World Environment Day

Dear Eco-Warrior Bloggers,

Tomorrow (5^th June 2012) is the United Nations World Environment Day!  The theme this year is the Green Economy, Does it include you?

In case you are wondering about what exactly is a 'green economy', the official definition is one that results in 'improved human well-being and social equity, while significantly reducing environmental risks and ecological scarcities.’  A green economy is about sustainable economic growth.

You may be wondering, how can I celebrate this day in my own personal way?  The World Environment Day makes us reflect on our own contribution towards sustainable economic growth.  In its very theme title, the World Environment Day invites us to consider our own involvement towards ensuring a Green Economy.

As well as recognising the great work already being done by leaders in this field, let's hope tomorrow sparks further commitment and enthusiasm towards ensuring a Green Economy around the world.

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) website has loads of ideas how individually and collectively we can make a difference this week.  Potentially you may be inspired to take even a small step to raising awareness about World Environment Day, for example by posting a link on social media  like facebook.

You can find out about World Environment Day here: http://www.unep.org/wed/

Sustainability in Schools - Resource AuSSI Vic Program

Dear Eco Warrior Bloggers,

What better way to engage the next generation in working towards sustainability and a greener future, than to start in schools!  Banksia Gardens has been running a 'Sustainable Schools' program, otherwise known as the Resource Smart AuSSI Vic Program.  I recently met with two of the program's educators to find out more.

The ResourceSmart AuSSI program is about helping schools, both primary and secondary, become environmentally friendly.  The Program is managed by the Victorian Government through Sustainability Victoria.  It involves a holistic approach and focuses on various modules:

• Core Module (Information Gathering and Planning)
• Energy
• Water 
• Biodiversity
• Waste

There is a 5 Star Sustainability Certification system that participating schools can attain through completing the modules.  The Program was initiated by Ceres, the Community Environment Park, around 10 years ago.   It has since been implemented around Melbourne and last year expanded to include schools in the Hume City Council.  Details of the ResourceSmart AuSSI Vic (Sustainable Schools) Program can be found:

http://www.ceres.org.au/sustainableschools

The Banksia Gardens team includes both staff and volunteers.  The educators are currently working on different stages of the program with four different schools.  To begin with, each school must complete the 'core' module.  This is an important process that provides schools with the foundation to review their policies and practices, and then engage in strategic planning.  

The educators are finding the success of the program depends on the cooperation of the whole school, including the involvement of students and teachers.  It has been rewarding to have had a positive response from students and teachers so far, and the Banksia Gardens team are looking forward to building on this and advancing the Sustainable Schools Program.

It’s a great thing to witness the dedication of staff, volunteers and students towards promoting environmental sustainability in such a practical and measurable way.  In the future we hope to keep you updated on the program. 

Update & Environmentality Radio Show 98.9 North West FM

Dear Eco Warriors bloggers,

It has been some time since the Eco Warriors blog has been active, but that is about to change!  We will soon be looking at what has been happening with the Banksia Eco Warriors Project, speaking to staff and following up on the programs of Banksia Gardens Community Centre.

We will also be looking at interesting and pertinent updates on the environment, climate change and sustainability.  Readers, if you have a special topic you would like explored be sure to contact us.

In the meantime, I would like to remind readers of the fantastic radio show Environmentality, featured every Wednesday at 12-1pm on 98.9 North West FM.   The Environmentality team have grown to comprise four co-presenters, each week discussing sustainability and interviewing environmental movers and shakers.

Environmentality also has an active blogspot, with a summary and podcasts of each week's show:
http://www.environmentality989.blogspot.com.au/

Stay tuned for some exciting blogging!