Greywater use has become so widespread in many parts of Australia that it is now more a case of who isn’t using greywater to keep their gardens alive. This is great news for water conservation efforts. Greywater use is not an exact science, though, and successful greywater irrigation depends on a number of factors including soil type, plant type and ultimately which chemicals and elements make up your greywater.
Typically, laundry and bathroom water are the most common and safest waste waters to use depending on which products you are using. The Alternative Technology Association (ATA), in conjunction with Associate Professor Barry Meehan and RMIT University’s Environmental Science Department, has completed a study looking at the impact of bathroom products on soils. A previous study by Lanfax Laboratories had looked at laundry greywater.
The Water Corporation’s draft plan: Water Forever: Directions for Our Water Future is now available. The draft plan outlines how the Water Corporation will work with the community to adapt to a drying climate and help Perth and surrounding areas become more climate resilient. Comments on the proposed direction are invited by Friday 15 May 2009.
The 2008 Progress Report lets you find out how the NSW Government is tracking in implementing the Metropolitan Water Plan, providing water for people and the environment. It shows that Sydney’s water supply is secure until at least 2015 and the city is well prepared for drought, climate change and a growing population. You can also view a short two-minute summary clip which outlines the major elements of the report.
The NSW Government’s Water for Life Program has released a plan that supports educators to engage the public in water conservation and management. The Water Education Plan for greater Sydney 2008 – 2012 aims to assist delivery of quality education projects that build the capacity of the people of greater Sydney to play an informed and active role in working towards a sustainable water future. It sets priority strategies for water educators in greater Sydney to work towards shared goals and come together to share knowledge and resources.
The aim of Living Sustainably: the Australian Government’s National Action Plan for Education for Sustainability, launched in April 2009, is to equip all Australians with the knowledge and skills required to live sustainably. The plan has been prepared in conjunction with the National Council on Education for Sustainability by the Australian Government Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts.
Even renters can make changes to their home to make it more comfortable, save money and reduce their environmental impact. The Renters Guide to Sustainable Living, published by the Alternative Technology Association (ATA), shows how it’s done. The 16 page booklet is a free resource for anyone looking to lighten their carbon footprint as a tenant. The booklet also has handy information about how to negotiate changes with a landlord, rebates available as well as eligible tax deductions. There are tips for the whole house, showing room-by-room how to cut greenhouse gas emissions.
The Victorian Eco-Innovation Lab (VEIL) seeks to identify and promote emerging technical, social and organisational innovations that could form part of future sustainable systems. VEIL creates conditions to research, envision, innovate, create and test ideas and concepts for sustainable, desirable and realisable products, services, built environments and lifestyles.
An initiative of Keep Australia Beautiful NSW, Sustainable Cities recognises outstanding environmental initiatives implemented by local government authorities, schools and community groups whilst raising public awareness of a range of environmental issues affecting metropolitan NSW. The overall Sustainable Cities award is presented each year alongside a number of sponsored awards covering issues such as urban wildlife, waste and sustainable communities.
The Natural Resource Management Ministerial Council, on behalf of the Commonwealth and all state and territory governments, is inviting public comments on the draft Australia’s Biodiversity Conservation Strategy 2010–2020. The draft strategy is an important national policy document that will guide how governments, the community, industry and scientists manage and protect Australia’s plants, animals and ecosystems over the next ten years. Submissions are invited by Friday 27 May 2009.
The Birds Australia Conservation Forum 2009 is being held in Brisbane on 30 May. The theme of the Forum is “Reconnect (with) the Bush”. Two meanings are encapsulated in this theme: “Reconnect the Bush” is about restoring corridors at the landscape scale, and “Reconnect with the Bush” is about engaging the Australian public by education, awareness raising, and encouraging them into action.