Another nugget from our recent overseas trip…

I recently met up with a Melbourne developer designing a green map website utilising Google Maps to allow users to view sub-catagories of environmental and sustainable organisations in their area (or other areas of course). Currently the project is in beta, but as he’s local, I shall make sure we post about it here when it’s ready.

In the meantime I came across a flyer in NYC about a similar (and further developed) project called Green Map. The site is divided into two sections, one containing existing created maps and one showing you how to create your own. As far as I could see there were no Australian entries, maybe it’s time we got together and did.

Lets do it!

I really like these book plant holders, a great way to recycle old books as they can rot down into theearth. I’m totally making some of these!

Possibly one of the most lovely balcony gardens I have seen…

You can view more shots of it and find out the details here

The ‘In the Hot-House’ festival combines the celebration of music, art, craft, dance, films and food with an exploration of the environmental and social challenges that exist in our own backyards and around the world. Learn how to take action on climate change as some of the best of Melbourne’s environmental and community groups show you ‘What you can do’ and present alternatives perspectives on the crises facing us today.

The festival program continues at the picturesque and inspiring CERES Environmental Park. The program is busting at the seams and consists of art, music, workshops, food, drink, films, children’s entertainment and much more including the premiere performance collaborative performance project with two Moreland based schools, Voices of our Future.
Festival Highlights Include:

Music from The Conch, Orkeztra Glasso Bashalde, Radiant City and more.
Collaborative art projects across the site including Photography, Sculpture and Found Art with contributions from the ‘Outsiders Guide’, Sudeep, Ero, Peter Hutchinson and more coming
‘Voices of our Future’ schools drama performance

Children’s Clown, face painting and kids workshops

Food and drink from local and sustainable companies, including the infamous Good Brew beer bike
Workshops on a wide variety of subjects from environmental issues, open source technology, radical craft, alternative thought, green renting, Slow living and activism.

Run a workshop
Community stalls to inform and educate. Apply for a stall
Film night showcasing short films on environmental and social issues (6.30pm, Sat 18th)
Chris and I are running a “Green Renters” workshop and i am involved in a huge craft installation teaching people to embroider! Stayed tuned for more details.

A little off topic, but thought I’d link to a fascinating article about what various cities around the world are doing to improve the future of their residents and the world around them…

What a surprise, no Australian cities…

Read more

Turn off your lights and any non-essential electrical appliances between 8.30pm and 9.30pm on Saturday 28 March, 2009.

Earth Hour 2009 will only be a success if we have wide support from every section of the community – households, businesses, governments and not-for-profit groups – and huge participation.

We have a target of one billion people worldwide to “switch off” but we need your support.

Please register you support at www.earthhour.org/australia

The first Earth Hour in 2007 reached more than 2 million people in Sydney. In 2008, it’s estimated that between 50 and 100 million people around the world joined Earth Hour by switching off their lights and turning appliances off stand-by. Earth Hour 2009 aims to reach 1 billion people in over 1,000 cities.

This global vote for action in the lead up to the UN Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen helps prove to world leaders that the public wants strong action to be taken on climate change.

In 2009, Earth Hour will be truly global.

After having between 50 and 100 million people around the world taking part in 2008, we’re now setting ourselves a target of reaching one billion the world over.

More and more countries will register their participation as the campaign continues.

 Is Earth Hour just for the big cities?

Another little plug for Green Pages magazine in the shape of their green wedding tips. Cate and I Initially attempted to keep our wedding as green as possible, but it usually rapidly sprials out of your control, so befire you start on down the rocky road to the big day have a think about these tips…

• More eco friendly invitations – everyone knows that the right paper stock is one of the most important decisions you can make when it comes to pre wedding day planning. But instead of going for a heavy card stock with environmentally damaging gloss or matte, consider if you need to have paper invitations at all!
• Many wedding websites have sprung up to allow couples to plan their day and give guests all the information they need in paper saving electronic format. Couples can upload photos, tell their special story and direct guests to their registry on line. Many also have an RSVP feature so you can manage your list with a few clicks of the mouse. You and your mother can argue over background colours and menu patterns to your hearts ‘content!
• A “green” wedding dress – The right dress makes the memories. That doesn’t mean you need to spend a small fortune (not to mention create a heavy environmental cost) with a tailor made piece that will just sit in your wardrobe for years to come. Consider vintage pieces or family pieces, there is nothing more sentimental to your mother, than walking down the aisle in same dress she wore back in the day. (You can tailor and amend it to suit your own taste and fashion of course!) Meanwhile, some companies create beautiful custom made pieces from sustainable fabrics , such as hemp, bamboo or organic cotton. Some even “upcycle” older gowns.
• Ask for gifts that give back – Do you really want to face the possibility of ending up with two chip dippers or a variety of toasters that you’ll have some trouble returning? You can use your special day to promote some well deserving charities and eco causes. Ask your guests to make a donation to your favourite in lieu of presents, then you can be sure you’re getting the exact model of kettle you want!
• Look for seasonal and organic flowers – Consider the season when picking your flower arrangements. Out of season arrangements are often shipped from overseas adding to miles and emissions. There are also a number of issues regarding the ethics of the cut flower industry, with many sources citing cheap labour and unfair work conditions. Australia is abundant with beautiful species of wattles, banksias and colourful kangaroo paws for a truly unique look. Better yet, go organic!
• Look for organic food – Organic caterers are all the rage. They provide some of the best food that you know is pesticide free and delightfully delicious. Look for a baker that uses organic eggs and flour and other sustainable ingredients.
• Pick an eco venue and minimise emissions from transport – Pick a venue that’s easy to get to and encourage your guests to carpool, or better yet, provide some shuttle bus transport yourself. Having the reception in the same place as the ceremony also cuts down on travel and emissions.
• Eco friendly rings – Eco is a girl’s best friend. Lots of great companies “up cycle” jewellery from older pieces. Take in an old family heirloom and have it recrafted to create your own one of a kind piece.