10 Easy & Fun Ways to Go Green
Photo courtesy of Wyndham City Council
Residents and visitors who enjoyed the Green Living Series in
Wyndham this year will be thrilled to know that the program is back from 7 February to 28 March 2015. For first time participants, this series of over 20 FREE sustainability, environmental tours and other green living events across the municipality will illustrate how easy it is to be green. You can get simple, practical and useful tips, information and advice from experts that save you money on water and energy bills, reduce household waste, clean your home and control pest in the garden. Here are 10 events to help you get started. Which ever event or activity you choose, there's definitely something to suit your 'green' fancy. Spaces are limited so book your spots now.
Werribee Park Heritage Orchard Fruit Tree Workshops - Fridays in February & March
Photo courtesy of Werribee Park Heritage Orchard Inc
Head over to
Werribee Park Heritage Orchard every Friday in the month of February and March if you're interested in grafting fruit trees. From 10am to 12pm, expert horticulturist Craig Castree will share techniques and tips on summer pruning and fungal control in addition to grafting in the surrounds of this beautiful antique orchard dating back from the 1870s at Werribee Park. Simply turn up to join Craig.
Upcycling Workshop - 7 February
Gaye Naismith / Photo courtesy of Craft Victoria
Held at Iramoo Community Centre from 9.30am to 12.30pm, this workshop will help you refashion your old jeans into other useful handmade items. Local designer Gaye Naismith who gives old jumpers and dressing gowns a second chance at life through her Gaye Abandon label will help you upcycle your unwanted denim into a jeans skirt, a shoulder bag, a baby's bib or a set of coasters. Sewing machine and materials are provided. Simply bring 1 or 2 pairs of old jeans, sharp scissors, quick unpick, pins, sewing needles and thread. Reserve your space
here.
Nestbox Making and Backyard Biodiversity - 7 February
Photo courtesy of Birdlife Australia
Urbanisation has affected the biodiversity in Melbourne including the wetlands and grasslands of Wyndham. This workshop encourages and provide the knowledge for participants to use their backyards as habitats for the native wildlife. Held at the Wyndham Civic Centre from 10am to 1130am, you will learn about some of the common species found in your backyard and also complete a nest box to take home. The use of native plants also require less maintenance and watering compared to exotic gardens. Reserve your space
here.
Beginners Guide to Backyard Chooks - 14 February
Photo courtesy of Edible Gardens by Craig Castree
Head over to Eco Living Centre and join gardening expert Craig Castree from Edible Garden Design for a workshop on rearing chooks in your own backyard. From 10am to 12pm, you will pick up tips and techniques of chook husbandry including what breeds to buy, growing your own feed and safe housing against predators. Morning tea and lucky door prizes are also included for attendees. Reserve your space
here.
Sustainable Open House Day - 15 February
Photo courtesy of The Off Grid Solar House
To learn how to create your own self-sustaining house without ever needing to pay the power bill, make a visit to the
Off Grid Solar House in Little River. Here, a family of four has been able to contain all the power they need to run their home and appliances from the sun. Don't miss the rare opportunity to visit this private home and the family from 10am to 2pm. Book your space
here.
Grow your own Herbal Teas - 17 February
Karen Sutherland / Photo courtesy of Edible Eden Design
If you always wanted to make your own herbal teas, then join Karen Sutherland from Edible Eden Design at Featherbrook Community Centre from 7pm to 9pm. This expert with over 25 years of experience in edible gardening will share tips and techniques for growing a selection of herbs and using them in teas. Karen will also discuss the health benefits of different herbs and procedures for drying them. Reserve your space
here.
Western Treatment Plant Tour - 28 February
Cape Barren Goose at the Western Treatment Plant / Photo courtesy of Melbourne Water
A highlight of the Green Living Series is the tour of the Western Treatment Plant in Werribee from 10am to 12pm. In addition to being internationally recognised as a world leader in technical and environmental innovation, the Plant is one of the premier birding sites in
Australia. You will learn how the plat works and also visit the Ramsar-listed wetlands which attracts tens of thousands of birds from around the world. Reserve your space
here.
Introduction to Urban Beekeeping - 21 March
Photo courtesy of Federation Square
If you always wanted your own apiary in the backyard, then head over to Penrose Promenade Community Centre. From 10am to 12pm, you can learn what it takes to manage your own hive including bee behaviour, hive construction, equipment, hive management and much more. Soon you'll be able to enjoy some home grown honey like the urban beekeepers in
Federation Square. Afternoon tea and lucky door prizes are included for attendees. Reserve your space
here.
Pay Less on your Electricity Bill - 24 & 28 March
Photo courtesy of Wyndham City Council
Lighting the West is hosting 2 energy efficiency workshops as part of the Green Living Series from 6.30pm to 7.30pm at Wyndham Park Community Centre. You will learn the latest energy efficiency tips to save money on your electricity bill. You can also bring in your recent bills for analysis and discussion with the energy experts. Register for the workshop
here.
Mount Rothwell Tour - 27 March
Photo courtesy of Mount Rothwell Conservation and Research Centre
Head over to Mount Rothwell Conservation Centre at 7.30pm for a special tour of the largest predator-free ecosystem in Victoria and home to many of Wyndham's endangered species. You will learn about what the Centre does and go on a guided night walk to see quolls, bandicoots and potoroos when they are most active. Wear comfortable walking shoes and bring a torch. Reserve your space
here.
