TEAR Charitable Gifts

Hi all, TEAR Australia are probably a charity many of us have heard. Like Oxfam and other AusAID organisations, TEAR provide useful life skills and tools for families in developing countries.

A quick little gift idea that I found on their website is the Organic Vegetable Garden! How fitting for an eco blog.

To see that gift and others, visit http://www.usefulgifts.org/gift/organic-vegetable-garden/ 

Until next post, take care.

-DF-

WaterWise Communities

Hi all, here is an initiative of the State Government and local councils that might be of interest to those of us who want a helping hand in saving our precious water at home. Some good rebates and incentives are available for home owners and might be worth looking into!



Help build WaterWise Communities across South Australia

Households, businesses and community groups are being encouraged to join a new WaterWise Communities initiative and get a FREE KIT to help them use water wisely.

The new initiative follows the success of the WaterWise Communities Swap and Save showerhead exchange program.

You can register to join WaterWise Communities on-line or at your local participating council office – then pick up your free WaterWise Kit from your participating council.

The kit for households includes a checklist of tips on how to use water wisely in the home and garden, a four minute shower timer, a personal water saving plan, a fridge magnet with water saving ideas, a bookmark, a gardening calendar, a letterbox sticker and a H2OME rebate booklet detailing water saving rebates available through SA Water.

The kit for businesses and community groups includes a checklist of tips on how to use water wisely throughout the workplace, a reception window sticker, a fridge magnet with water saving ideas, plus bathroom mirror and shower stickers encouraging wise water use.

WaterWise Communities is a partnership initiative of the Local Government Association, SA Water and the State Government as part of the Water for Good community education program. Water for Good is South Australia’s plan to secure sustainable water supplies both now and in the future.

To join WaterWise Communities register on line at www.waterforgood.sa.gov.au or visit your local participating council.



Until next post, take care.
-DF-

Christie Walk EcoCity Development

Hi all, here is a fantastic example of a community getting together and making a difference... right under our noses in the heart of Adelaide CBD!

For those of you who haven't heard of this project, head to their website and have a look.
http://www.urbanecology.org.au/christiewalk/

The quick facts are: "Christie Walk is a medium density co-housing development located in downtown Adelaide which combines many ecologically sustainable and community enhancing features.
It was initiated by Urban Ecology Australia as a demonstration project, to promote nature and people friendly urban development by example."


I was lucky enough to have a tour last week for the grand opening by the Adelaide City Mayor, and I must say it is quite an inspiring project. The houses feel warm and friendly, the open spaces are utilised cleverly and the whole site is covered in native plants and veggie gardens! All in the heart of the city.

Definitely an inspiration for anyone with limited space who wants an earthy and ecological designed lifestyle. I wish all the city apartments could take inspiration from this, instead of the dreary grey blocks of concrete that litter our skylines too often.

Until next post, take care.
-DF-

Working bee pics

Hi all, pictures of the working bee are now updated!

Head here to check them out.

Cheers
-DF-

Website: Aussies Living Simply

Hi all, Halle found this neat little website that might be great place to find inspiration for our ECO group.

http://www.aussieslivingsimply.com.au/news.php

"Welcome to ALS - To Aussies Living Simply
We are a community focused on sustainability, permaculture, organic gardening, backyard livestock, simple living and stepping lightly on the planet."

We'll keep you posted if we find any gems to share with this like-minded group!

Until next post, take care.
-DF-

Event: Prospect Rd Fashion Food and Wine Affair - Sun 15 Nov

Hi all, straight from the Prospect City Council website, comes a fantastic looking event for this weekend.

"Culture, fashion, Fresh FM, live music, delicious food and fabulous wines awaits the expected record breaking crowd attending the 2009 Prospect Road Fashion Food & Wine Affair."

You won't need to ask me twice with an invite like that!

Although not a local southern event, I'm sure there will be plenty of local SA produce to indulge in. Not to mention Halle and I have friends in the area that we are always happy to support.

Hope to see you there!
Until next post, take care.

-DF-

Event: Craft Fair 2009

Hi all, as mentioned by the wonderful Halle, this craft fair is on this weekend.

For details head to the link in this post.
http://www.craftfair.com.au/Adelaide2009/

Until next post.
-DF-