Randwick Eco-Living Fair 2014 - Sunday 14 September 2014

http://www.randwick.nsw.gov.au/community/whats-on/eco-living-fair/about-the-eco-living-fair

Celebrating all things green and sustainable

Eco-living Fair

Sunday 14 September 2014.
It is held at the Randwick Community Centre located at 27 Munda Street, Randwick.
See Getting there and parking for directions.
Eco-Living Fair will be celebrating its tenth year, and will continue to provide a range of new and popular activities for local residents and their families.
There will be:

• Outdoor stalls promoting and showcasing environmental friendly products from across the Eastern suburbs and wider Sydney
• Family and children's entertainment, native wildlife on show for youngsters to learn about the importance of biodiversity, and sessions on how to save on householders' energy and water bills.

There will also be:

• A Junk Juke Box promoting recycling and anti-litter messages,
• Craft sessions for all age groups
• Composting workshops encouraging residents to sign up to Council initiatives including the Compost Revolution.

Many local partner organisations attend to provide information and conduct formal and informal talks and workshops based on the environmental issues that affect our community in their homes, at school and in the workplace.
Other popular events on the day include Council's Garden Awards, cycling activities and free bicycle maintenance workshops, tours of the Randwick Environment Park and "ask the experts" sessions on keeping bees and chickens and sustainable food production.
More information of the Fair will be available on our What's on closer to the day.

Eco-Living Fair aims and objectives

We hope that people come to the Eco-Living Fair wanting to find out more about how to live sustainably and how to reduce their ecological footprint - particularly energy and water consumption.
Our aim is that every person leaves having learnt something about the environment or a tip about how to tread more lightly on the earth.
Our event is powered by renewable forms of energy including wind, solar and bio diesel and we are giving away over 3000 trees to our visitors to help offset the carbon used in the event's infrastructure delivery and operation.
Food and food scraps will be collected and will provide breakfast, lunch and dinner for our worms in our huge worm farm.
We are also running a book exchange - bring along an old book and swap it for one you haven't read yet.
We encourage sustainable transport and offer a free shuttle bus service and bike valet - so hop on a bus or hop on a bike and get dropped off right at the door.

Eco Living Fair 2013

A big THANK YOU to everyone who came along to the 2013 Eco-Living Fair!
It was a great day to celebrate our community and come together to learn more about the environment and actions we can take to tread more lightly on the earth.
We hope everyone who came picked up some good advice, learnt something new or sampled from one of our many stalls or food trucks.
Take a look at the highlights from last year's Eco-Living Fair.

Household chemical and e-waste drop-off - Marrickville Council

Marrickville Council provides four free drop-off events throughout the year where you can take your e-waste for recycling and dispose of unwanted chemicals safely.

Upcoming events

■Saturday 9 August 2014, 9am–3.30pm
E-waste: Open to ALL residents.
Household chemicals: Open to Marrickville Council residents only.

■Saturday 8 November 2014, 9am–3.30pm
E-waste: Open to ALL residents.
Household chemicals: Open to ALL residents.

Location: Marrickville Council Works Depot, 15-17 Unwins Bridge Road, St Peters

Entry is via Bolton Street and exit via Unwins Bridge Road as it is a left-hand turn only.

Do not leave chemicals and e-waste items outside the gate after opening hours – this is dangerous and will be treated as an illegal dumping matter. No materials can be dropped off or accepted at Marrickville Council Works Depot prior to or after the event.

If you cannot attend on one of the above dates, please visit the NSW Office of Environment and Heritage website for other dates and locations around Sydney. Please note, however, that these events are for household chemical items only and not e-waste items.
For other drop off points for televisions and computers visit http://recyclingnearyou.com.au/computers/MarrickvilleNSW.

Council would like to thank Techcollect who are covering the recycling costs of televisions and computers collected at our next event on Saturday 8 February 2014 under the national product stewardship scheme.

Household chemicals we accept

 Solvents and household cleaners
 Household batteries
 Fluorescent globes and tubes
 Smoke detectors
 Painting and paint-related products
 Pesticides and herbicides
 Poisons
 Gas bottles
 Fire extinguishers
 Pool chemicals
 Hobby chemicals
 Acids and alkalis
 Car batteries
 Motor oils, fuels and fluids

E-waste we accept
 Computers and accessories
 TVs and monitors
 Videos, CDs, DVDs and floppy disks
 Printers, scanners, copiers, fax machines
 Telephones – mobile and landline
 Power tools, including cordless drills etc
 Entertainment appliances
 Household appliances e.g. vacuum cleaners, hair dryers, microwaves
 Cameras and recorders
 Electronic games e.g. consoles, joysticks

What we do NOT accept

 Air conditioners
 Freezers and fridges
 Cardboard boxes and packaging
 Empty paint containers

All brands are accepted. Bring along your electronic item from the home office, entertainment area, kitchen and shed. We also accept electronic toys and gadgets.

Important tips to transport chemicals safely
 Never mix chemicals as this may produce dangerous reactions
 Please remember to pack unwanted chemicals in secure containers to ensure that the chemicals do not leak or spill
 Wherever possible keep all chemicals in their original containers
 Ensure containers are clearly labelled and well sealed. If you do not know what is in the container, label it UNKNOWN CHEMICAL
 Liquid can leak during transport. Wrap containers holding liquids securely in newspaper and place them into sturdy plastic bags, then pack in plastic buckets or trays
 Keep household chemicals away from passengers, e.g. in the boot
http://www.marrickville.nsw.gov.au/Global/Environment/Recycling%20and%20waste/HCCFlyer.pdf

Link to Council Website Details about This Event http://www.marrickville.nsw.gov.au/en/environment/recycling-and-waste/household-chemical-and-e-waste-drop-off/

 

Kogarah City Council (NSW) Sells Bokashi Buckets

This Saturday 19/10/13, Kogarah City Council will be selling Bokashi One Buckets and Bokashi One Mix at the Council stands @ Oatley Village Festival.  See you there!

 

EcoXpo Sustainable Eco Living - 20-22 September SYDNEY

- Thousands of amazing sustainable products and services all under one roof!
- See numerous eco living live presentations by eco-icons and celebrities, engage exhibitors and visitors alike
Friday 20 to Sunday 22 September 2013, Rosehill Gardens Racecourse Sydney

EcoXpo is THE all-inclusive forum of sustainable companies and their customers interested in eco living. EcoXpo creates success and flourishing for our eco friendly companies and customers living green. EcoXpo is a gathering of hearts, minds and soul, embodied by a group of like-minded companies who display and sell their sustainable wares to discerning eco-conscious consumers.

Each company represented at the EcoXpo is a proud owner or user of an organic, natural and/or sustainable brand. Maximum exposure of these green brands is necessary for success, and EcoXpo is the ideal platform for these brands sharing a common sustainable value to showcase the best in each industry.

EcoXpo is a unique experience, a fun and learning event, suitable for the whole family. Exhibitors participating adhere to certified organic, sustainable and good environmental practice and must act in accordance for entrance, to ensure they are genuine participators.

Are you interested in eco living? If you would like to live in a sustainable house and discover the latest eco friendly products and services, then EcoXpo is for you!

Footprints Eco Festival 2013

As  a visitor, I would confirm a great day had by all, last Sunday, in Sydney's Whites Creek Valley Parklands, The sun shone through and it was well delivered,  thanks to all the organisers and contributors.

Where can you buy Bokashi Buckets and Bokashi Mix around Australia?

Loads of places,
see this link for your nearest State, Territory or City Centre.

 

Bokashi Workshop 24 August 2013 - Sutherland Shire Council

When: Start: 8:30AM, 24 Aug 2013 Finish: 12:30PM, 24 Aug 2013

Where: Council Nursery 345 The Boulevarde, Gymea

Cost:FREE

 

*Bookings are essential and are now open. Only open to Shire residents.

Workshop Details

This fun, informative, hands-on practical workshop teaches you how to hold food waste in an airtight 'bokashi bucket,' to transform it into nutrient rich soil conditioner. An ideal composter for people with limited space.

Bokashi in detail

The Bokashi composting bucket transforms kitchen waste into a nutrient rich soil conditioner.

• The Bokashi bucket is a medium sized storage container that stores your kitchen scraps such as vegetable/fruit peelings, meat and more.
• The organic material once placed inside the airtight bucket helps break down your kitchen scraps for several weeks and without the odour of traditional composting.
• The contents can be dug straight into your pot plants or into your garden to improve the soil.
• The Bokashi mix can be used to enhance your existing composting system too. The Bokashi mix increases decomposition by approximately 66%.

Booking Details

Book online here or call  the Waste Education Officer on  02 9710 5782.

Office Tearooms & Canteens

Invest in a Bokashi Bucket for your Office Tearoom or Canteen to help save wasted food going into landfill.  You'll be doing the company profile; and world, a favour.  Where I have seen these implementations before,  they have been very successful.

Generally, you appoint a "monitor" to manage the sprinkling of the grains daily and distribution of the finished waste.  In some occasions, we have heard of much like with the gardening staff for the treasured Bokashi Juice that is collected.

You may be surprised to learn in your organisation that many SME's have a budget for sustainability already and are more than happy to agree & implement this system to canteens.  It saves on waste, and provides benefits for the work site (or workers home gardens)  Message me if you would like further consultation.

To read more about the benefits, both at work and at home, see the leading Australian Distributor (and their reseller details) @ www.bokashi.com.au

If you have a large building with multiple satellite kitchens, then I am more than happy to broker a wholesale purchase price for you with "Bokashi One".

 

New "BOKASHI ONE™" Website Launch (AU)

Great New Aussie Website with loads of helpful information on product, product-use and FAQ's.  Purchase online (for Australian customers only) or search Australian City & Regional locations for Authorised Resellers.  View helpful videos.  Purchase Part's or send an Enquiry.

Gladesville Farmers Market - Sydney, Saturday

Finally got to this groups Riverside Organic Farmers Market last Saturday.  It's been some time since we become aware of this market, but the sun came out in Sydney, so off we went.
Well organised, clean and piped music from somewhere in the background.

Didn't specifically go there to buy anything, but walked away with 1L of Certified Greek Olive Oil and a loaf of excellent Banana Bread.  Generous tastings of both were offered before we bought or made a decision and it was only on leaving the site that we raced back and made our purchases.

Also I wanted to mention the very high quality of produce I viewed from a discreet distance at the Uber Goodness stall.  If I was shopping for veges or fruit on that day, then that would have been my stop...

If you are on the North side of Sydney, then this address is just a spit (or throw) from Lane Cove.  Details of this revitalised Farmers Market address are below:

Organic Farmers Market
Gladesville
Riverside Girls High School
Cnr Victoria & Huntleys Point Road
Gladesville, NSW 2111
Saturdays, 9:00am - 1:00pm

Dr Earth, Newtown, Sydney

Bokashi One Buckets & Mix now available @ Dr Earth in Newtown, Sydney: 287-289 King Street Newtown, Sydney, NSW 2042, Phone: 02 9519 3495.

Leichhardt Council Sells Bokashi Buckets

How can I get a Compost bin, Wormfarm or Bokashi Bucket?

Bokashi Buckets and Bokashi mix can be bought and collected at Council’s Citizen Service Centre or you can download an Order Form below and forward it with payment by cheque to the Citizen Service Centre and your Bokashi Bucket will be delivered.

Willoughby Council Sells Bokashi Buckets

Willoughby Council sells  Bokashi Buckets (plus starter mix) to residents.  Bokashi Buckets cost $64 (includes one bag of starter mix). Bokashi Buckets can be picked up from the Help and Service Centre on level 4, 31 Victor Street, Chatswood.

You can either pay over the counter at the Help and Service Centre by cheque, cash or credit card, or post a cheque to Willoughby City Council, P.O. Box 57, Chatswood, NSW 2057, with a note saying what it’s for and with an address for delivery. To find out more, call 9777 1000. (Please note that all credit card transactions incur a 1% fee.)

Inner West Sydney Organics

I was out on a coffee run this morning with the little one and come a cross two new Organics stores. in Newtown and Petersham.

7 star supermarket
http://www.7starsupermarket.com.au/
408 King Street, Newtown, Ph 02 9565 5521
info@7starsupermarket.com.au


Ok,  well it might not be that new,  but it is the first time I have come across it.  They have another address in Darlo, see the homepage for details.  Big range, bit like a Macro or About Life.  They were open early, even on Australia Day!  There is a blog,  but it's not been updated for months.  Hopefully the guys will get some time to let us know about new products in early 2011.

ubergoodness (UBG)
http://www.ubergoodness.com.au/
31 Gordon Street, Petersham, NSW 2049

Never heard of them before driving past the hidden Petersham doorfront this week.  A specials board was being hung outside by what I can only presume is the co-owner of Uber Goodness: Stephen   Although I have not entered the shop yet,  I spent some time today navigating the website and found they have what looks to be an excellent online shopping service (incl fresh produce) @ http://www.ubergoodness.com.au/. 

According to the website, you can even order online and pick up from the Organic Farmers Market @ Addison Rd Community Centre on Sundays 8.30am - 1.00pm.   I am certainly adding it to my online shopping favs and will let you know the experience.  Well done on the excellent website guys!


Give them both a go,  let me know what you think?

Bokashi Videos

Milestone. Reached 44,421 views on the Bokashi Videos. Visit Green Frog Bokashi for more Aussie Bokashi info

Randwick Council 150th Anniversary

Just a quick wrap up. Weather was fine. Well organised again, as is their annual sustainability event that has been at the community centre.
Good interest in the Green Frog Bokashi Bucket. Jane Saville bought 2 x Green Frog Bokashi Buckets, so they must be good, right?
Have a safe and enjoyable weekend!!

Randwick Council 150th Anniversary

Sunday, 22nd February

Alison Park, Randwick, NSW

Details: The Mayor of Randwick Council Cr Bruce Notley-Smith invites you to a celebration of our past 150 years, our present and our future.

Date: Sunday 22 February, 2009 Venue: Alison Park, Alison Road, Randwick

Time: 10 am – 6 pm

150 years ago Randwick was proclaimed the first municipal council in New South Wales, and we are celebrating! Join in the fun:

10 am event opens with UNSW Regiment Band performance

11 am official opening including traditional Aboriginal smoking ceremony & indigenous dancing speech by the Mayor & historian Pauline Curby African drum circle and interactive show Traditional Chinese Lion Dance Brazilian drumming performance

1 pm Launch of Public Art Project Capoiera show and Brazilian dancing The Rhythm Rides - live blues and jazz

3.35 pm Cavan Te – amazing live band and

4.40 pm The Barry Leef Band – songs of the Doobie Brothers All day activities include • free pony rides and petting zoo • stories from the Dreamtime and boomerang painting • create a wish for the future at the Wishing Tree • free fortune teller readings • interactive Green Farm and market garden stalls • international feast of food • Mission Australia’s 150th anniversary stall – butterfly face painting • bus tour to Coogee Beach

We hope you can join us to mark this historic occasion.

Contact: Events Unit or call 02 9939 0792

Manly Environment Centre

Last weekend there was a couple of big events on Manly Beach. The Fair Trade event on the Saturday, then Manly Ocean Care Day 2008 on the Sunday.

We had the Green Frog Bokashi stand there on the Sunday. Good crowd, good turnout and heaps of positive feedback for Bokashi. This is the 3rd year in a row we have done this event, and it is a premier event on the Sydney sustainability calendar. Moreso, because of the amount of people that are on the corso all day. Walking, running, watching, eating fish and chips.

People come from all over Sydney to Manly for a Sunday out. Ferry, Car, Sydney Busses. Manly has heaps to offer.

Even in the morning, we had nippers in front of our stand, going there their routines with the trainers. Later in the morning there was this mass of surfers, paddling out. No Surf, so I was surprised. Once they got out about 100 metres, they all formed a ring, and they were just sitting on there boards. I was even more surprised. Someone was talking, but I could not hear what these surfers were listening to. Then 1 big chant (exclamation) at the end, sealed the deal. What was it all about? Anyway, I asked my colleague at work this week, and he said it could have been some surfers paying homage to the Bali incident.

Back to the Bokashi subject. Feel free to email us or make a comment through the blog, if you have any queries, questions, concerns or other things you want to get off your chest.

There will be another blog before Christmas, but for all those who are going away, safe journey and don't forget to drain the excess juice off the "Green Frog Bokashi Bucket" before you leave home.

What would you like to see on this blog? Post some Manly photos soon.

Manly Environment Centre

Sydney Organic Market Today - Orange Grove, Leichhardt

Good morning to Sydney, Australia readers. We will be at Orange Grove Organic Food Markets this moning, from 7.00am - 1.00pm. Come and get your Green Frog Bokashi refils for Christmas season, or Green Frog Bokashi Buckets for presents.

We are at the East end near the cnr of Perry and Balmain Rd. Come and say hello!

Green Frog Bokashi Resellers - Australia

Dear all. Happy to report that several more stores and online resellers have been added.
Want to see the product demonstrated? See events page for upcoming Sydney market dates and expos. Have a safe and enjoyable weekend!