SWAP and SAVE on World Environment Day – Sunday 5 June

Have something you don’t want, need, like or have out grown? Then why not swap it at this year’s Byron Shire Council Swap Market. 

As part of World Environment Day celebrations, the free event on Sunday 5 June is being held out the front of Council Chambers in Station Street, Mullumbimby from 9am to 2pm.

Council’s environmental education officer Jude Mason said the last time Council held a Swap Market some great bargains were up for grabs.

“We had plants, vintage toys, blinds, carpet, a dog kennel, roller blades, teddy bears, party dresses, gardening tools and more.”

Ms Mason said this was a good opportunity to swap unwanted possessions versus sending them to the landfill.

“Plus, swapping goods saves energy and water being used to produce a new product.

“It’s true what they say; one person’s trash is another person’s treasure.

“The swap market may snare you a bargain because the second-hand items on offer don’t have an attached price tag.  It’s a win for everyone,” she said.

The Swap Market rules are as follows:

1. Bring up to 3 easy to carry, quality items that you want to swap (clothes, tools, books, toys, CDs, bric-a-brac, ornaments, but no electrical goods please)
2. Register your swap items at the registration desk and receive one token for each item (registration opens from 9am).
3. Choose the item(s) you would like to take and hand your token back to a swap party helper.
4. Electrical goods can not be swapped.

The Swap Market will also have a number of community stalls on display.  Byron Bay Bird Buddies will be on-hand plus catering from Mullumbimby Community Garden, children’s recycled craft activities, Bush Futures, WIRES, Friends of the Koalas, Rous Water catchment model, a reptile awareness display, composting demonstrations and more. And don’t forget to bring a t-shirt for screen printing on.

All ‘un-swapped’ items at the end of the day will be donated to charity.

Residents can also bring along their used mobile phone and printer cartridges for recycling on the day. 

For more information on the Byron Shire Swap Market contact Council on 6626 7077 or visit www.byron.nsw.gov.au/sustainability/swapmarket.

Other World Environment Day events include the 2011 North Coast Energy Forum on 3 June from 9am to 5pm at the Mullumbimby Civic Hall. 

Sponsored by Council, the energy forum aims to raise awareness on how the north coast might become more energy self-sufficient, bioenergy and community owned renewable energy projects. Interested people can register for the forum at www.ncenergyforum.org  or phone 6621 1113.

PLUS, there will be a community tree planting morning on Sunday 5 June at the new Byron Regional Sport and Cultural Complex from 9am to midday. Volunteers should wear enclosed shoes, a hat, gardening gloves and sunscreen. A sausage sizzle for volunteers will be held at midday.  Children are also welcome to attend.