Archive for the ‘Newsletters’ Category
Sustainable Gardening Australia newsletter
New Look SGA Website
Please help us to get the new site working as quickly as possible.
We are currently replacing our website with a new, flasho blog site… something that will allow you all to interact with SGA (and with each other) far more than you ever have. There are going to be teething problems as with any new system, and we would appreciate it if you could let us know about any dud links or missing pages by emailing cuttings@sgaonline.org.au . Thanks, and enjoy the new site!
Bigtime Backyard Biodiversity – Part II
As we continue to party like it’s 2009 in celebration of the International Year of Biodiversity, SGA want to get your backyard croaking…with the sound of native frogs of course! Australia has some fantastic froggy fauna, so why not share your habitat with some happening amphibians? See http://www.sgaonline.org.au/?p=650
Stripping in the Suburbs – Nature Strip Plantings
Turn your footpath into a food forest, your parking space into a productive patch or your wheelie bin wasteland into a native plant wonderland. Cool councils are giving this the green light….find out more about funking up your footpath! http://www.sgaonline.org.au/?p=1152
Everybody Needs Good Neighbours – Companion Planting
Once the realm of the hardcore, hippy, home gardener, companion planting is now an incredibly popular practice – from beginner gardeners right up to large-scale agriculture. But, despite its popularity (it’s huge in Europe), companion planting is often misunderstood, misused and misrepresented as the “cure-all solution” to problems in the patch. So, what’s it all about, how and why does it work, and where can I buy the SGA Companion Planting Chart? http://www.sgaonline.org.au/?p=583
March in your Patch
Wherever you live in Australia, March is a great time to head outside and into the patch. Now that the thrill of the Winter Olympics has died down, and the edge is off the summer heat (for most of us), there is no excuse not to get cracking in the patch this month. http://www.sgaonline.org.au/?p=338
Coriander – A Runaway Success
For anyone who loves Asian, or Asian-inspired cooking, coriander is an absolute must have in your Yummy Yard! This fast growing annual, with a head a bit like Italian parsley, is an awesome backyard buddy. Its welcome in my kitchen anytime (unlike my dog, who isn’t!).http://www.sgaonline.org.au/?p=50
Citrus Leafminer
As our citrus are growing, and their fruit is showing, many gardeners will notice unsightly squiggly silvery trails on their once-fantastic foliage. As Summer fades to Autumn, the Citrus Leafminer gets down to business, leaving a silver trail of destruction in it’s wake.http://www.sgaonline.org.au/?p=1304
The SGA Crew Head to the Zoo – Werribee Workshops Autumn 2010
Have you ever wished you were hanging out with Cape Barron Geese and Zebra’s while learning about sustainable gardening from SGA’s talented trainers? Well, your wish is our command! Sustainable Gardening Australia is presenting a series of workshops at Werribee Open Range Zoo (VIC) during Autumn 2010, and you’re invited! These workshops have a Werribee Plains focus and are designed to encourage participants to become more sustainable within their own backyards and local community. Each workshop will focus on a different topic such as Garden Plants for the Werribee Plains; Creating Habitat Gardens and Gardening in Low Rainfall Areas.
Workshops are $10 each, which includes zoo entry and walking tours that will be conducted in the Zoo’s sustainable gardens – how good is that! Local friends groups will also be on hand to assist participants in learning about the uniqueness of the Werribee Plains area. Please refer to the flyer below for details of each workshop. Places are filling fast, so don’t delay, book your spot today!
Click here to book a workshop.
Click here for more information, session times and dates etc.
What are you doing this National Tree Day?
From caring for our coasts and beaches to building a home for native animals, to growing a garden in the grounds of a school, there are endless opportunities and experiences that volunteers can enjoy this National Tree Day. Celebrating its 15th year in 2010, Planet Ark is calling on keen gardeners to coordinate tree-planting sites or provide ongoing care to the many thousands of existing native trees and shrubs which have been planted as part of National Tree Day.
By taking part, you’ll have the opportunity to share your expertise and teach future generations how life is better with trees. This year’s National Tree Day, sponsored by Toyota will take place around the country on Sunday 1 August. Planet Ark is asking active gardeners who are looking for a way to make a positive environmental difference, to register as Site Coordinators. Get your local school, sporting or church group together and ask your local council if they can provide you with some land to care for and seedlings to plant.
Site Coordinators are required to organise and supervise their registered tree-planting site. Planet Ark provides support to all registered Site Coordinators through its National Tree Day Hotline and website, where downloadable resources and a step-by-step guide, as well as tools to help you promote your tree planting, are readily available. For an information kit visit http://treeday.planetark.org or call the National Tree Day Hotline on 1300 88 5000.
Shop til you drop… in the comfort of your own home!
Sustainable Gardening Australia is proud to announce that we have boldly leapt into the 21st century with the launch of our very own ONLINE SHOP! There are a range of products available, including our enormously popular Yummy Yards book and our fantastic SGA Companion Planting Chart, with more SGA items being added weekly. Our secure online payment system (thanks NAB) and prompt shipping service (thanks Helen) mean that the SGA Online Shop is the place to be for all your sustainable gardening purchases. Check it out today… http://sgaonline.cart.net.au/
Become an SGA Champion of Change… make a difference today!
People are becoming increasingly concerned about climate change and the state of our planet. But what to do to make a difference? By gardening sustainably we can all make a positive contribution to the health of our planet. Signing up as an SGA Champion of Change can have an immediate and lasting impact on our environmental footprint. With your help we can influence government to adopt more sustainable practices in your community. Read all about it and register online at www.sgaonline.org.au/?page_id=819
Talk it up!
Got a gardening question you need answered? Want to connect with other gardeners in your neck of the woods? Want to have a yarn about the bigger issues, share some photos, and make some new friends? Well, SGA has just the thing! Check out our online discussion forum, with hundreds of members just itching to have a chat and discuss your (gardening) problems. So go on, what are you waiting for… get chatting at www.sgaonline.org.au/phpbb/
CERTIFIED SUSTAINABLE GARDEN CENTRES
For a full list of SGA Certified Garden Centres visit www.sgaonline.org.au/?page_id=81
SGA is a Carbon Neutral Organisation
Transport is one of the largest contributors to greenhouse gas emissions in Australia (Australian Greenhouse Office). Research has shown that trees, over time, absorb carbon dioxide emissions. SGA staff record their fuel consumption each year and plant the equivalent number of indigenous plants to offset those emissions. To find out how many trees you need to plant check out the Carbon Neutral Program Calculator at www.carbonneutral.com.au. More info at www.sgaonline.org.au/?p=831
Visit SGA on the web at www.sgaonline.org.au
Green Razor 117 – The PrePeat Printer, Sustainable Living Festival, Dryers vs Towels, Bondi SLSC Goes Solar
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ATA Bulletin: ABC TV providing help for sustainable living projects
ABC TV providing help for sustainable living projects
Dear ATA Members,
ABC TV program Can We Help? is searching for people and stories where we might be able to help fulfil a wish!
For four years the program has reunited families and friends, made people’s dreams come true and provided expert advice to the curious minded. Whoever the person, whatever the age be it 4 or 84, whatever the dream we’d love to hear about it. Are there sustainability experts you have always wanted to meet? A community project you need help with? Is there anyone you want to surprise? The program does not have a huge budget, but please let us know and maybe we can help.
Here are some examples from Series 4:
Michael, ill with cancer, wrote to us telling us about his wife Dympna – his full time carer, financial support and best friend. Dympna is a keen gardener and Michael asked if we could arrange for his wife to meet Peter Cundall in their home vege patch. Michael has since passed on, but Peter Cundall now mentors Dympna, providing garden tips. (Episode 31)
A mum accidently washed her sons Geelong footy jumper which had all the players signatures on it. She wrote to us to see if we could ask the players to re-sign the jumper. (Episode 12)
A man wrote in on behalf of his wife who always wanted to drive the Council Bus. We surprise his wife with lessons on how to drive the bus and she is now off and away helping the community! (Episode 37)
If you would like to watch these stories to get a feel for the “Help Wanted segment” you can head to
http://www.abc.net.au/tv/canwehelp/video/
We would love to hear from you.
Please write to canwehelp@your.abc.net.au (you must mention that you are an ATA member)
or address your letters to:
Can We Help?
“Help Wanted segment”
GPO Box 9994 Perth WA 6848
Thank you. The CWH Team
www.abc.net.au/canwehelp
You have received this email because you are an ATA member or subscriber to ReNew magazine or Sanctuary magazine.
ATA advocates on behalf of its members who are making sustainable choices in their own homes and who benefit from the experience of others in the ATA network. ATA publishes ReNew: technology for a sustainable future, and Sanctuary: sustainable living with style magazines which are read by over 100,000 people across Australia.
If you don’t want to receive bulletins like this from time to time, please let us know. Ph (03) 9639 1500 or email maddie@ata.org.au
ATA – Alternative Technology Association
A not-for-profit organisation promoting renewable energy, sustainable building and water conservation since 1980.
ABN: 57 533 056 318
Level 1, 39 Little Collins St, Melbourne, 3000
Reception: 03 9639 1500
Fax: 03 9639 5814
ata@ata.org.au
www.ata.org.au
ATA Bulletin: Help the ATA install a wind monitoring system in Sunshine
Help the ATA install a wind monitoring system in Sunshine
In 10 days the ATA will start work installing a 34m meter high wind monitoring system at the Sunshine Energy Park in Melbourne’s west. The system will be used to record wind data for 12 months as part of a site assessment of a potential wind energy development at the site.
We need four or five volunteers to help with a variety of tasks over two days. No experience is required, and it is a great opportunity to learn about wind monitoring, wind energy and wind turbines from a couple of experts, Craig Memery (ATA’s wind energy specialist) and Trevor Robotham (Sun Wind and Power, wind and solar energy installer).
Schedule
The installation will take place Tuesday 16th and Wednesday 17th of Feb, from about 9:30am until 5:30pm (subject to weather conditions and site access).
To minimise management and site access issues, volunteers will be required for a minimum of 4 hours at a time. Lunch and a transport allowance will be given to those who are available for a full day (6-8 hours).
There may also be the opportunity to help with preparations on Monday the 15th, and additional site visits to test the system later in the week or on the weekend.
Tuesday 16th tasks include:
loading (offsite) and unloading (on site) of equipment
preparing ground anchors and tower base
preparing and assembling the tower and gin pole
fitting and aligning sensor mounts
raising, levelling and lowering the tower
Wednesday 17th tasks include:
fitting the sensors and signal cables (3 anemometers and 1 wind vane)
wiring up and programming the data logger
raising and levelling the tower
connecting and configuring the wireless communications
testing and commissioning the entire system
Additional tasks over both days include:
documenting of system configuration and site data
head scratching, problem solving and troubleshooting
ideally we will have someone to take photos and/or video at all times so we can document the whole adventure in ReNew and on our website
we need a designated safety officer, at all times on both days (one volunteer could perform both of these roles)
What to bring
enclosed footwear
long sleeve shirt
sun, rain and wind protection
hot and cold weather gear
bring snacks to eat during the day as food cannot be purchased on or near the site. Lunch will be provided for full-day volunteers
drinking water will be provided on both days.
Personal Protective Equipment (hard hats, high vis vests and gloves) will be provided, please advise if you can bring your own
camera or digicam
Interested?
To volunteer, or for more information, contact Craig Memery on craig@ata.org.au or 9631 5418 before 12:00PM, Wednesday 10th Feruary..
Carbon Neutral e-news February 2010
If you are having difficulty reading this newsletter click here
Carbon Neutral e-news
February 2010
In this issue
>> Carbon Neutral 2009 Annual Report
>> Effectively managing your IT and carbon emissions willl save you more than just money
>> Carbon Neutral goes ‘carbon neutral’
>> What happened in Copenhagen?
>> Energising WA Conference
>> Sydney goes green with solar
>> UN International Year for Biodiversity
>> Accredited carbon offsets
>> Carbon Neutral gift certificates help to revegetate rural Australia
>> Green wash ALERT
>> Hottest decade on record
>> Global Footprint Network
>> Meat production and greenhouse gas emissions research
>> Understanding Carbon Seminar Melbourne 2010
>> Carbon Neutral helps leading media company go green
>> Business carbon news straight to your inbox
>> Buildings to get energy efficiency rating similar to appliances
>> Living Greener government website
>> Follow Carbon Neutral on Facebook
>> VIDEO: What’s Carbon Neutral really all about?
>> Things you can do at home to reduce greenhouse gas emissions
Carbon Neutral 2009 Annual Report
To see our new 2009 Annual Report click here >
Effectively managing your IT and carbon emissions will save you more than just money
Carbon emissions management, is now firmly embedded in many organisations and has moved beyond a feel good activity to a due diligence matter. Soon, carbon will be budgeted and controlled in the same way as business finances, with the identification of initiatives to reduce emissions and, of course, costs. Benefits of managing carbon emissions include waste reduction and better control of resources, enhanced public relations as well as meeting future regulatory requirements. Many businesses however are focused primarily on the cost savings and other financial benefits carbon management can bring an organization. One clear focus area is information technology (IT).
Carbon Neutral can help your business take control of your energy costs with its Carbon Reduction Programmes. To find out more call: 1300 851 211
> Click here to find out more
SGA Newsletter February 10
Sustainable Gardening Australia Newsletter, Edition 82: February 2010
Get Festive with Great Green Gifts!
The United Nations (doers of good all over the world) have declared 2010 the International Year of Biodiversity, and we couldn’t be more excited! Biodiverdsity is essentially the variety of life on earth, and we humans have the ability to protect it or destroy it. Australia is a recognised global hotspot for biodiversity, with over 85 distinct bioregions that sustain 22,000 native plant species, 86,000 insect species, 800 bird species, 900 reptile species and much else besides. To celebrate the International Year of Biodiversity, and help you get pumping in your patch, SGA are kicking of the year with some biodiverse backyard bushfoods, allowing you to have your habitat and eat it too!
http://www.sgaonline.org.au/info_bushfood.html
Gardening in 2010 – New Yard Resolutions
We’ve all been there – 12.05am on the first day of the New Year always seems the perfect time to make bold announcements about what we are or are not going to do for the upcoming year. But, as the Dutch Courage wears off and January turns to February, New Years Resolutions seem to fade into the past like slurred verses of Auld Lang Syne. So, this year, instead of making a series of personal resolutions you won’t keep, why not turn your attentions to the garden? To give you a kickstart, we’ve whacked together a list of New Yards Resolutions – ten top tips for the patch and the planet in 2010. No bad singing, cheap champagne or party hats required!
http://www.sgaonline.org.au/newyards.html
Food Security – A Global Problem with Local Solutions
Food security is a term that, like global warming and climate change, we are going to hear a lot of in 2010, and with good reason. But, unlike a lot of earth threatening issues that seem just too big for an individual to make a real difference, there is so much each and every one of us can do to ensure food security for our families, our communities and the planet. Find out about food security, and how we can all make a difference here.
http://www.sgaonline.org.au/info_security.html
Parsley – Grow Your Own Garnish
As herbs go, parsley is generally not regarded as one of the more exciting plants in the patch, but the reality is far different. Like the author, parsley is versatile, good looking, hardy, easy to grow and doesn’t drink much (ok, that’s where the similarities ended). Have a go at growing your very own garnish this month. Parsley – you can’t go past it.
http://www.sgaonline.org.au/yy_parsley.html
Early Blight of Tomatoes
As our tomatoes begin to bear the fruits of their (and our) labours, unlucky gardeners may notice this little blighter about the place. As attractive fungi go, Early Blight of Tomatoes ain’t going to win any prizes, and can be downright disastrous to toms at this time of year. Get up close and personal with this freaky looking fungus here:
http://www.sgaonline.org.au/info_tomatoblight.html
Cool Tips for a Hot Month of gardening – February in your Patch
As we ease back into the new year after a lovely break, it’s time to hit the patch with a wee bit of planting and a whole lot of planning. Brave the heat and show your garden you care this month – hug a tree, whack a weed, maintain your mulch, watch your watering and fix up fallow beds. For all your fab Feb tips and tricks, check out this month’s February in your Patch, perfect for wherever you happen to be across Australia!
http://www.sgaonline.org.au/info_inyourpatch_february.html
Mary Trigger – SGA CEO is G Magazine Eco Hero!
“Faster than a speeding snail!
More powerful than a home made chilli spray!
Able to leap tall poppies in a single bound!”
Our very own Mary Trigger is now officially a sustainability superhero!
The unsung guru of the gardening world, SGA CEO Mary Trigger has been named as one of G Magazine’s Top 20 Eco Heroes, an accolade that celebrates Australians paving green paths, inspiring others and achieving big things in sustainability. Mary has been recognised for her fantastic work at the helm of SGA, and the great work she, and the organisation, have done in bringing sustainability to gardeners across Australia.
On the award, Mary said “I am truly honoured by this accolade, and while SGA have achieved great things so far, there is a lot more to come from this organisation and my fantastic team. After all, we do not inherit the Earth from our ancestors; we borrow it from our children”. Good on you Mary, we always knew you were a legend!
The SGA Crew Head to the Zoo – Werribee Workshops Autumn 2010
Sustainable Gardening Australia is presenting a series of four workshops at Werribee Open Range Zoo (VIC) during Autumn 2010. These workshops have a Werribee Plains focus and are designed to encourage participants to become more sustainable within their own backyards and local community. Each workshop will focus on a different topic such as Sustainable Garden Design; Garden Plants for the Werribee Plains; Creating Habitat Gardens and Gardening in Low Rainfall Areas.
Workshops are $10 each, or $35 for all 4. Included in the workshop cost are zoo entry and walking tours that will be conducted in the Zoo’s sustainable gardens. Local friends groups will also be on hand to assist participants in learning about the uniqueness of the Werribee Plains area. Please refer to the flyer below for details of each workshop.
Click here to book a workshop.
Click here for more information, session times and dates etc.
Shop til you drop… in the comfort of your own home!
Sustainable Gardening Australia is proud to announce that we have boldly leapt into the 21st century with the launch of our very own ONLINE SHOP! There are a range of products available, including our enormously popular Yummy Yards book and our fantastic SGA Companion Planting Chart, with more SGA items being added weekly. Our secure online payment system (thanks NAB) and prompt shipping service (thanks Helen) mean that the SGA Online Shop is the place to be for all your sustainable gardening purchases. Check it out today… http://sgaonline.cart.net.au/
Become an SGA Champion of Change… make a difference today!
People are becoming increasingly concerned about climate change and the state of our planet. But what to do to make a difference? By gardening sustainably we can all make a positive contribution to the health of our planet. Signing up as an SGA Champion of Change can have an immediate and lasting impact on our environmental footprint. With your help we can influence government to adopt more sustainable practices in your community. Read all about it and register online at www.sgaonline.org.au/champions.html
Talk it up!
Got a gardening question you need answered? Want to connect with other gardeners in your neck of the woods? Want to have a yarn about the bigger issues, share some photos, and make some new friends? Well, SGA has just the thing! Check out our online discussion forum, with hundreds of members just itching to have a chat and discuss your (gardening) problems. So go on, what are you waiting for… get chatting at www.sgaonline.org.au/phpbb/
PLEASE – TELL YOUR FRIENDS!
We now have over 10,000 subscribers to Cuttings, but we’d like a lot more. So please spread the word – Cuttings is free and there are no strings attached! www.sgaonline.org.au/spreadtheword.html
DIARY DATES
For all event & workshop information go to http://www.sgaonline.org.au/phpbb/viewforum.php?f=18. To advertise a gardening event for free, contact helen@sgaonline.org.au
CERTIFIED SUSTAINABLE GARDEN CENTRES
For a full list of SGA Certified Garden Centres visit www.sgaonline.org.au/certifiedgardencentres.html
SGA is a Carbon Neutral Organisation
Transport is one of the largest contributors to greenhouse gas emissions in Australia (Australian Greenhouse Office). Research has shown that trees, over time, absorb carbon dioxide emissions. SGA staff record their fuel consumption each year and plant the equivalent number of indigenous plants to offset those emissions. To find out how many trees you need to plant check out the Carbon Neutral Program Calculator at www.carbonneutral.com.au. More info at www.sgaonline.org.au/carbonneutral.html
Visit SGA on the web at www.sgaonline.org.au
Ethical Update – Jan 2010 – Sustainable Living Festival events
Update. January 2010
New Years resolutions …
A new year – a chance for a fresh start. Even though almost a month has passed, it’s not too late to take on some healthy challenges. The ‘Good Guide’, as US web resource, has put together 5 key resolutions for the new year with the theme ‘Live Well, Do Well’.
Number 1 is to ‘research products’ – find out about the things you buy and delve deeper into the issues that you are concerned about. Use our print guide and database as a starting place. Find out more about the Good Guide’s other four resolutions here.
Join us at…
Sustainable Living festival
Join in the Festival ‘s Main Event at Melbourne’s Federation Square from 19-21 February. Showcasing a huge range of exhibitors, talks, workshops, art, films and performances celebrating and inspiring sustainable communities. > Download Main Event Highlights Guide
Pre-festival events
The Festival has expanded its program with a range of new local events. Visit local sustainability events in your town, suburb or street during the fortnight from 6-21 February. > Download Local Events Highlights Guide.
Find out more at http://festival.slf.org.au
Ethical Consumer Group events
‘Shopping with a Conscience’ City Supermarket Tours
Tuesday 9th & Tuesday 16th February 5.45pm-7.30pm
Talks:
Consumer Power – Making the Change
Saturday 20 February 2pm, Feast Tent
Living Zero Waste – Beyond A Disposable World
Sunday 21 February 2pm, Feast Tent
> Download ECG Events Guide for details
Feast hub
As in previous years, we’ll be based in the Feast Hub on the main event weekend, located next to the Feast Outloud Stage where food related presentations and talks are held. It’s a place to find further resources on issues related to food and everyday consumerables. We’re looking for people to help out in this space over the course of the weekend. Contact Nick if you’re interested. nick@ethical.org.au
News….
Western Australian GM ban lifted
Western Australia has become the third Australian state to allow farmers to plant genetically modified canola crops. The decision brings WA into line with NSW and Victoria, where farmers have grown GM canola commercially since 2008, and leaves only two states, South Australia and Tasmania, with bans on GM crops. more.
(See Genethics for a register of GM-Free Farms, Businesses and Councils, to help you find GM-free products and services.)
Kraft to buy Cadburys
British chocolate firm Cadbury is likely to end the six-month takeover battle by accepting the $21 billion bid from the US food giant Kraft Foods when Cadbury shareholders vote on the proposal on February 2. If succesful, this will create the world’s largest maker of chocolate and sweets. more.
Green & Blacks to expand fairtrade range
28 Jan 2010. Organic chocolate maker Green & Black’s has pledged to switch its entire worldwide food and beverage range to Fairtrade by the end of next year. Green & Black’s chocolate is certifed organic but only it’s Maya Gold has been certifed Fairtrade as well. (Green & Black’s is owned by Cadbury and so it’s unclear whether Kraft will continue with Cadbury’s plans to increase it’s Fairtrade range if the takeover goes ahead). more.
Coming up ….
New print guide
The 2010 edition of ‘The Guide to Ethical Supermarket Shopping’ will be available in mid February. With updated company information, a more detailed rating system, and two new categories – Alcohol and Office Supplies – it might be just the thing to help you navigate through the issues connected to your everyday purchases. Pre-order from the website.
Shop Ethical! iPhone app
For all you gadget-fiends out there, you’ll be able to check out the guide on your iPhone or iPod-Touch. Available soon.
Ecomarket & Community Hub
The Friends of the Earth Eco Market project, originally focusing on a regular sustainable alternative to supermarket shopping, now includes the setting up of a Community Hub with cafe, food co-operative & grocery store. A weekly Saturday market style operation will start at the South Melbourne location in early to mid 2010. More info on the project is available here
Events ….
Kick Reflex out of Native Forests
27th Feb 2010 – Boycott Woodchipping Campaign Launch. Japanese paper giant 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 the manufacture of paper products, including Reflex paper. These forests are vital habitat for threatened species, water catchments for both local communities and Melbourne, and if left intact, are safe and efficient carbon banks in a time of climate crisis. It is time to protect these forests. Contact lauren.caulfield@foe.org.au or call 9419 8700 for more info.
Carrot Mob in Melbourne
What is “Carrotmob” I hear you say? … “a method of activism that leverages consumer power to make the most socially-responsible business practices also the most profitable choices”. Sounds good. Hows it work? You with a bunch of others turn up to a designated store at a particular time and buy a lot of whatever you want (need). The store has committed to spending a percentage (say 20%) of all the revenue brought in on the day on energy-saving measures or something similar and earth-friendly. It’s pretty simple. Buy things you already buy. Help make the world a better place. The Melbourne mob will be hosting a ‘Carrotmob – Your Vote to Launch It’ event on the 13th Feb. more at http://melbourne.carrotmob.org or on the wider movement http://carrotmob.org
T10 – the Transition Decade – Launch
We now stand on the edge of major ecological tipping points that could manifest over the next decade. At the same time Australians have a long history in demonstrating an ability to overcome enormous challenges when faced with great adversity. Get ready for the Safe Climate Decade 2010 – 2020. The launch of this 10 year campaign to restore a safe climate is on Sunday 14 February at 12pm in the Melbourne Town Hall. More at www.t10.net.au
Quote…
“Man is born free and everywhere is in chain stores” ……………… Graffitti
———————–
See news and print guide updates at http://www.ethical.org.au/news
To view this newsletter online go to www.ethical.org.au/newsletters/jan2010.html
To unsubscribe from our newsletter please visit our website www.ethical.org.au/newsletter/
Homegrown – The Art of Gardening Sustainably
An exhibition of Sustainable Garden Art
Homegrown -
The Art of Gardening Sustainably
5 th February to 14 th March 2010
Exhibition opening Thursday 4th February, 6 to 8pm
To be opened by Deborah Halpern, well known Melbourne sculptor.
Special Guest: Jane Edmanson, Garden Presenter, Author, SGA Patron.
RSVP essential meredith@baag.com.au or 9850-8165 by 1st Feb (may need to limit numbers if high response due to limited parking & space)
This is an exhibition of art designed to get us to think about gardening sustainably – and to spread the word about and raise funds for SGA (Sustainable Gardening Australia).
Bolin Bolin Gallery at Bulleen Art & Garden,
6 Manningham Rd W., Bulleen. 98505155.
www.gallery.baag.com.au
The Art
We have artists who are passionate about living sustainably and are exhibiting works in various media which respond to the idea of gardening sustainably, particularly growing our own food. Artworks range from vibrant colourful paintings of cabbages to ceramic cabbages, to photographs of carrots, to sculpture in clay or recycled metal, to intricate botanical illustrations to paintings of gardens. Artists include well known artists as well as SGA supporters.
For more information on this exhibition, please go to the exhibition section at http://www.gallery.baag.com.au or click here
SGA does fantastic work helping us be sustainable in our back yards .
But, the big effort now is the new program of SGA PODS – or local neighbourhood garden groups, mainly focussed on helping each other grow our own food. For more information on PODs visit www.sgaonline.org.au/pods.html.
We hope to raise some funds at this exhibition to help them continue this vital work, – commission from all sales will be donated, as well as visitor contributions (both financial and as a volunteer, or pro bono), by becoming an SGA Champion of Change.
This is your chance to become a part of the team which is
Developing the POD garden group program
Further improving the Web site
Writing the monthly newsletter
Implementing Environmental Accreditations
Developing the Green Up Product Guide
For more information go to www.sgaonline.org.au .
Food Swap at the Convent
We held a monthly food swap at the Abbotsford Convent Farmers market during the second half of 2009. It was great fun & we are hoping to establish a POD to run this. ( A POD is a gardening group that take a Productive, Organic, Diverse and Sustainable approach to the way they garden.)
If you are a regular to the Farmer’s Market or would like to be part of the group, please let us know. We will be conducting a food swap on the 4th Saturday of every month.
It would be great if we could have a dedicated group of individuals heading along to not only share food but also knowledge and skills.
We envisage the POD program as a way for gardening groups all over Australia to connect through SGA.. For more information on PODs, have a look here www.sgaonline.org.au/pods.html
If you are interested in joining us please email pods@sgaonline.org.au.
ATA Newsletter
ReNew magazine’s summer DIY competitionsThe search for the best DIY bicycleEntries close February 7, 2010. Electric bicycle enthusiasts, we want to hear from you! ReNew magazine invites you to enter the DIY electric bicycle competition. We’re looking for the best designed electric bicycle conversion! Send a high resolution photo along with a 200 word description of your bicycle to renew@ata.org.au. Criteria: We’re looking for a finished working bicycle that can be used on a day-to-day basis. Novel use of materials will be given extra credit, for example, the use of solar panels as an energy source (see photo). Thought should be given to the safety of the bicycle as well as compliance to local laws (such as restrictions on electric bike power, which is 200 watts maximum in most states). Prize: The winner will receive a $150 gift voucher from online environmental store Todae www.todae.org.au Winners will be announced in issue 111, to coincide with ReNew’s electric bicycle buyers guide. Write about your DIY project and win a solar charger valued at $325
We are looking for good build-it-yourself style articles and will award a solargorilla (courtesy of powertraveller,www.powertraveller.com.au) to the author of the best article we receive for issue 111. If you have a project, simple or complex, electrical or mechanical, that has appeal to do-it-yourselfers and involves renewable energy or water conservation in some form, then send it in. Please include good quality photos with your entry. Entries must describe completed working projects. Please keep submissions under 1500 words. A copy of ReNew’s contributor guidelines can be downloaded here Send your entries to: ReNew, Level 1, 39 Little Collins St, Melbourne VIC 3000, or email to renew@ata.org.au. |
ATA Check and compare Victorian feed-in tariff contract offers
To check out and compare the details of the various feed-in contract offers by Victorian electricity retailers, go to www.mefl.com.au/documents/Vic_FiT_Survey-Dec09.pdf ATA will be conducting a review of all national feed-in tariff contracts in the next few months. Should you have any queries regarding feed-in tariffs in Victoria or nationally, please do not hesitate to contact Damien Moyse, ATA Energy Policy Manager at Damien@ata.org.au or on (03) 9631 5417. |