Feast of Sustainability Tips Offered at Piney Lakes

Environmental Education Officer Ben Kelly said residents who were unable to attend the course were most welcome to join the group of like-minded locals for monthly meetings, so they too could gain information to lead healthier, less expensive and more sustainable lifestyles. “The seven-week 2009 Living Smart course, held at Piney Lakes Environmental Education Centre in May and June, included presentations and discussions on topics such as: installing solar power in your home; overcoming the daunting prospect of riding your bike to work; and simple ways to slash your water use,” he said. “Those who missed out on this year’s course are most welcome to join the group who are continuing to meet and exchange ideas.”

“The City of Melville features an array of natural beauty including bushland, wetland and riverside environments, and we are committed to their preservation. It’s great to see that a course like this can lead to ongoing community collaboration and networking, which can help retain the beauty of our environment while also improving health and saving money,” he said.

2009 Living Smart course participant Julie Lloyd said the program had prompted her to take action to do the things she had previously only thought about doing. “The 2009 Living Smart course has provoked a number of changes in my life,” she said. “For example, I now take my own mug to the coffee shop and have started composting too. Making changes like this as a group is really motivating and we are able to share some great ideas on how to live smarter.”

The Living Smart program was the result of a joint initiative between The Meeting Place Community Centre, the City of Fremantle, Murdoch University and the Southern Metropolitan Regional Council (SMRC). For more information about the Living Smart program visit www.livingsmart.org.au. To find out about upcoming events at Piney Lakes Environmental Education Centre or to join the 2009 Living Smart group’s meetings, please phone Mr Kelly on 9364 0790, email benjamin.kelly@melville.wa.gov.au, or visit www.melvillecity.com.au/pineylakes.