Friday 24 December 2010

Over 7,000 visitors and counting!

With another year almost upon us, the Sustainable Penrith Blog has hit a significant milestone – we’ve had over 7,000 visitors! That’s 7,000 individual computers that have visited the blog, not total hits by the way.

We’d like to take this opportunity to thank you for your readership. We’d particularly like to thank all of those people who have left us comments or feedback on our posts.

On behalf of all of the staff at the Sustainability Unit, I’d like to wish you a safe and happy Christmas and a great New Year!

Council gets new green computers

In a great example of sustainability, the new computers being installed in Penrith City Library will be carbon neutral! The new computers, which are faster and more energy efficient than the old ones, are being supplied by ACER Computer Australia & Dataflex (ACER Channel Partner). As part of the deal Penrith City Council received 90 trees and planting them will offset the carbon emissions for the lifetime of the computers. This is part of ACER’s mission to plant a million trees by 2011.

The new computers, which are being installed over the coming months, also have another advantage according to Penrith City Mayor Kevin Crameri OAM “The computers are much smaller than standard desktop computers and this which means more room for the individual to work and surf comfortably.”

One of most important parts of the deal is what happens when it comes time to replace the computers. They will be exchanged with ACER, where the working spare parts will be reused and they will be refurbished for distribution to Third World Countries.

Charles Chung, Managing Director (Oceanic) ACER Computers with Mayor Kevin Crameri OAM.

Wednesday 22 December 2010

Want to be a climate change leader in your community?


Volunteer for NSW Energymark and reduce your carbon footprint and power bills. CSIRO and the NSW Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water are looking for 500 volunteers to lead small group discussions on energy, climate change, water and waste.


You don't need to know a lot about energy and climate change - simply gather a small group of people (family, friends, neighbours, workmates) for discussions using support and material developed by CSIRO and the NSW Government.


To register, visit the Energymark website or call 1300 119 003.

Modern Cloth Nappies – Not what your Grandma used!

Cloth nappies have come a long way in recent years – these days they work just as well as disposables, are easy to put on and wash and come in a myriad of colours and prints.

So just what are Modern Cloth Nappies? They come in various styles but essentially, they are the modern version of the cloth nappies of old. MCN’s have elastic in the legs and waist for a comfy fit and a closure system such as snaps or velcro.

There are a few types of MCN’s, each with their own advantages and uses. They can basically be divided into those that need a cover and those that don’t. Fitted nappies are those that require a waterproof cover. The nappy is made of fabric that absorbs liquid and usually has a built in closure. A cover is made of waterproof fabric which fits over the top of the fitted nappy.

The other type of cloth nappy are the ‘all-in-ones’, which are arguably the most popular type of MCN. These nappies don’t require a separate cover as they have a waterproof layer built in. The absorbent material is built into the nappy which has a closure system as described above. There are a lot of all-in-one nappies on the market that have a ‘snap’ down system to allow for size increases, which means that one nappy will last from birth until toilet training. Pocket nappies are similar in that they consist of a ‘shell’ of waterproof outing with a pocket opening in which absorbent material is stuffed inside the nappy. The advantage here is that you can customise that absorbency of the nappy using a variety of materials.

So why choose cloth? Apart from the obvious environmental concerns with using disposable nappies, cloth nappies save you money! There are many websites that have information on how much money you can save. Even calculating water and electricity for washing, cloth nappies work out much cheaper than using disposables, especially if you use them for more than one child! Don’t like ‘getting your hands dirty’? Cloth nappies can be stored in a sealed bucket until washing day (no soaking required), then just put the lot in the washing machine and when done, out on the line to dry in the sun.

Just think, every disposable nappy ever used is still in existence, sitting in a landfill somewhere. That’s where you can make the difference, every time you use a cloth nappy, that’s one less disposable that ends up in landfill. Where do you start I hear you ask? Just Google cloth nappies and you will find an abundance of options in brands, types, colours, costs and materials. Even one cloth nappy will make a difference.

We’d love to hear your feedback about whether you use cloth nappies or not, and what your experiences have been. Please leave a comment at the bottom of this article.

Monday 20 December 2010

People's Choice Awards WINNERS 2010

Thank you to everyone who gave a SHOUT OUT for Climate Change in 2010.

We saw amazing entries from all around Australia that were creative, resourceful and passionate about raising awareness of climate change. Make sure you keep sharing your videos and spreading the good word.
Please put your hands together for the winners of the 2010 Shout Out for Climate Change competition.

The competition was fierce and the judges had a difficult time deciding. But the results are in. Click here for the results

Monday 29 November 2010

Why not make your Christmas presents Fair Trade this year?


If you are looking for a unique Christmas present for someone special, why not look at getting them something that’s Fair Trade certified? Fair Trade empowers disadvantaged communities by paying them fair and stable prices for their work, helping them to gain the skills they need to develop their business, and giving them access to world markets. To help make your shopping easier, a Christmas guide has been released which outlines a number of Fair Trade products. To view the guide, please click here.

Monday 22 November 2010

The Life Cycle of Jeans

Have you ever wondered what goes into making a pair of jeans and getting them to the shop? Check out this video

Thursday 4 November 2010

The Miniature Earth


If the population of the world was to be represented by just 100 people, what would it look like..... click here to find out

Monday 1 November 2010

Fairtrade Locator Webpage


Fairtrade is a certifying body that ensures farmers and producers in developing countries a fair price (the Fairtrade Price) for their produce, helping protect them from damaging fluctuations in world market prices. They also receive an additional sum of money (the Fairtrade Premium) for investment in social, economic and environmental development in their community, such as educational and medical facilities. Fairtrade Certification standards also prohibit the use of forced and abusive child labour

To see which products of fairtrade are located near you, click here

Friday 22 October 2010

Peoples Choice Awards


People’s Choice Award is now open!


Amazing entries have come in from all over Australia. See fantastic 60 second ads from young Australians who are passionate about climate change.The entry with the most votes will win an Apple iPod Touch.

For more information, click here

Sustainability in Business


The Local Government and Shires Association of NSW (LGSA) have put together a number of case studies of businesses who have improved their sustainability, and saved money in the process. They’re great examples of how a sustainable approach to running business makes good business sense.
To read more about the case studies and the positive outcomes achieved, please click here.

Junk Busters


The Junkbusters website is for people who are concerned about food marketing aimed at children. It is a one-stop shop for information on Australian government regulations and industry self-regulation covering all forms of media. Junkbusters exists to help concerned people take action against specific food marketing practices and examples.


For more information, click here

Thursday 14 October 2010

Visy Social Sustainability Grants Program 2010/2011


Funding Round Opens 5 October - Closes 5 November.

This funding program targets projects that promote principles of social sustainability, this includes:

  • Achieving long-term economic and social security;
  • Empowering people and fostering participation;
  • Expanding and enabling cooperative networks to work towards a common, sustainable future

    Please note:

  • Funding will be available ONLY to organisations which have Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR) status within the Penrith Local Government Area (LGA)

The information pack including guidelines and application form is available here

Please contact Council’s Community Projects Officer, Vesna Kapetanovic for further information on 4732 7771 or vkapetanovic@penrithcity.nsw.gov.au

Business Recycling


It can be difficult for a small business to find the reuse, recycling and waste services they need. Many don’t have the time or the experience in finding these types of services. So the Business Recycling website and hotline have been set up to make the job that much easier. Whether you run a café, a garage, a factory or an office block, you will be able to find reuse or recycling options for much of the waste generated by your business.
For more information, click here

Tuesday 12 October 2010

Become a Fair Trade Champion - Take the $2 A Day Pledge & Win!

TAKE THE PLEDGE & WIN!
$2 is less than most of us spend on a cup of coffee yet that is what more than 2 billion people around the world must survive on every day.This October you can become a Fairtrade Champion by pledging to spend at least $2 A Day on Fairtrade products for two weeks from October 17-31.By spending at least $2 A Day on Fairtrade coffee, tea, chocolate, hot chocolate, cotton and the many other Fairtrade products available, you will be helping to end poverty by providing developing country farmers, workers and their families with the opportunity to build a better future.This year each person taking the pledge will receive an exclusive Fairtrade Champion's Pack* and will also go into the running to win some great prizes.For more information and to register your pledge visit the $2 A Day website now!

*Terms & conditions apply (please see campaign website for full details).

Fairtrade Australia
PO Box 306,
Flinders Lane PO,
VIC 8009

Ride to Work on Wednesday 13



Wednesday 13 is National Ride 2 Work Day. The day sees thousands of people across Australia ride to work - riding to work is a great way to save money and get some exercise too! The day encourages those not already cycling to work to give it a go for the first time. Not only that, but riders who register go in the draw to win a bunch of great prizes including a Trek 7.6FX bike valued at $2,000! For more information check out http://www.bv.com.au/ride-to-work/

Monday 11 October 2010

Tuesday 21 September 2010

Blue Hills Wetland Taken Over by Snap Happy Residents!

Sunday morning saw 20 local residents armed to the teeth descend on Blue Hills wetland. No it wasn’t a riot, it was a swarm of photographers brandishing massive telescopic lenses, tripods, and other fancy equipment!


The photography walk was organised by Council as part of its Water in Penrith photography competition. One of the highlights of the walk was our ‘gun photographer’ Maggie, who was there to help people learn about photography and to get the most out of their cameras – and she was in high demand!

Thanks to everyone who came along, it was a pleasure having you all there. We can’t wait to see all of your entries in the competition! Hopefully there will be a few entries from the walk on Sunday.

To learn more about the Water in Penrith photography competition, please click here (entries close 11 October!). In the mean time please enjoy these shots from the walk at Blue Hills Wetland on Sunday (click on the pictures to see a bigger version).

Friday 17 September 2010

Green Skills Training Program for Local Businesses

Local businesses can now participate in a Green Skills training program, which helps them to become more environmentally friendly. Each workshop goes for two half day sessions, with topics including:

  • Caring for the Environment
  • Implementing and Monitoring Environmental Protection Measures
  • Develop Workplace Policy and Procedures for Sustainability

There is a nominal cost per person of $100 with the remainder of the training costs covered by Government funding that will be secured by the PBAs (Penrith Business Alliance)


For more information, click here


"Go Green or be left behind"

Tuesday 14 September 2010

Local Kids Harness the Sun and Conquer the Waves



Glorious sunny blue skies greeted the 2010 Solar Boat Challenge on Saturday at Penrith Pools. Almost 30 schools were pitched against each other in a bid to see who could build the best solar powered boat. Primary aged students built crafts which follow an overhead wire, whilst high school aged students built boats which were fully remote controlled.

The day started off with each team making presentations to a series of judges on how they designed, built and decorated their boats. This included a panel of engineers, who assessed the boats on their technical design and use of recycled materials. The engineers also had the all important task of allocating racing classes to each boat based on its design and construction.
You could tell when racing got underway, with all of the noise and excitement from the crowd of teachers, family and friends! The wire guided boats raced in a specifically constructed pool with a wire ‘track’ above it, while the remote controlled boats had to navigate around a series of buoys in the full size pool. A series of heats were held throughout the day, with a little bit of time allowed for the students to make those crucial tweaks (and in some cases emergency repairs) to their crafts. The wire guided boats finished their heats a little early, so some handicapped grudge matches were held for those all important bragging points, not to mention chocolate freddos for the winners!

Overall it was a fantastic day, with a number of winners over a range of different classes. Congratulations to all of the students involved, and we look forward to seeing you next year!

The wire guided boats ran in their own specially built pool.

Everyone was able to get close to the action

Preparing for a start with the remote control boats.


GO! The marshall signals the start of the race.
There was a big crowd in attendance

The crowd got into it too!

Thursday 9 September 2010

Take a peek inside a local sustainable house!

Ever wanted to take a peek inside a regular house that has been improved to make it more sustainable? Ever wanted to chat to the people who own these homes, for an honest opinion without a sales spiel? Sustainable House Day gives you the chance to do just that!
Sustainable House Day, which is on this Sunday, is perfect for those people looking to make their home more sustainable, or even those people just curious to check out what other people are doing. Over 270 houses across the country will open their doors, with the owners on hand to answer all of your questions, and it’s all free!
For more information, and a list of the houses which will be opening their doors, check out the Sustainable House Day website:

Monday 6 September 2010

National Threatened Species Day – 7 September

Tomorrow is National Threatened Species Day. Held on 7 September every year, this day aims to make people more aware of the number of plants and animals at risk of extinction across our great country. This day, September 7, was chosen in recognition of the day the last Tasmanian Tiger died in Hobart Zoo, back in 1936.

Unfortunately, our environment is under stress from things such as land development, introduced plants and animals, pollution, and a changing climate. Sadly, about 50 native plant and animal species found in the Penrith area have been listed as threatened under the Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995. However, we can all take steps to help our local plants and animals.
Workshops are being held as part of the Ropes and South Creek Project on topics such as native gardening, seed collection and propagation, and bird habitat restoration. These are a great way to learn more about the different things we can all do to improve our local environment. To find out more these workshops, please click here.

Looking after local bushland by getting involved with Bushcare is another great way to make a difference. To find out more about Bushcare, please click here.

Friday 27 August 2010

National Water Week - Calling All Amateur Photographers!

To celebrate National Water Week, Penrith City Council is running an exciting Photographic Competition with the theme “Water in Penrith - Our Most Precious Resource”.


How to Enter:
We are calling for all creative amateur photographers to submit a photograph that captures what the theme “Water in Penrith - Our Most Precious Resource” means to them. All photos submitted must have been taken within the Penrith Local Government Area (refer to the map opposite for the boundaries). Photos will be judged on presentation of the theme, composition, focus, use of light, and creativity. For Terms and Conditions click here.
All photographic entries must include a completed entry form, and can be submitted as below. This and more information can be found on the National Water Week webpage on the Penrith City website

In digital jpeg format via email to photocomp@penrithcity.nsw.gov.au. All images must be of a high quality when viewed in an A4 format.

In digital jpeg format on CD and an A4 mounted photograph. All digital images must be of a high quality when viewed in an A4 format.

Send your photographic entry to:
“Water in Penrith” Photographic Competition
Penrith City Council PO Box 60, Penrith NSW 2751
Or drop into:
Penrith City Council 601 High Street, Penrith
Entries close Monday 11 October 2010
Up to 3 entries will be accepted per person.
The winners will be notified by 25 October 2010

Caring for Penrith's waterways and our precious water resources is everyone's responsibility.

Tuesday 17 August 2010

Online Environmental Documentaries

Come on a journey with the inspiring volunteers, landholders and Indigenous community taking action to restore our rivers, bushland and farmland in the Hawkesbury-Nepean catchment in eight online documentaries commissioned by the Hawkesbury-Nepean CMA.

The films are:
  • Fighting a War on Willows – Willow Warriors in action
  • Stewards of the River – oyster farmers protecting our estuary
  • Our Rivers, more than just water – three Indigenous women tell their stories of connection to our waterways
  • Protecting the fringe – efforts to protect the 5000km fringe of the Blue Mountains World Heritage Area
  • Connecting bushland corridors across the landscape – the work to connect major regional bushland corridors
  • Farmers protecting soil and biodiversity – repairing major land degradation on the southern tablelands
  • Migadan – Dharawal story on the Bargo River
  • Biladurang – Wiradjuri creation story told on the River Lett
Check out the films at http://www.hn.cma.nsw.gov.au/ or order your free DVD by calling (02) 4725 3054 or emailing stacey.a.roberts@cma.nsw.gov.au

Thursday 5 August 2010

Walk Against Warming

Take a step to tackle climate change and join the Penrith Walk Against Warming on Sunday 15 August! 

A community initiative supported by Penrith City Council, the walk gives you the opportunity to hear from renowned climate change expert Andy Best, have your say on climate change and register for free cycling classes.

Walkers will meet at 10am at Weir Reserve, Bruce Neil Drive, Penrith on Sunday 15 August.

Highlights of the day include:
  • A talk from renowned climate change speaker Andy Best, who is a past recipient of the Churchill Fellowship for his work in sustainability education.
  • The opportunity to participate in filmed interviews so we can capture your voice on climate change.
  • Native plant give away.
  • The opportunity to register for free cycling classes to help you increase your confidence on your bike.
  • Kids can also get a free temporary tattoo from our friendly sustainability mascot, Echo the Eastern Water Dragon.
Residents are encouraged to bring their own water on the day, and fresh fruit will be supplied. Why not bring a picnic lunch to enjoy with the family after the walk?

For more information on the walk call Council’s Sustainability Unit on 4732 7983 or 0423 021 897

Thursday 1 July 2010

Shout Out for Climate Change

The Shout Out for Climate Change competition offers young Australians the opportunity to share their thoughts and views on climate change.

If you are an aspiring film director, actor, advertising executive or just have a creative flair and care about the future of our planet, we are counting on you to shout out for climate change in the 2010 school and university competition.

Australian primary, secondary and tertiary students living and studying in Australia are eligible to enter the Shout Out for Climate change competition.

Through this competition you will have the opportunity to ‘shout out’ your ideas about combating climate change – and we will help you share them with Australia.

To find out more visit the website Shout out for Climate Change

Monday 21 June 2010

Graffiti Action Day Tagged A Success

Australia’s first ever Graffiti Action Day was held on Sunday 2nd May 2010, and it was a great success. 237 individual sites were targeted and 4178 m2 of illegal graffiti vandalism was removed.

A range of participants were involved on the day across the state. NSW Attorney General John Hatzistergos thanked the volunteers for pitching in on Graffiti Action Day 2010. “Everybody who rolled up their sleeves to help clean up the scourge of graffiti from communities on Graffiti Action Day should be congratulated. Their efforts send a clear message to graffiti vandals that they’ve had enough.” Mr Hatzistergos said.

Graffiti Action Day is a joint initiative between Keep Australia Beautiful NSW and the NSW Government. Details about Graffiti Action Day 2010 are available at http://www.blogger.com/www.kabnsw.org.au Stay tuned for updates about next year’s Graffiti Action Day 2011.To anonymously report graffiti vandalism crime, call the Crime Stoppers hotline 1800 333 000 or visit Crime Stoppers

Monday 10 May 2010

Free Home Sustainability Assessment with Y Green


Want to make your home more sustainable, but not quite sure where to start? Why not get a free Home Sustainability Assessment done by a pair of fully trained assessors!

The Y Green Western Sydney project is offering households in the Penrith area the opportunity to have assessors visit their home to conduct a Home Sustainability Assessment. The assessors will look at things like lighting, appliances, water fittings, insulation, and the heating and cooling efficiency of your house.

After the assessment, you receive a written report outlining how your house faired, along with some simple suggestions to help save on your energy and water bills. You will also receive information on government rebates for things like water tanks, solar panels and insulation. As an added bonus, residents who participate will also receive a $20 Bunnings gift voucher.

Coordinated by MTC Work Solutions and funded by the Australian Government’s Job Fund, the Y-Green project is a great opportunity for residents to learn more about sustainability and the simple options available to become more sustainable.

If you would like to have a free home sustainability assessment please visit www.ygreen.com.au or call 1300 139 996.

Friday 7 May 2010

Get on your Bike - Join the Bicycle NSW Commuter Challenge


Whether you are a seasoned cyclist or a Sunday rider, Bicycle NSW has put out the call to join the NSW Commuter Challenge.

The aim of the NSW Commuter Challenge is to reward those who cycle to and from work and for fitness and also to inspire those who are considering cycling as an alternative to their existing forms of transport.

The challenge invites individuals to register and accumulate 500km of cycling. There are great prizes and incentives for taking part and completing the challenge including cycle computers, Bicycle NSW memberships, a range of cycling accessories and free entry to a number of cycling events (including Sydney's largest recreational cycling event - Spring Cycle 2010).

To register simply complete the online registration form. You will be sent a digital logbook in which you can record your rides. Rides of any distance can be included in the logbook. The completed logbook participants will receive a gold medal, certificate of completion and the opportunity to win the prizes on offer.

You can register for the challenge anytime until Friday 26th November 2010. All participants have until Friday 17th December 2010 to complete the challenge.


For more information about the challenge call (02) 9704 0853, email challenge@bicyclensw.org.au or visit the website
http://www.bicyclensw.org.au

Love Food Hate Waste


‘Love Food Hate Waste’ is a new campaign that has just been launched by the NSW Government to provide practical tips and tools to help reduce food waste at home.

We all love our food, but many of us probably don’t realise just how much food is being wasted across NSW. For instance, did you know that in NSW alone, households throw away more than $2.5 billion worth of edible food a year and send an average of 800,000 tonnes of food to landfill.

Not only are we wasting valuable food – and all of the resources that go into producing, packaging and transporting that food - but food sent to landfill produces methane gas. A greenhouse gas 25 times more potent than carbon dioxide.

The good news is that each and every household has the ability to make a difference, and for those of us lucky enough to live in Penrith, the 3 bin system means that we can make an even bigger difference.
In the past six months the amount of recyclable material being diverted from landfill has increased from 20% - 58%.

A-Grade compost, made from the green-lidded organics bin is now being used on the city’s sporting and recreational facilities.

So putting the right things into the right bins is working towards creating a greener future for Penrith.

In terms of reducing food waste, things as simple as planning your meals and your shopping, preparing and cooking the correct serving size, and learning how to best store food, all make a difference.

Loving food is about wasting less every day - saving you time and money, making a difference to our environment and living more sustainably.

For more information about 'Love Food Hate Waste' visit the website www.lovefoodhatewaste.nsw.gov.au

Tuesday 27 April 2010

Take Action on Graffiti - 2 May 2010


Take a stand against graffiti vandalism and take part in Graffiti Action Day this Sunday, 2 May 2010.

Keep Australia Beautiful NSW has teamed up with the NSW Government to stage Australia’s first Graffiti Action Day. A day which will see community members from all over the state banning together to reclaim local streets fouled by graffiti.

In our local area, Penrith City Council has partnered with Keep Australia Beautiful to deliver the Day and engage the community in removal of graffiti, raise awareness of good graffiti removal methods, and support non-government and community run facilities in repairing damage caused by graffiti.

A number of sites throughout Penrith have been identified for volunteers to “clean up” on the day, including:

- Claremont Meadow Shopping Centre, Myrtle St
- Great River Walk, Penrith (starting at the Log Cabin)

The day will run from 9am to 1pm. All cleaning materials and equipment will be provided by Keep Australia Beautiful - all you need is your interest and enthusiasm!

To register please contact Council's Public Domain Coordinator, Murray Halls, on either mhalls@penrithcity.nsw.gov.au or 4732 8067.

Friday 16 April 2010

Take charge of your energy costs with a Power-Mate Energy Meter!

Penrith residents can now borrow a Power-Mate energy meter from their local library to help reduce unnecessary energy costs.

Easy to use, the Power-Mate enables households to identify and reduce energy costs by showing people how much their appliances cost to run. By simply connecting the meter between the appliance and power socket, the meter measures the electricity use, greenhouse gas emissions and energy costs of the appliance whilst in use or on standby.

It is estimated that electrical appliances represent approximately 40% of a household's energy use. Many of these appliances are left on ‘standby’ when not in use, wasting electricity and money. Actions as simple as turning appliances off at the switch when not in use can mean savings of up to 10% of household energy bills.

The meters are available for library card holders to borrow from Penrith, St Clair and St Marys Libraries for a 21 day period. The library is free to join for residents within the Penrith local government area, all you need is current identification showing your present address.

For enquiries about loans or about becoming a member of the library please contact Penrith City Library on 4732 7891.

Friday 9 April 2010



Penrith Locals Support Earth Hour 2010


Earth Hour 2010 has rolled across the globe, once again bringing together millions of people around the world in support for action on climate change and sustainability. This year saw a record number of countries taking part, with more than 4,300 cities and towns in 126 countries celebrating the event. Across Australia, over 4,200 businesses, and 1,100 schools and universities registered their participation, with over 44,000 sites pledging "lights out" for Earth Hour. Penrith residents and businesses were also strong in showing their support, with 29 local businesses and schools registering their involvement with Council – a great result!! A huge thankyou and well done to those who supported Earth Hour 2010.

Local Businesses supporting Earth Hour 2010 included;























  • Eighth Avenue Marekting

  • Nouveau Hair

  • York Jewellers