Ethical Shopping, DIY Retrofit your Home,

2 Environmental Education Resource Centre

•Developing relationships with community groups and key community members

•Development of monthly SLS e-newsletter

•Community Forum

•Green Film Nights

•Website

•Shopfront ERC instead of Enviro- Park model

•Explore options with Council considering proposal re office space

2010 and beyond –

Where to from here?

OCTOBER GREEN FILM NIGHT

admin — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 02:43:54 +0000

Fast Food Nation

Inspired by the incendiary bestseller that exposed the hidden facts behind America’s

fast food industry Fast Food Nation takes an eye-opening journey into the dark heart of

the All-American meal. It traces the birth of an everyday, ordinary burger through a

chain of riveting, interlocked human stories – from a hopeful, young immigrant couple

who cross the border to work in a perilous meat-packing plant, to a teen clerk who

dreams of life beyond the counter; to the corporate marketing whiz who is shocked to

discover that his latest burger invention – “The Big One” – is literally full of manure.

As the film traverses from pristine barbeque smoke labs to the volatile U.S.- Mexican

border, it unveils a provocative portrait of all the yearning, ambition, corruption and

hope that lies inside what America is biting into.

http://www.foxsearchlight.com/fastfoodnation/

The next movie night will feature the film ‘What Would Jesus Buy?’ – 7pm,

Tuesday 24th November at Manningham Civic Centre, 699 Doncaster Road, Doncaster