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City’s Staff Spring Clean for Sustainable September
The City of Melville’s Green Team recently held a unique ‘Staff Sustainability Swap’ event (Friday 11 September 2009), aimed at encouraging City employees to be sustainable, and discuss the benefits of reusing and recycling items.
Sustainability Officer and Green Team Coordinator Sarah Muirhead said the event was the brainchild of Acting Graffiti Officer and Green Team member Jaye Mulcahy – and the ‘Suswap Team’ made it all happen. “Staff were encouraged to ‘spring clean’ their home and clear the clutter – bringing in items to donate to the swap such as old clothes, shoes, handbags, novels and magazine collections. The event also catered for those looking to add a few personal touches to their home or wardrobe, as staff could take home donated items that suited them and their lifestyle,” she said.
“Staff brought in items they no longer wanted or needed and registered them for a token per item, with tokens then used in exchange for another item. Those who had nothing to contribute but wanted the chance to ‘shop’ could purchase a token for a gold coin donation – with all money raised going to Australian Wildlife Conservancy. (See http://www.australianwildlife.org.au/). In total, $50 was donated. The event proved that someone’s trash truly can be another’s treasure as numerous quality goods found a new loving home and fun was had by all. Leftover items have now been given to a charity, apart from books, which are kick-starting the Green Team’s latest initiative – a staff book exchange,” she said.
Mayor Russell Aubrey said it was the City’s role to show leadership in being environmentally-minded and set a good example for the community. “Previous initiatives of the Green Team, set up in 2008, have included a tree planting event for staff, and ensuring individual staff members are equipped with dual-purpose bins, with storage space for recyclable materials underneath. The City also has a broader commitment to sustainability and reducing greenhouse gas emissions,” he said.
Chief Executive Officer Dr Shayne Silcox, who is driving the City’s goal of developing best practice principles in environmental management, said this had been a fantastic, staff-driven initiative. “I am proud of the efforts of staff, who both organised and enthusiastically supported the event,” he said.