Sustainability program kicks off in Australind

A drive to create sustainable communities has initiated a regional-first education program to start in Australind next week.

Harvey shire residents Kit Lucas and Judith Salom became Be Living Smart teachers to help the region realise its potential to stop wasting important resources.

“I have always grown my own vegies, as did my mum and grandparents,” Mrs Lucas said.

“We love gardening, but it is also about wanting to contribute to our food needs.”

She said the program was a first for the region and would guide people through accurately reading their electricity bills to know what their biggest “power-chewing appliances” were, as well as establishing compost facilities, growing fresh produce and learning about waste disposal.

Mrs Lucas said the ultimate goal was to teach people how to reduce their consumption and understand why they needed to take responsibility for their actions.

“People need to accept that we can’t continue to consume, as we do, without consequences,” Mrs Lucas said.

“The workshops will revisit the daily practices of earlier generations to minimise waste and conserve the environment.”

The Living Smart program initiative was developed in 2002 by the City of Fremantle, Murdoch University and Southern Metropolitan Regional Council as a way to help people understand how to be more sustainable.

The Australind seven-week program starts on October 17 at the Riverlinks Community Hall and will include Thursday evening sessions, as well as a few Saturday sessions at the region’s community nurseries.

Mrs Lucas said the program would incorporate practical adult learning principles to address wastage habits in the area.

Spaces are limited and can be booked on 0435 002 908.