Cycling in the city

Steven Flemming rides into our work on various bikes all very handsome (the bikes, that is). Maybe in the pursuit of handsome, I have noticed Steven wearing outfits to match his particular bike choice of the day. That would be helpful for me. Today I chose my outfit to match the lovely hand-made felt handbag I got at St. Vinnies. But dressing to match my bicycle...seems more suitably post-consumer!
Steven has written a book which should be very interesting. Have a look below. He needs to get some funds up to support it so if you are a cycle in the city type...you can support it and get your name up there in cyberspace as a cycle-space supporter!

Sustainable House Day

A Date for the Diary: Sustainable Homes Day...
On the weekend of the 13th/14th September, houses which are sustainable will open their doors for the public to come in and have a look, and ask questions of the residents. ANZSES (Aust and NZ solar energy Society) are organising some of the tours. Their site has details of tours which may be in your area. http://www.solarhouseday.com.au/
Your local council may also be organising something.

Newcastle city council will be running something at the GAIA Sustainable living demonstration home, which is open every third Saturday of the month generally, and well worth a visit!

Community: A small group of thoughtful ....

"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed citizens can change the world. Indeed it is the only thing that ever has" Margaret Mead

Permaculture Central Coast ran a wonderful day of workshops on Sunday mixed with yummy food, homemade cakes and teas, and music.
The workshops ranged in the areas of Garden, Home, Natural Health, Traditional crafts and Food.
I learned some new native food and medicine plants from Jake Cassar, updated my knowledge on Composting and Worm farming from Lisa Wriley of the Kariong Eco Garden, then I gave a short workshop on Passive Solar design.
After a delicious lunch and music from Jake Cassar, I attended a workshop by Teresa Rutherford on repelling insects naturally, and then Peter Meloy talked about making his existing home(pictured) into a sustainable house. In the picture you can see the photovoltaic cells on his roof. Peter showed us his last electricity bill.. for $8.00 CREDIT!

My overall impression of the day was HOORAY for Permaculture Central Coast. Such a well organised event only cost attendees about $30 for the day, and so much information and hands on knowledge was available. Sometimes I go to similar day-long events held in fancy hotels with gourmet catering , which cost hundreds of dollars to attend, and don't learn nearly enough. I really appreaciate community groups who spend their own time to help others. Good on you.

NEWS + EVENT: Local greenie legend becomes official climate change ambassador

Bernie Hockings, a well-known environmental activist around Newcastle and beyond, has been recognised by Al Gore.
One of only 86 Australians chosen by Al Gore, Bernie now represents his local community as a Climate Change Ambassador.
Bernie is one of the few people I know who has a great head for envisioning environmental change, and then making that change through very practical, apparently simple, but really very smart methods.
He is a green builder, educator, a main player in the creation of the Nationsal Association of Building Sustainablility Assessors (ABSA) and much more.
Bernie will be speaking at a presentation with Sarah Bishop, who is currently walking from Brisbane to Sydney to raise awareness about Climate Change and Earthhour ( Where sydney will turn of its lights for an hour. wow.)
The free presentation will be held on the 17th March, from 2-4pm at Panthers Newcastle.

EVENT: Solar Passive Workshop

Yes, another workshop! I love running workshops, they are such a great way to share knowledge. on the 1st of May Lake Macquarie council is organising a free passive solar workshop, which I will run. Places are filling fast so contact council if you are interested in attending. Ph. 49210144

EVENT: ALL ABOUT GREEN ENERGY &PASSIVE SOLAR SOLUTIONS

I will be running afew workshops in the Hunter region this year.
If you live in the Blue Gum Hills region (Maryland, Fletcher and Minmi) you might like to come along to the workshop I will be running there on Wednesday April 18 (in the school holidays) From 12 noon-2pm.
ALL ABOUT GREEN ENERGY &PASSIVE SOLAR SOLUTIONS:
Learn about the different options available for your home (eg. appliance, passive solar measures and simple lifestyle changes) to save energy and how you can use your power bill to invest in a renewable future for your children (and theirs).
You will need to book for this workshop so call 49742837 if interested.

EVENT: Green Energy Workshop

I will be running a green energy workshop, organised by Newcastle City Council, on the 27th of March, from 5.30-7pm.
Some of the things I will cover :
-reducing energy use in the home
-generating renewable energy from your home
-options for purchasing renewable energy
The venue is yet to be announced.
Please contact Newcastle City Council closer to the date for details.

EVENT: Greenbuild & Eco Show Exhibition and Conference 2006

Next Weekend! :
the inaugural National Greenbuild & Eco Show Exhibition & Conference 2006

Fri June 9th - Sun 11th June 2006
Rosehill Gardens Exhibition Centre
Sydney Australia

Greener Homes - Greener Living - Greener Planet

http://www.greenbuildshow.com.au/newsletter04/

EVENT: Passive solar workshop

On Saturday 17th June, from 1-4 pm, I will be running another workshop at the Newcastle EcoHome.(69a Hobart St, New Lambton)
This will be about Passive Solar design for the typical urban home.
The workshop will be as practical as possible, and as specific to the participants as possible.
Some of the topics covered will be:

() Understanding your location and the orientation of your home
() Thermal properties of building materials
() How heat is gained and lost in your home
() Sun shading
() Natural ventillation
() Saving energy and money by improving the passive solar qualities of your house.

All houses are affected by the sun on its journey through the day, and the year.
We can take advantage of this natural energy by modifying our homes to encourage shade, sunshine, heat and coolness.
Solar passive design is governed by the laws of thermo-dynamics and enhanced by creative thought.
Save energy and money by learning how to apply solar passive design to you new or existing home

If you are thinking of coming to the workshop, please draw a rough floorplan of your house and bring it along on the day. If you have any questions about the workshop, please click the "comments" link below.

EVENT: Nature Philosophy Long Weekend

Making fire from sticks and blisters, twine from plant fibre and spit, creeping blindfolded through the forest, what a great way to spend the long weekend! A small group of us were taught all this and more by Kate & Sam, students of Tom Brown. It was good to become immersed in the philosphy and spirit which encourages many of us to live a sustainable lifestyle. For information on further courses, email naturephilaustralia@yahoo.com.au

NEWS: Rainbow Warrior in Australia to build Clean Energy Revolution

Rainbow Warrior sails to build the Clean Energy Revolution

JOIN US ON BOARD THE RAINBOW WARRIOR

The Greenpeace flagship the Rainbow Warrior sails into Australia at the
end of July and will be open for visitors.

The Rainbow Warrior will be visiting Australia to help tackle climate
change by building the Clean Energy Revolution. We would like to invite
you, your family and friends to tour the boat.

FREE OPEN DAY

When:

Sydney – Saturday 23rd July
Newcastle - Saturday 30th July No. 1 Throsby Wharf
Melbourne - Saturday 13th August
Adelaide - Saturday 27th August


Time:
10am to 4pm each day

Please note: Venues are to be advised and as the Warrior may be called
into action at any time dates may change. For venues and confirmation of
dates please check greenpeace.org.au/events or call 1300 797
978.