World Environment Day

5 - 7 June 2009

World Environment Day is commemorated each year on 5 June and is one of the principal vehicles that stimulates worldwide awareness of the environment. Council is coordinating 2009 World Environment Day celebrations under the theme 'Living Landscapes - yours to discover'. Local businesses, artists, historians, ecologists, community groups and individuals with a passion for the environment have come together in support of the event so check out the fun-filled weekend of activities, adventure mountain bike rides, kayaking and sailing, an art exhibition, outdoor movie, story telling, wildlife spotting, indigenous cultural tours and a whale education breakfast at Cape Byron Headland.

World Environment Day Recognition

5 June 2009

Byron Shire is one of the most biodiverse regions in NSW and a hub of grassroots sustainability. As part of 2009 World Environment Day celebrations, Byron Shire Council will recognise the efforts of local businesses, individuals and community groups that promote sustainability and environmental protection at a recognition ceremony from 2pm on Friday 5 June at Council Chambers in Mullumbimby.

All nominees have been chosen by the community so come out to show your support for our local environmental advocates who build our community and support sustainability outcomes.

Competition Winners

Last edition we asked you to send through your favourite eco-lifestyle tip to go into the draw to win a free Green Cleaning kit!

The winners are Kaye and Dave with the following tips:

• To clean out oily saucepans and keep dishcloths clean, use scrunched up paper waste to wipe out the grease. This will help keep anaerobic bacteria away from your greywater areas (Kaye G).

• Use pure soap to wash the dishes and reduce packaging as well as save money. Just put the cake of soap beneath the flow of the tap when filling the sink to get frothy washing up water. One cake of soap lasts for weeks (Dave R).

Congratulations! To collect your prize, please give Graeme a call on 02 6626 7305

Sustainable Farm Tour

21 June 2009

Byron Shire has a wide variety of farms and many are close to local towns and villages. Sustainable farming methods need to address environmental, social and economic sustainability issues. Join the sustainable farm tour and hear how local farmers are managing these issues in our Shire. A bus will collect participants from the Byron Shire Council carpark in Mullumbimby at 8:45am and return by 4:00pm. Lunch and morning tea will be provided and the workshop is free!

Bookings Essential: Call Wendy Gibney on 02 6626 7028 (Mon or Wed) or 02 6684 1805 (AH).

Rainforest Rescue Community Planting

2 August 2009

Come on out to the Crystal Castle, Monet Drive, Montecollum, (near Mullumbimby) on National Tree Day - Sunday the 2nd of August 2009 and join the tree planting celebrations. Help Rainforest Rescue plant 500 trees and create a rainforest. An activity suitable for all ages. So bring the family and help restore the Big Scrub rainforest.

Food Production on Public Land - Community Working Bee

1 June 2009

Have you visited the Food Production on Public Land site around Council Chambers in Mullumbimby? The public garden space aims to trial the replacement of standard landscaping species with edible plants for the community to enjoy.

To give the garden a bit of attention, we will be meeting down on the site from 10am - 11am on Monday 1st June. Bring the garden gloves and come join us for a causal weeding session and cup of warm lemon grass tea harvested straight from the garden!

Enquiries: Graeme Williams call 6626 7305 or email sustainability@byron.nsw.gov.au

Eco Fact:

Did you know that a typical air conditioner costs $265 a year to run. Compare that to $18 a year for 6 ceiling fans.

G-Magazine 2008

"The first rule of sustainability is to align with natural forces; or at least not try to defy them"

Paul Hawken

Tell your friends. To subscribe to this free newsletter, send an email to sustainability@byron.nsw.gov.au with 'subscribe' in the subject.