West Hobart Environment Network

Next Produce Exchange -- Saturday 4 Feb

2012-01-23T20:33:00.002+11:00

Can you help us promote our produce exchanges? There's an A4 poster attached to put up in local shops/notice boards and a page of smaller fliers you can cut into four if you are able to drop them into your neighbours' letterboxes.

Hope to see you at the next one on the 4th Feb. Even if you don't have any excess produce, come along for a chat, we'd love to see you.

Gardens and Food - produce exchange and working bee

2012-01-02T22:08:00.000+11:00

Loganberries, early tomatoes, new potatoes, strawberries, salad greens, apricots, beans... Celebrate summer bounty and afternoon tea at the first produce exchange for 2012.

Time: Saturday January 7th, 4-5pm.

Place: by the children's playground in the park next to Lansdowne Crescent school, near bus-stop 16 and the junction of Lansdowne Crescent / Petty St.

Bring: garden produce, a thermos, and a contribution for afternoon tea.

Exchanges will be held on the first Saturday of the month until our gardens wane in autumn.

Working bees at Lawrenny Court are convivial and productive; an ongoing pleasure for all involved. Come and join us at 3pm, Monday 9th January. We meet in the hall at 131 Hill St.

Please RSVP by Sunday evening so we have an idea of numbers for tasks, catering, and can let people know if we have to cancel.

Eenee Eco Food Loop

2011-12-04T17:43:00.001+11:00

Eenee Eco is making a list of Hobart restaurants that compost their food wastes. Here's what they say:

Would you like to help improve and maintain the high quality of food in Tasmania? Then you've found the information you need! All the restaurants and cafes on this tour recycle their organic waste through commercial composting, helping maintain and improve the quality of our local soil and therefore the food you eat! Will you accept the challenge of visiting all of them?

If you are a business or home owner and would like to find out more or sign up for your own organics recycling check out our website:
http://www.organics.recycling.eenee.com/

Update from GAF - from meeting 26th November

2011-12-03T10:51:00.001+11:00

The next working bee at Lawrenny Court is on Monday 5^th December at 3pm. There are already half a dozen residents keen to have help with their gardens this month. Come and meet your neighbours, enjoy an hour’s convivial gardening and finish with afternoon tea. Meet at the hall, 131 Hill St. Please RSVP by Sunday 4^th so Lawrenny Court has an idea of numbers for work and scones, and we can let you know if we have to cancel.

Greg Summers enchanted us with the information that while an ounce of silver is worth $US31, brussel sprout seeds are worth $US364 an ounce.

The produce exchange / shared afternoon tea will be held on the first Saturday of each month, beginning on January 7^th in the little park / playground on Lansdowne Crescent. If there are gluts at other times, we can link members via our mailing list.

Is anyone interested in bulk purchasing of manure or mulch? Does anyone know a good source of either of these commodities, or where you can get compost worms cheaper than 3 cents a head?
We all love visiting gardens. Would anyone like to be visited? Tidiness is absolutely not a criterion. We can bring afternoon tea to share.

If anyone would like a working bee, please let us know.

Headhunting! Does anyone have any skills they’d like to teach? We’re approaching one member who’s successfully possum-proofed a garden, and an artist who might be willing to show us how to make creative garden artefacts, like bean-tepees that don’t fall down.

Have your say on Wellington Park

2011-11-30T19:06:00.001+11:00

Hi all, the Wellington Park Management Trust has released the Wellington Park Management Plan Review seeking feedback from the community about how the park is managed. West Hobart has a strong connection with the park, as it runs from the other side of Knocklofty right up to the mountain - so we have a big interest!
You can fill in the response form and rank what you think of the suggested directions and add whatever other comments you wish to make. Closing date for comments is Dec 9th.

Steering Group meeting 22 Nov 2011

2011-11-23T22:27:00.001+11:00

Today we discussed future directions for WHEN, in the context of the imminent 'Changing Gears' weekend at Nubeena, and the current environment of economic scarcity, which is making increasing numbers of people concerned about their and their family's futures. Is the timing right for raising the issues of food security and Peak Oil, and for promoting positive responses such as Re-Localisation?

We discussed possibilities for West Hobart around local food production, including creating a community garden, and promoting Community Supported Agriculture. We discussed engaging with the retired community through assisting with energy audits and growing food. A more visible and fairly central meeting place would be great, a sort of community centre to provide a base for projects and meetings.

The group agreed to go ahead with adopting a more formal structure for the group, so that there is a more visible public organisation representing the broader interests of the West Hobart community.

We will hold a public meeting in early March 2012 with the theme of Localisation, at which we will launch the new Walking West Hobart map and present a positive approach to developing solutions to issues which may be worrying people.

Community Supported Agriculture

2011-11-20T21:28:00.001+11:00

Community Supported Agriculture - a better way to bridge the gap between producers and consumers!
The Community Supported Agriculture Toolkit for Tasmanian Communities will be launched tomorrow (Monday 21st) at the Botanical Gardens in Hobart (a very brief launch) and information sessions will be held later in the week in Hobart, Launceston and Burnie.
To find out more, go to: http://csatoolkit.channelliving.org.au/launch.html

Next GAF meeting: 26 November

2011-11-20T21:24:00.001+11:00

Our next Gardens and Food group meeting will take place in conjunction with a
shared supper and produce swap (broad beans?) on Saturday 26th November.
Would anyone like to host this gathering? If you would, please let us know
by Wednesday 23rd.

Some agenda ideas so far: summer /autumn produce exchange, working
bees, bulk buying manures and mulch, sharing garden space (Miriam has
just harvested the garlic she planted in a borrowed plot at Lawrenny
Court), feedback on soap and candle re-skilling workshop, slide show/
dinner re Miriam's trip and discussion of some of the big issues the
world faces.

Enquiries: Annie March 62310378

Sustainable Living Exp 2011

2011-11-06T11:36:00.002+11:00

It's on again, presented by Sustainable Living Tasmania of course, and it's terrific!! Get down there and take the opportunity to talk to experts in a wide range of fields and businesses, listen to presentations and watch demonstrations! Today is the second (and last) day.

Single mums' group

2011-10-02T08:36:00.000+11:00

Share stories, advice, a cuppa and some adult company every Friday from 10am-12pm at the Hobart Women's Health Centre (Lefroy St, North Hobart). Babies and small children welcome. Simply show up for the first meeting on Friday 8 Oct or contact Cat (042313612, cat@catmoore.com).

Free boxes, plastic bags and bottle tops!!!

2011-10-02T08:31:00.001+11:00

National foods (The Pura milk factory, Lenah Valley) have an ongoing supply of useful bits up for grabs:
* Clean, flattened cardboard boxes.
* Clean, large plastic bags (garbage bin and wheelie bin sized) a skip-bin of these are taken to the tip EVERY week.
* Clean, new, unassembled milk cartons ideal for seedling propagation/planting or protection
* Clean, new, plastic milk bottle tops (approx 1300 per box) in assorted colours ideal for maths as counters or for craft projects.

Call Keith Angell at National foods on 0406 587 997 to arrange collection. Remember these resources are available on an ongoing basis so you may never have to buy garbage bags again!

Update from the Gardening & Food group 28 Sep 2011

2011-09-30T05:45:00.003+10:00

1. The next working bee at Lawrenny Court is on Monday 3rd October at 3pm. Meet in the hall at 131 Hill Street for an hour's convivial gardening followed by afternoon tea supplied by the residents. Please RSVP by Sunday evening.

2. Spring seedling sale. Eve's Garden, 14 Petty St, will be selling robust seedlings, including many varieties of heritage tomato, at 3pm on Saturday 15th October. Donations of pots welcome.

3. If anyone is feeling overwhelmed by their garden and would like a working bee, please contact us.

4. October plantings: now is the month to get going for best crops in the coming summer. Greg Summers has produced a West Hobart Planting Guide. Contact him if you would like a copy: sumbodyelse@bigpond.com

2011-09-20T00:26:00.002+10:00

1. Moving Planet,

Saturday 24 Sept - ride, walk, scoot... to show support for reducing our dependence on fossil fuels. 10 am bike ride from Cornelian Bay to Mawson's Pavilion on the Hobart Waterfront. 10.45 am rally - speakers, stalls, best dressed bike comp. This is an event coordinated globally by 350.org and locally by Climate Action Hobart.
www.climateactionhobart.org/
www.350.org/

2. Changing the Dream symposium, a half-day event on 9th October at the Baha'i Centre for a challenging and rewarding afternoon of powerful multi-media presentations, personal reflection and stimulating conversations, facilitated by Graham Flower and Wendy Armstrong. Changing the Dream is a network of people spanning the globe who are united by creating a future for the world in which our children and grandchildren can live full lives. The presentation reflects on what social justice,
personal fulfilment and environmental sustainability mean for us; it is inclusive, apolitical and optimistic and encourages people to come to their own conclusions about the global challenges and opportunities that confront us and what to do about it. Register at http://bit.ly/hobartsymposium9oct and come and see what YOU think!

3. Still Gardening Program – Seeking Garden Mates
Hi WHEN,
I ‘m writing from the Still Gardening Program, a great program connecting volunteer ‘Garden Mates’ with elderly clients who live independently and still garden but need a little help and company. We help people to stay active, get outdoors, stay engaged and stimulated, feel less stressed about their gardens, stay living independently and make new friendships.
We’re currently recruiting more volunteer Garden Mates, as we have an ever-growing list of clients wanting assistance. Would there be any possibility of a small article or mention of the program in one of your upcoming newsletters or on your website? We would really appreciate your help with spreading the news of our program.
Looking forward to hearing from you,
Kind regards
Kim
Kim Tyson
Project Officer
Still Gardening Program
Community Inclusion
Hobart City Council
(Tue, Wed, Fri)
P 6236 9349
M 0409 191 553
E tysonk@netspace.net.au

4. Soap and Candle Making
Thanks to those who turned up for a soap and candle making afternoon and to wish Margaret well in Taroona.
Here’s some information in case you are interested but couldn’t make it:

My Basic Soap Recipe
1. Prepare the lye: weigh out the distilled water and place in the fridge to cool. Put on your personal protective gear and weigh out the caustic soda. Take the water out the fridge and slowly at the caustic soda. Never add the water to the caustic soda – always the caustic soda to the water. It will get hot. Put it back in the fridge to cool to 37C.
2. Measure out your oils using the tare function on your scales.
3. Melt oils in a double boiler or microwave (30 sec bursts). Cool to 37C.
4. Slowly and carefully pour lye into oils.
5. Stir gently with a handheld blender and then combine in bursts.
6. Check for trace – the point at which the oils and lye have combined successfully to make soap – it will leave a trail when you lift the blender.
7. Add any additional ingredients (essential oils, clay, seeds, lavender, herbs, oats etc).
8. Pour into mould. The mixture is still caustic at this stage so don’t touch with bare hands.
9. Cover mould with plastic wrap and a towel (the towel helps saponification and curing).
10. Let the soap harden for 24 hours before turning out.
11. Air dry for 3-4 weeks before using.

. Store away from little people. Vinegar can be used to clean up spills to neutralise the stuff.

Note: The ingredient lists below will result in 1kg of soap. To reduce the quantities or change the oils and the soap properties use a soap calculator. There are many different types of oils you can use. The calculator I use is: http://www.soapcalc.net/calc/SoapCalcWP.asp

Lavender Soap Ingredients * note all are in grams
186g Castor oil
114g Olive oil
300g Cocoa butter
400g Coconut oil
25g lavender oil
Cup of lavender seeds to mix into the soap and put on top as desired
Lye: 380g water and 146g caustic soda

Honey and Oat Soap Ingredients
186g Castor oil
114g Olive oil
300g Cocoa butter
400g Coconut oil
10g bergamot oil
15g chamomile oil
1 T honey
Small cup of oats
Lye: 380g water and 146g caustic soda

There is loads of info on the web...just google 'make your own soap' or something like that.

For candle making supplies you can order from:
http://www.candlemaking.com.au//
http://www.aussiecandlesupplies.com.au/shop/home.php

I'd be interested in a bulk order if others are.

Paul has put some pics on the web below at http://westhobartenvnet.blogspot.com/

All the best
Miriam

Candle and Soap Making Afternoon Tea

2011-09-10T19:29:00.031+10:00

Candle and Soap Making Afternoon Tea

Saturday 10th September 2011

An informative time of sharing skills as we farewelled Margaret who has moved to share the knowledge with residents in the Taroona area.

First we don our protective gear in preparation
for handling some of the ingredients.

The ingredients are weighed out carefully.

While waiting for the melted ingredients to cool a few
candles were made to keep ourselves amused.

The warmed ingredients are mixed together until "custard consistency"!

Once the ingredients are successfully combined, some give the mixture
a stir "for luck" whilst the others enjoy a cuppa and share afternoon tea.

Optional ingredients such as oatmeal, fragrances andcolourings can now be added.

The moulds are laid out in readiness.

The soap mixture is now carefully spooned into the moulds.

Decorations are sprinkled on the top.

And the afternoon finishes off with a sharing of ideas.

Ideas for the next skills sharing afternoon are now being accepted.

Any suggestions?

The Still Gardening Program

2011-08-31T23:43:00.003+10:00

We've just received a note from the coordinator of this excellent program:

Hi WHEN,

I ‘m writing from the Still Gardening Program, a great program connecting volunteer ‘Garden Mates’ with elderly clients who live independently and still garden but need a little help and company. We help people to stay active, get outdoors, stay engaged and stimulated, feel less stressed about their gardens, stay living independently and make new friendships.

We’re currently recruiting more volunteer Garden Mates, as we have an ever-growing list of clients wanting assistance...

Contact Kim (details below) if you would like to get involved:

Kim Tyson
Project Officer
Still Gardening Program
Community Inclusion
Hobart City Council
(Tue, Wed, Fri)
P 6236 9349
M 0409 191 553E

West Hobart - interesting info

2011-08-19T15:49:00.003+10:00

West Hobart's Neighbourhood Watch group has set up a webpage full of useful and interesting information for us lucky West Hobart residents. There is information about local services, history and community events. Take a look:

http://westhobart.wordpress.com/

Walking West Hobart map - Meeting 10 Aug 2011

2011-08-11T21:48:00.004+10:00

A good meeting, energised by the terrific news that Hobart City Council have funded our submission for Walking West Hobart to the tune of $1700. Sustainable Living Tasmania will hold the funds for us and pay our bills as we present them. All good!

We agreed on map size as A3, and we can afford a likely print run of 1000.

We agreed on the main design features of the map, including title, credits for HCC and WHEN, keys below the map, how to fold it, what to place on the "front" and "back" "covers", what (roughly) to place on the large reverse of the map. We agreed to remove the numbers from the red dots and just have general titles for the businesses e.g. grocer, pharmacy, doctor, butcher.

We agreed that we would engage Maria as our Designer (thanks Maria!).

Margaret will forward Di's "Appreciating the Past in WH" to Brendan Lennard for historical editting.

Maria will do final edit of both this and James Boyce's lovely essay.

We thought of some loop routes for some "folksy" walks to feature on the reverse of the map e.g. historical loops.

We need some photos of walkers and vistas in West Hobart. Ideas: happy, walking, shopping, kids in Friends Park... Each of us to provide some for choosing from.

Maria and John will run through outstanding ideas and edits for the map and pass back to Margaret . Margaret to collect edits and notes, contact the mapmaker and ask for an updated edition.

When the updated edition comes back, the whole group to work together to finalise the details. We're getting close to the final product!

Update from the GAF group - July 2011

2011-07-28T20:23:00.001+10:00

A couple of items that may be of interest:

1. Food for All - Resources for Local Government - VicHealth

Visit: http://www.vichealth.vic.gov.au/Publications/Healthy-Eating/Healthy-Eating-Programs/Food-For-All---Resources-for-Local-Governments.aspx

2. GROW campaign in Hobart: The Future of Food Forum.

The GROW campaign is aiming for a future where everyone has enough to eat, always, and is focussing on key issues associated with food – climate change, production, food prices, trade, etc. The campaign is being run globally by Oxfam and seeks to build and assist the large amount of advocacy that has been done to date around food. You can read more about the GROW campaign at http://www.oxfam.org.au/grow/

Helping to launch our new campaign and discussing the sustainability of the global food system and how we (together) can fix it will be Andrew Hewett, Executive Director Oxfam Australia, and Matthew Evans, Author of "The Real Food Companion.

WHERE: Long Gallery, Salamanca Place, Hobart

WHEN: August 10th from 11am – 12:30pm

RSVP: rebeccal@oxfam.org.au or http://bit.ly/qlk95I

Events coming up for the Gardens & Food Group

2011-06-28T07:45:00.000+10:00

This year's solstice progressive dinner was a great success.

Next activity: Lawrenny Court Working Bee Monday 4th July, 3-4pm, please RSVP

Coming soon: Candle and soap making afternoon tea

Gardening news update from Miriam

2011-06-26T12:17:00.003+10:00

1. OPENIDEO – Community sourced solutions address the disconnect between food production & consumption

This is a link to the crowd source social enterprise site OpenIDEO. The particular brief here and its community sourced solutions address the disconnect between food production and consumption- I'm thinking there are some beaut ideas here that may be applicable to Hobart and surrounds?

http://www.openideo.com/open/localfood/winners-announced/ .

Contact: Ruth Howard: ruth.howard@education.tas.gov.au

2. Our Food Our Hands Our Future – Horticulture Course – 18^th August – 20 October

“Our Food, Our Hands, Our Future”. This course goes for 10 weeks for an incredibly cheap rate of $90 for Feeding the Future members. This course is for anyone who is interested in learning how to set up/enhance a community garden/kitchen for the purpose of teaching people at risk of food insecurity how to grow and cook their on food. Is this YOU, do you know anyone who would like to do this course? If so can you please send this email to them.

Please note this is a Nationally recognised training certificate 1 course in horticulture. We have some very exciting personalities teaching this course such as:

· Tino Carnevale

· Marcus Ragus

· Kirsten Bacon

· Laurie Miller (to be confirmed)

· ....and other professional horticulturists from the Royal Botanical Gardens

For more information contact:

Louise Sullivan

Feeding the Future
39 Leura St
ROSNY 7018
04181222 22
03 62444 918

3. Opportunity for Community Gardens - SBS Documentary

Hello to you all,

We're producing an online documentary and social media project for the SBS Australia food website on community gardens. The idea is to follow a garden from beginning to harvest and feature the fresh produce grown in that garden and the cultural, familial and/or spiritual stories that modern Australians associate with the recipes they cook using their garden-grown fresh produce.

We have a garden here in WA that we will follow, but an integral part of our project is having other gardens and allied groups from around the country contributing stories, recipes, pix etc about their own garden and their food/cultural experiences.

As persons interested in community gardening, sustainability and food I am issuing you an invitation to become part of this project and/or to find out more. I would love to hear from you if this sounds like an exciting project that you and/or your community group/organisation would like to be a part of. If you'd like to know more you're most welcome to contact me at this address and I can send you an extended synopsis of the project. Or you can give me a call if it's more convenient.

We're very excited about the potential that our project offers to bring like-minded people together and document and celebrate the wonderful outcomes that can grow from gardening and food. I look forward to hearing from you!

Best regards,

Rob McGlynn

PS feel free to pass on this email to anyone who you think might be interested in participating.

CROW
media + communications
39d harvest rd
north fremantle wa 6159
0407 161 045
www.crowmedia.com.au

Peak Oil Forum, 2 July 2011

2011-06-26T12:06:00.006+10:00

Peak Oil Tasmania (a group of Transition people originally) is hosting a Peak Oil forum July 2 in the Philip Smith Centre, Hobart. It promises to be a really inspiring event with an emphasis on what is actually being done especially in local government. Hepburn Shire is starting on an Energy Descent Action Plan and the mayor is coming to our forum; Maribyrnong Council (in greater Melbourne) has prepared its own Peak Oil Strategy and the consultant who helped develop it is coming too.

Get all the details at: peakoiltas.org

To register, email: info@peakoiltas.org

Healthy buildings talk and tour - Sunday 19th June

2011-05-31T20:53:00.000+10:00

Healthy buildings talk and tour - Sunday 19th June 11am-3.30pm - Organised by our sister organisation Channel Living
Learn how the discipline of “Building Biology” approaches the creation of homes and commercial buildings that are more environmentally sustainable and better for health of the inhabitants. The tour gives two examples of how Building Biology principles have influenced a commercial building (the Baha’i Centre) and how it has been applied thoroughly in all aspects of a domestic building (Michael Meyer’s home in West Hobart).

Venue: Sustainable Living Tasmania, Murray Street (followed by the two tours).
Time: 11am - 3.30pm
Cost: $20
Booking Essential: email to info@channelliving.org or call Zoe 6267 4437.

Lawrenny Court Working Bees

2011-05-25T20:47:00.003+10:00

The next of these enjoyable, convivial events (afternoon tea provided) will be held at 3pm on Monday May 30th. Meet at the hall on Hill St.

Please RSVP to Annie March. We recently received a very nice thankyou letter from Lawrenny Court residents and management.

Update from the GAF group - May 2011

2011-05-20T17:08:00.000+10:00

Gardens and Food News

The final produce exchange was celebrated with afternoon tea and trading of autumn bounty. Particular thanks to a neighbour who saw our sign and brought a crate of freshly picked apples.

Solstice feast: the carbon-friendly walking progressive four-course dinner is scheduled for Saturday 18th June.

Please register your interest now, either to host a course, nominate what you'd like to cook, or say which course you'd like to cook for.

We'd like to find out how people interpret 'carbon-friendly'? And we're wondering how to resolve the tension between the desire to be generous/ hospitable with the food we bring, yet not over-eat or squander.

As good earth-keepers / housekeepers, we'll tidy and wash up as we go.

WHEN at Back to West Hobart Day, 15 June 2011

2011-05-17T18:39:00.005+10:00

The Transport and the GAF groups presented some fantastic displays at the Back to West Hobart celebration day. We were given a corner in the Lawrenny Court hall and made the most of it!

We had a display of the Walking West Hobart map and had lots of people peering at it. Margaret and Di were able to show many current and former residents the early drafts of our professionally drawn map, which was very exciting. We collected a couple of dozen new ideas for shortcuts and points of interest for the map!

Meanwhile Miriam set up an eye catching display promoting vegie gardening and the GAF group. The pile of Greg's "What to Grow When in West Hobart" were greatly appreciated and disappeared quickly into people's baskets and pockets.

It was a valuable day for promoting our group, and lots of WHEN flyers were taken by people. It was also a fun day, with activities and entertainment happening throughout the day. The organisers, in particular Cynthia Archer, deserve hearty thanks from the community for making it happen.

Renewable energy map - show off your solar heater!

2011-05-14T09:33:00.004+10:00

http://www.repowermap.org/

Here's a site, created in Europe, which helps us to build a map of how many solar energy units and other renewable energy devices are in our suburb. You can go to the site and find your house, then click on the renewable energy installation that you have. I put my solar water heater on the map!

Southern Tasmanian Councils Authority 2030 survey

2011-04-15T15:23:00.000+10:00

Southern Tasmanian Councils Authority is undertaking this community consultation to help them work with the community to build a better future. The STCA wants to find out how you would like the region to develop over the next 20 years. They have chosen seven key areas and for each one are asking you to tell us what needs to be kept and what needs to be changed or improved to make Southern Tasmania an even better place to live. Please visit their website (http://stca.tas.gov.au/2030-survey/) and complete the survey to let them know where you would like to see Tasmania in 2030!

----- driveway market ------

2011-04-10T11:22:00.003+10:00

...driveway market...

Here is the game plan:

...spread the word to all the people I know who make things, bake things, grow things, snow things, eat things, meet things. Then invite them to set up a table of their wares in our driveway (it's a big one), play some killer tunes, put the kettle on, spread out some rugs and hang out.
............. you should come, I reckon it will be fun.

Sunday May 1st, 10am - 3pm @ 71 Hill St, West Hobart
(near the train park..)

If you want to have a stall, trade stuff, demonstrate a skill, etc. just come along on the day. there is no stall fee or anything...

** GIANT Clothes swap, starts @ 11:00am!!!**
(bring clothes to add to the pile)

For more info, email brit.stewart@gmail

WH Map group meeting 23 March 2011

2011-03-28T20:03:00.004+11:00

The walkers have finished surveying West Hobart, and have come up with a list of over 160 shortcuts /points of interest /issues of concern, together with their coordinates, which is very impressive. We had a visit tonight from Nick B., who has considerable experience with building maps for rogaining and orienteering. When we introduced him to our project, his view was that we would get the best results with the assistance of a professional mapmaker. Margaret and John will approach a mapmaker who Nick recommended, and get some samples of formats and overlays for the group to look at.

Meanwhile group members were asked to consider preparing some information on the history of West Hobart, and/or to describe their favourite walks (and why) for the obverse side of the map.

The high traffic levels encountered by parents taking children to Lansdowne Crescent School were discussed. There is a need for a "lollipop person" at the northern end of Lansdowne Crescent.

Margaret and Di will prepare a submission for funding for the Walking West Hobart map under the Community Development Grants of the Hobart City Council.

It turns out that the community consultations around the Jan Gehl liveable city plan will mainly be via community survey. However, the Council staff managing the project are available to come to community group meetings to discuss the plan. The group agreed WHEN should organise a community meeting focussed on the Gehl plan. Margaret to see if Waterworks and SH groups want to be involved in this.

LandShare

2011-03-03T21:26:00.003+11:00

Seen on ABC TV tonight - a story about LandShare - an online meeting place for people who have land available for others to garden on, and growers who are looking for some land to put a vegie garden on. There might be some West Hobartians interested in using this network!!

Sustainable Transport Group Meeting, 2 March 2011

2011-03-03T21:02:00.003+11:00

Meeting at Margaret's house, we discussed the progress of our surveys of the streets and our data gathering for the Walking West Hobart map. We have collected lots of information, and have lots of good ideas. We shared inspiring stories and sources of useful material, for example the excellent "Victoria Walks" website.

Our challenge is how to decide what to include, and then later, how to present it on a single map! After we had tossed round some ideas, Di suggested ordering the information into priorities, to help in our decisionmaking. Our priorities are:

1. Access (physical aspects); 2. Services (or the purpose of our walks); and 3. Enjoyment (celebrating the experience).

John H suggested collecting location information for the points of interest via GPS coordinates rather than by placing them on the Google MyMap we have created. This will assist the mapmaker to easily transfer the data into mapmaking software.

Di will create a spreadsheet to capture the data and we will each enter into it the items we have surveyed and their locations.

The Gehl report is now available and members of the group will source copies of it in readiness for providing a response to the Council.

Next meeting: 3 weeks' time, same time, same place.

Public Spaces and Public Life report

2011-02-17T19:01:00.002+11:00

The long awaited report by Gehl Architects is now available from the Hobart City Council website. The bad news is that it is quite hard to print up. You need a colour printer that can print doublesided on A3, then you really need to trim it to a square and then (if you can) spiral bind it to make it easy to turn the pages!

My partner Robert tried to get one from the Council's counter and it wasn't available. When he rang up to get a copy, he got the impression that the request wasn't that welcome - and when he got the report it had clearly just been printed on the office printer and bound on the spot. It looks like funding wasn't available for commercial printing. Now that I'm reading it, it also looks like they couldn't afford an editor!

Anyway, enough of my whingeing, it's time to read the report!

Sustainable Transport Group Meeting, Wed. 9 Feb

2011-02-11T09:22:00.005+11:00

This meeting's main focus was on developing the Walking West Hobart Map.  Here are Margaret's notes on our discussion:
Thank you to Helene and Di for entering the existing data on the web map.
1.  We decided we needed to gather more direct data and actually walk the West Hobart streets: 
Attached is the re-jigged letter-boxing map (thanks John H.) that now follows as closely as possible the official West Hobart
boundary (from the LIST).  John and I lost our nerve about allocating areas but Helene and Di had offered to do the 
northern patch  (A).  John Hunter is happy to do B.
I suggest we leave G (Knocklofty) for now.   Please feel free to claim another patch. Let me know.
Here are the items of interest that we agreed we should note: 
shortcuts, fruit trees (potential scrumping), views, bus stops, safe and dangerous street crossings, contours (gradients), 
bike paths, parks, seats, shelter, steps and non-pram-friendly paths,  picnic spots/tables, historic houses, toilets, 
points of interest, cafes, shops and services  e.g. doctor, plumber (the goods and services provided, 
not the actual business name), good 'park and walk' spots (ie not outside Margaret's house!),  play grounds and 
other good child-friendly spaces, art galleries.
And I guess anything else we haven't thought of!  We need to note an accurate location for all items. And take a camera.  
2. John C showed different icon styles – e.g. geometric shapes for different features, with numbers relating to notes,
pictographic icons such as those used by Green Maps, which we can use if we register as a Green Map ($100).
John C, are the maps left over from the Sustainable Living Expo at all useful for noting stuff on? If so, maybe we could 
collect copies from you.
3. Margaret had raised the possibility of doing a community information session on Peak Oil
with the assistance of Peak Oil Tasmania. It was agreed that Margaret should approach  Neighbourhood Watch to explore
 the possibility of this being one of the talks offered by them or alternatively use the newsletter as a publicity medium for 
our own event.  
4. Jan Gehl Report:
We agreed that we should make a submission on this, and that there may be scope to widen this to a community meeting
on planning issues, with a number of speakers.

Could electric bikes be Hobart's clean transport solution?

2011-01-28T13:23:00.001+11:00

Come along to the Hobart Regatta Grounds on Monday 31 Jan at 6pm to find out. There'll be a range of electric bikes for people to test ride. Visiting from Sydney is Maurice Wells, one of Australia's leading electric bike experts. He will be able to give advice on what to look for in an electric bike as well as what is most appropriate for you. Find out how good electric bikes are on Hobart's hills!

Maurice and his partner are about to ride their electric bikes from Hobart to Launceston via the Central Plateau. Thanks to the electric motor, they will cover this distance in just three easy days, taking hills in their stride and enjoying the wonderful scenery. No lycra, no sweat.

Organised by eco-Bikes, a South Hobart-grown small business.

Changing the Dream Symposium

2011-01-05T21:46:00.004+11:00

5 Feb, 12.30pm - 5.30pm, Philip Smith Centre, Hobart.
This one-day Symposium explores the current state of our planet from a new perspective, and connects participants with a powerful global movement to reclaim our future. Through dynamic group interactions, leading edge information, and inspiring multimedia, participants are inspired to reconnect with their deep concern for our world, and are empowered to make a difference.

If you are ready to be disturbed, inspired and moved to action, then join in exploring the most critical concerns of our times, and discover new opportunities to make a real difference in accelerating the emergence of an environmentally sustainable, spiritually fulfilling, and socially just human presence on this planet!
Designed by The Pachamama Alliance with the collaboration of some of the finest scientific, indigenous and activist minds in the world, the next Tasmanian Symposium will be held at the Phillip Smith Centre in Hobart on Saturday, February 5th from 12.30-5.30pm. The cost for the day, including refreshments, is $40 waged, $20 unwaged. Although payment can be made at the door, people are required to register online at www.changingthedream.org.au, with a discount available for online payment at the time of registration.

For more information, or to register online, go to www.changingthedream.org.au , or contact Phil Everist,0413 383 206 , or phileverist@gmail.com

Solar Hot Water Heaters - Eco Tasmania

2010-12-19T08:43:00.003+11:00

EcoTasmania is a Hobart-based company providing the Apricus evacuated tube solar hot water heaters. The company developed out of the bulk buying project of the Waterworks Valley Community, a sister group of WHEN. Their website has lots of useful stuff to help with your decisionmaking. Looks like the place to start when thinking about moving to solar hot water!

'A city with people in mind'

2010-12-01T21:35:00.007+11:00

This evening in Sandy Bay, Jan Gehl (of Gehl Architects, who have been commissioned by the council to provide a development plan for the area directly surrounding the Hobart CBD) gave a public lecture on the fruits of the research conducted by his firm over the past year.

In it, he addressed many significant issues--from traffic and accessibility, to 'greening the urban' and sense of community.

Provide above is a link to the Hobart City Council website, from which the results of Professor's Gehl's research may be downloaded and digested.

It is our responsibility as members of the greater Hobart community to be aware, informed, and engaged in the process of transforming our urban center, so as to ensure harmony between our public spaces and our personal ethos.

Walk Score website

2010-11-29T20:57:00.003+11:00

Found on the web:

Walk Score (www.WalkScore.com) is the leading measure of walkability. It works on any address and gives you a score and a map of nearby stores, restaurants, schools, parks, etc.

The designers of this website are clearly in touch with sustainability values. They say:

Walkable neighborhoods offer surprising benefits to the environment, our health, our finances, and our communities.

Environment: Cars are a leading cause of climate change. Your feet are zero-pollution transportation machines.

Health: The average resident of a walkable neighborhood weighs 7 pounds less than someone who lives in a sprawling neighborhood.¹

Finances: One point of Walk Score is worth up to $3,000 of value for your property. Read the research report.

Communities: Studies show that for every 10 minutes a person spends in a daily car commute, time spent in community activities falls by 10%.

The Walking West Hobart map group will take a good look at this tool to see how it can help with our project.

The Sharehood

2010-11-18T14:25:00.003+11:00

The Sharehood was referred to us by new member Colin. This is what The Sharehood says it is about:

The Sharehood is all about sharing resources within your neighbourhood and helps you to meet and make friends with people in your local area. All sorts of things can be shared, such as sewing machines, vegetables, wheelbarrows, tools, cars, books and computers. Skills can be shared too: gardening help, bike fixing, accountancy, language skills, childminding, how to make wine or dance the tango.

Perhaps this might be a useful way for West Hobartians to connect and share goods and services etc with each other?

Green Traders

2010-11-18T12:59:00.003+11:00

A new group has been set up to make it easier to share goods. Here's what they say:

Somewhere in the world, for a multitude of reasons, a fruit tree overburdened with deliciously ripe fruit rots and withers away, without a soul to eat it. Whilst somewhere in the world, for a multitude of reasons, someone goes hungry and cries, without a soul to help feed them.

We saw a void that we wanted to help fill and thus, Green Traders was born. In this world with ever increasing costs, everyday there are people that have to go without. Imagine how amazing it will be to trade green products such as fruit, vegetables, eggs, manure, seedlings and compost with others. This is Recycling at its very best and is a wonderful way to help the environment.

By reusing products that you do not need or want it will allow for less packaging and therefore less wastage. By giving away or trading what you do not use or want, you will be helping your fellow mankind. This will also give you a great sense of community, knowing that you are assisting people within your own neighbourhood.

This way of communicating and sharing could be very useful for getting (or getting rid of) gardening or household goods.... Check it out, at:

Green Traders

Walking West Hobart map project - update

2010-11-18T10:34:00.007+11:00

The Walking West Hobart map working group has met again to look at several excellent maps provided by the Hobart City Council.

I have created a Google "My Map" which looks like a pretty accessible way for people to contribute ideas. Here is the link.

Walks in West Hobart

A collection of shortcuts and best walking paths in West Hobart. Blue lines are laneways, fine for prams. Red lines indicate there are some steps. Green bicycles indicate best bike routes.

Have a go, it's fairly easy to add shortcuts etc that you know about.

Current ideas are that perhaps this "My Map" could be the online version of the Walking West Hobart map, and that we could use the information gathered here to create a printed paper map for on the street enjoyment!

Also Maria and John have created a Tassie Urban Walks website to showcase urban walks

Take a short walk in your lunch hour or on a weekend, to discover some of the unusual places hidden in the heart of Tasmania's urban areas.

We can use this site to publicise particularly lovely walks around West Hobart. Please contribute ideas to this page too!

So, plenty of ideas, and your input is welcome.

Walking West Hobart map - Meeting 13 October 2010

2010-10-13T22:37:00.002+11:00

Tonight Margaret convened a meeting of the Walking West Hobart Map working group, held at Anne's. Present were: John and Maria, Helene, Di, John and Carol, and Suzanne.

Margaret and Di outlined some background of the project, and there was some enthusiastic discussion of the objectives of the project. These include: to encourage residents to walk, to enjoy what West Hobart has to offer, to connect more with each other, to improve health, to reduce dependence on the car, to identify little known shortcuts and to publicise them. Perhaps in summary it is about celebrating West Hobart and promoting walking.

The group discussed the geographic scope of the project. It was felt that it would be wise to focus on West Hobart in order to keep the project manageable. When this is complete we may be able to extend the concept into Sandy Bay and Lenah Valley in the future.

Many good ideas about what to show on the map were thrown in, such as : shortcuts, walking times, fruit trees, views, bus stops, safe street crossings, contours, shortest routes to (State Cinema, etc), bike paths, parks, seats, toilets, points of interest, coffee shops, "park and walk", alerts for steps or non-pram-friendly paths. People had some good ideas for improved signage of shortcuts including adding signs to "No Through Road" signposts. Quite a few shortcuts and rights of way have already been contributed by Paul and several were suggested tonight.

It is likely that we will make a version of the map available online, but printed maps will definitely be produced. There will be some thinking to do about what size and shape the printed maps could be.

Where to next:
Margaret will see whether Hobart City Council's mapping department can provide large and detailed maps that already show some shortcuts and rights of way. She will also enquire as to what level of support they can offer towards graphic design and production.

The group will meet again on Monday 25 October to start mapping ideas directly onto a map, 7.30pm at John and Carol's. Contact Margaret for details if you would like to come along.

There will be more meetings to refine the map and to consult with more residents to gather more ideas. One idea is to showcase the map at the Back To West Hobart day in May 2011.

Green Moves Australia

2010-10-09T07:57:00.001+11:00

If you want to sell or lease your home, you can list on the Green Property List as long as your house meets a sustainability test. Read all about it at: Green Moves Australia.

Did you know Mandatory Disclosure is coming in May 2011?

This means you must disclose your home's energy efficiency at point of sale or rent from May 2011 onwards. This company also provides more information about what this is all about, and offers guidance on how you can improve your home's sustainability features.

Solar Hot Water Forum 2008

2010-09-22T19:39:00.001+10:00

From the WHEN archives: We had a very worthwhile Solar Hot Water Forum in 2008 with about 75 people attending. Thank you very much to all who were involved in making the day such a success. Six suppliers attended the event and five of them have offered discounts to those who were there or who are members of WHEN. Please let them know that you are from the group if you contact them.

Here are the details of the offers (in alphabetical order).

APRICUS

Mark Rickard,
EcoTasmania

6224 0166

mark@ecotasmania.com

www.ecotasmania.com

I am happy to offer 5% discount off the quoted system prices to all WHEN members, and if 10 or more systems are ordered by members of your group, then I will rebate to you a further 5%. To get much more than 10% I would need to get a sizeable order - for maybe around 30 or so systems, I could give 15%. There's not that much margin in them, particularly as I already give 5% from each system to Eco Tasmania the not-for-profit, who use that money for lobbying, education, etc.

See: http://www.apricus.com.au/ for details about the Apricus systems.

ECOSMART

Neil Edney,
Ultimate Hot Water Pty Ltd

neiledney@bigpond.com
www.ultimatehotwater.com.au

We can offer $100 off the installation price. For orders of 5 we can offer a $200 discount off the RRP per system and this can be paid using our Easy Pay Plan or payment on completion. For orders of 10 or more systems we can offer a discount of $400 per system with payment via cash, cheque, visa or mastercard only.

See : http://www.ecosmart.com.au/ for details about the Ecosmart systems.

HILLS SOLAR SYSTEMS

Mal Blood,
Sackett Services,
37 Derwent Park Road,
Derwent Park

6272 7776

mblood@sackettservices.com.au

I am offering a special price of $500 dollars off the normal system price for group members.

See : http://www.hillssolar.com.au/arbitrage/pages/Home for details about the Hills Solar systems.

SOLAHART

Aaron Sommerville,
CGA TAS Pty Ltd,
159 Main Road,
Moonah
62728188
aaron_cgatas@iprimus.com.au

Solahart is offering a $400 discount until the 30 September 2008. Also, if you can get at least a group of three people to buy and install three systems in one street within two days there can be savings of about $1000 per group off of the installation price.

See: http://www.solahart.com.au/default.asp? for details about the Solahart systems.

SUNPLUS SOLAR

Rob Manson,
Electricians Shed,
45 Burnett Street,
North Hobart

6231 0002

rob@electricians-shed.com.au

Yes, we can offer discounts for bulk purchases. Please have any one interested contact me via email or phone or come into our shop.

See: http://www.sunplussolar.com.au/ for details about the Sunplus Solar systems.

Remember the responsibility is yours to check out the pluses and minuses of the various systems. Please send me an email if you would like a copy of a sheet containing buying tips.

Regards,

John

Making our Homes Sustainable

John Carpenter, convener (6231 6349)
Carol Graham
John Hunter
Cindy Hull
Tricia Viera
Justin Welch

The group welcomes new members.

As their next activity, the group is looking at running a demo home energy efficiency audit in someone's home and possibly doing another forum around rainwater tanks. If you would like to offer your home as the venue for the home audit or if you are interested in being part of the rainwater tank forum team, please contact John on 6231 6349.

Peak Oil Community Workshop, 18 September 2010

2010-09-09T21:48:00.000+10:00

Join us in a vibrant discussion with people of like mind. Help strengthen our community response to Peak Oil and Climate Change. Workshop on Saturday, 18th September , Philip Smith Education Centre 1 - 4 pm . Soup, bisquits, tea and coffee provided. Donations greatly appreciated. RSVP info@sustainablelivingtasmania.org.au or phone 62345566 .

Sustainable House Day 2010 - Sunday, 12 September 10- 4pm

2010-09-04T09:14:00.000+10:00

The Australian Solar Energy Society invites you to visit five sustainable homes in Southern Tasmania - in Acton, Howrah, Sandford, Lower Snug and Woodbridge. This is a good opportunity to see how other Tasmanians are tackling how to make their homes more energy conservative. You can see how it looks in practice and ask the owners how they did it!

Source Wholefoods Coop is also open on the day, to show off its strawbale construction and other features!

There are some details about these houses and information on opening times on www.sustainablehouseday.com

Southern Tasmania Energy Descent Action Planning Workshop with Transition Tasmania

2010-09-03T10:23:00.002+10:00

Saturday, 18 September 10-4pm @ Phillip Smith Centre, Glebe
WHEN members will be attending this important workshop. Join us and others from similar groups in Southern Tasmania to start tackling some of the bigger issues around Transition. Its all about stepping up the impetus that is already driving us - the need to rapidly develop community and personal resilience in the face of a very uncertain future. Many are concerned that energy prices are due to rocket within 5 years and that this will place immense hardships on not only the Tasmnaian economy, but also on communities and individuals. Simply put: We are not Ready! With this in mind, Sustainable Living Tasmania in concert with Transition Tasmania invites you to a one day stimulating workshop to explore this theme.

Many people throughout the State are doing inspirational things, but at the same time we also need to challenge our own comfort zones. We need to find smart ways to accelerate our activities and draw in the broader community at a much faster reate. Tasmania needs to have an Energy Defence strategy in place. Please do join us. See the attached flyer for the program and further info.

Please RSVP by email to lissa@sustainablelivingtasmania.org.au or call 6234 5566.

Sandy Bay Walking and Cycling Project - public comment period

2010-09-01T21:04:00.000+10:00

Submissions in response to the proposed Sandy Bay Walking and Cycling Project close Fri 3 Sept!!
This is your last chance to provide feedback to Hobart Council on the proposed Sandy Bay Rd bicycle project which aims to provide a traffic-free and comfortable place for all sorts of people to ride their bikes (including families and children) with complete separation from motor vehicles. Walkers will have their own footpath adjacent to the protected bike lane. Let Hobart Council know there is support for this project by filling in an on-line form.

World Sunlight Map

2010-08-28T09:48:00.003+10:00

Here is a link to a detailed story of implementation of a large photovoltaic system in Canberra. The owner has been generous in telling his story, including the calculations he made, installation issues, and ongoing analysis of performance. He now reports that he is achieving a 10 per cent return on his investment. Conditions there would be comparable to Hobart?

And this is a fun toy:

West Hobart residents vote for climate change solutions

2010-08-26T22:39:00.001+10:00

I was interested to see how many WH residents voted "green" in the Federal election on 21 August 2010.

Based on these assumptions:
1. That votes cast in West Hobart booths were largely from West Hobart residents (some would be from other suburbs of Denison) (while some WH residents would vote in other parts of Denison or elsewhere); and
2. That, based on policy platforms alone, votes cast for Greens (Geoff Couser), Independent (Andrew Wilkie), Socialist Alliance (Mel Barnes) represent active votes for urgent solutions to Climate Change;

I calculate that 53.7% of residents voted for Federal Govt action on climate change!!!!!

By Booth:
Elizabeth College, N Hobart (on border) 55.6%
Hobart West, Goulburn St School 61.4%
Lansdowne Cres Primary School 53.2%
Newdegate, Lawrenny Court 47.4%
St Peters, cnr Bris & Harrington Sts 56.4%
Swan St, N Hobart (on border) 52.2%
Total (3338 out of 6214) 53.7%

I'm sure this is a big increase from last election, has anyone had a look at that?

How do I insulate the walls of my old house?

2010-07-09T22:07:00.001+10:00

Many of us have insulated our ceilings and floors, but what do we do about our weatherboard walls??? Up to 25% of heat loss is through the walls, and an even greater percentage once the ceilings and floors are done!

Waterworks Valley community group has produced an excellent pamphlet describing how it is possible to retrofit insulation into the walls of an existing building. There are ways to insulate from the inside and also from the outside! This pamphlet gives tips on what to avoid, and names some useful suppliers in the Hobart area.

Sustainable transport: free public lecture, 10 August

2010-07-07T20:08:00.000+10:00

This lecture is presented by the Tasmanian Office of Climate Change as part of its Blue Sky Series. Dr Lee Schipper, Nobel Peace Prize winner 2007, will talk about sustainable transport solutions in the Tasmanian and global context. 10 August at 5.30pm at the Stanley Burbury Centre, Sandy Bay campus, Hobart.

Healthy Transport Hobart

2010-07-03T12:20:00.002+10:00

This group, Healthy Transport Hobart, must be the definitive group promoting bicycle riding and facilities in Hobart. They are very active, organising the regular Critical Mass bike rides and publicising great activities and initiatives. They also have lot of links to other related groups. Check it out!

South Hobart Solstice Savers - Public Meeting - Monday 21 June 6:30-8:30pm

2010-06-02T19:35:00.000+10:00

Come along to this Winter Solstice community event and identify savings that can be easily made on your power bills. The South Hobart Sustainable Community has collected the best tips and advice from local energy assessors and experts, and will demonstrate a range of hi tech through to low cost DIY actions that target the most energy consuming components of your power bill. Features will include thermal imaging and air exchange measurements, household energy meter purchase, hot water cylinder improvements, DIY auditing kits, standby savers, heater efficiencies, downlight dilemmas, power bill analysis, climate friendly pledge, government rebates, and power bill analyses (bring your aurora bills with you).

Door prize – Win the inaugural South Hobart Ecoblitz. Local energy assessors will work with you in your home to identify the best energy savings and arrange a working bee to retrofit these changes – where appropriate. $200 of materials included. Sign up to be involved in future Ecoblitz at the meeting. Gold coin donation appreciated. Gluwein and supper provided.

Come along to St Francis Xavier Church Hall – corner of Anglesea and Adelaide St, South Hobart (under church).

WANTED: Part-time manager/entrepreneur - Urban Food Garden Demo Site

2010-05-20T22:48:00.000+10:00

Source Community Wholefoods Coop is inviting expressions of interest

"from persons interested in developing and managing the sustainable food production display garden adjacent to our food retail premises in Sandy Bay, Hobart. The primary objective for this garden is the demonstration of viable urban food production and the provision of hands-on education to community members, on an accessible and financially sustainable basis. If you have horticultural experience at a managerial level, as well as experience working with volunteers, we would like to hear from you. We particularly invite inquiries from persons with an entrepreneurial nature who would be comfortable with sharing risks and rewards. The size of the opportunity is largely up to you, but we would expect a minimum commitment of around 6hrs per week. The Source Board has identified four potential models for the management role".

Contact source.wholefoods@gmail.com by 5pm Friday 11 June, 2010 to get more information about the proposed management roles, to submit your EOI or to find out more information.

Support a community garden in Lindisfarne

2010-05-19T15:53:00.000+10:00

We have been asked to help support a group in Lindisfarne to persuade Aldermen on Clarence Council that a community garden at Beltana Park, Lindisfarne, is a great way to revitalise the Lindisfarne community. The group's long-term aim is to become a permanent group that focuses on sustainable living and building the Lindisfarne community. They say:

A community garden, centrally located at Beltana Park, Lindisfarne, would enable both local residents without a garden to grow their own vegies and local Lindisfarne schools to teach students how to grow fresh produce. A Beltana Community Garden would revitalise the village and reconnect young and old with others in the area. Please visit the Lindisfarne Community Garden Group web site at www.lindisfarnecommunitygarden.info and sign our electronic petition. Signatures from people outside Clarence are very welcome. For more information call Max Bahrfeldt on 0407 335843.

Sustainable House Day 2010

2010-05-16T09:48:00.000+10:00

Sunday 12th September 2010

10am - 4pm

Locations all around Australia!!!

It's only 120 days until Sustainable House Day 2010. On this day, around Australia, we can visit green homes & talk to their owners. What a great idea! WHEN will be keeping in touch with this event and we'll provide more details closer to the day here on our blogpage.

Details and pictures of last year's green homes can be found on the SHMECO website (www.shmeco.com). And if you join SHMECO you can share your sustainability stories with, and get advice from, lots of other interested people.

If you have a house with sustainable features which others may be interested in, pls think about registering your house to take part in Sustainable House Day 2010.

Minutes of GAF Gathering, held 17th April

2010-04-26T23:08:00.002+10:00

Present: Caroline Evans, Helene Guillong, Nick Hobbs, Freya Sant, Yves Sant, Pragati Jain, Miriam Herzfeld, Annie March, Julie Payne, Paul Turvey, Anne Bliss

Apologies: Chantelle Delrue, Margaret Steadman, Suzanne Cooper

MEETING:

Produce Exchange: It was decided to keep this going weekly at present in the same venue and then review in the next four weeks. There has been good attendance recently and always lively discussions. The volunteer roster has been a challenge to maintain and it was agreed that we trial having everyone responsible for making sure that all produce is cleared away at the end of the exchange.

GAF Links with WHEN’s (West Hobart environment Network) web/blog/site (westhobartenvet.blogspot.com). WHEN’s new interactive website has a Garden and Food section which anyone can add comments, discussion threads etc… thanks to Paul’s enthusiasm and expertise. Paul has offered to upload the Minutes of GAF meetings, events, recipes, photos and other matters of interest onto the website. One of GAF’s members (Christine) has created a map and list of organic local produce outlets in Hobart. Many thanks Christine – a ‘standing ovation’ to you! Again this can be put on to the website.

Membership Renewal: Miriam will send out a notice to all GAF members regarding this together with a questionnaire/survey on GAF’s activities.

Role of committee: Current committee members are Annie Marsh, Caroline Evans, Miriam Hertfeld and Pragiti Jain. Members connect when necessary. Others welcome to join - please contact Annie if you are interested. Roles of chair/facilitator and minute-taker rotate at meetings and are open to all attending.

Sustainability in Action Project: GAF supports this initiative to connect with surrounding sustainability groups but awaits further details from Margaret on the proposal.

Winter Activities: Enthusiastic discussion evolved around the following inspirations:

Diet and Climate Change - Following in the foot steps of Ghent (Belgium), everyone to bring a dish to a vegetarian feast once a month.
Progressive Dinner - to celebrate the Solstice on 21^st June. Miriam and committee to organize.
Bread-making - for those who missed out on Annie’s super-duper no knead bread-making afternoon.
Musical Activites – bring an instrument, a song or a dance!
Winter Walks - with special topics of interest including local food-foraging forays, historic ambles, exploring art galleries and mulling it all over with a hot chocolate.
Living Simply - home based discussion group sharing ideas on the ever-complex (!) topic of how to simplify our lives. Linking this with issues of sustainability and social justice.

Community Garden: It is hoped to establish a Community Garden on some land off Molle Street (Pigeon Hole Cafe interested in this). There is also substantial north facing land near the Warwick Street Mosque. Annie has offered to approach Connections to feel out possibilities. GAF would like to support any individuals wanting to start up a Community Garden.

The Meeting was followed by an ample produce exchange and yummy autumnal feast with a highlight being Helene’s scrumptious apple pie, that brought many requests for the recipe!

2. Helene's Recipe

Here my try to translate the recipe and how to lit a fire from above:

Apfelwähe (~Apple tart) (26 cm diameter baking tray)

150 g plain flour
½ teespoon salt
50 g butter (unsalted or salt reduced)
4-5 tablespoons cold water
1 tablespoon hazelnut meal
about 4 apples
1 dl milk (about 0.5 cup)
1 egg
1 taplespoon sugar

Put flour and salt in a bowl. Cut butter in flakes, add it to the flour and comminute until smooth. Make a hole, put water in it and bring dough together. Wrap in cling film and place it in the fridge for half an hour.

Roll out the crust so that it fit in your baking tray. Take a fork and poke holes in the bottom of the crust. Sprinkle hazelnut meal on the crust. Cut apples in pieces and make a nice pattern. Bake it at 250 degree in the lower part of the oven. Meanwhile mix milk, egg and sugar and poor it after 15 minutes over the apples. Bake it for another 10-15 minutes.

En Guete (Swiss German for enjoy your meal)!

Enough smoke in the air from the bushfires?
Learn how you to light a fire from above in the fire place with less smoke and emissions. Sorry it is in German, but the pictures are quiet clear. It is important to use dry wood without any chemical treatment.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bHbGUeioLQY

Helene Guillong

3. Ten Conditions of Love

The ABC has scheduled the outstanding Australian-produced documentary about Uighur leader Rebiya Kadeer, The 10 Conditions of Love, to screen at 9.30pm on 6 May.

I launched this film with Ms Kadeer at the Melbourne International Film Festival last year. Its screening provoked a storm of protest from China and caused a worldwide sensation. I was very concerned to hear the ABC had pulled the documentary from its scheduled screening of December last year and so questioned officials about it at the recent Estimates hearings in February. The ABC officials assured me it was not because of pressure from China and I am very pleased to see that following that hearing they have now found a spot for the film in their schedule. The documentary is a wonderfully inspiring and sobering portrait of a courageous woman and the struggles her and her family have endured to enjoy the same democratic rights you and I do. I thoroughly recommend it to you all.

Bob Brown

4. Not too late to object to the proposed Bottle Shop

Somebody omitted to ensure that there was a notice erected at the BP service station advertising the application for the bottle shop had been submitted.
To overcome this oversight, The Liquor Licensing Board has caused a notice to be erected and a further time for submissions has been allowed.
For those who missed round 1, objections may be submitted up to 28 April. Be quick!
The license application can still be viewed at http://westhobart.org.au/hillstcellar.htm
Kind regards
Paul Turvey

5. Hobart's Winter Feast

It's that time of the year again for Hobart's Winter Feast, a
celebration and fundraiser for Source Community Wholefoods Cooperative
http://www.sourcewholefoods.org.au/

Attached is a poster for more information - however it's on May 22nd,
6pm - 10pm at Wesley Hall on Mellville St.

Tickets are available AS OF FRIDAY 23rd APRIL from Souce, 12 French
St, Sandy Bay OR Eco Haven, 71 Murray St, Hobart

Fully Waged: $25, Concession: $18, Kids under 10: $10, under 2: Free.

BOOKINGS ESSENTIAL

Look forward to seeing you there!

Cheers
Hannah Moloney
0418 307 294

Annie's No Knead Bread Recipe

2010-04-25T00:35:00.005+10:00

Labour-free, foolproof, slow-rise, delectable bread.

Ingredients

3 cups bread flour (I use Kialla bread-mix)

1 cup seeds and grains (Eumarrah 7 grain mix)

1 tsp instant yeast

1 tsp salt

1½ cups water

Soft rolled oats

Other hardware required

Heavy deep baking dish with lid

Tea-towel or old flour-bag

What to do

With a wooden spoon mix the first 4 ingredients in a good-sized bowl. Add the water and stir till all the flour is absorbed. Cover the bowl and leave the dough to rise at room temperature for 18 hours.
Flour your work surface. Tip out the dough, dust it with flour, shape it roughly into a square an inch deep, then fold 3 times into a strip 4 by 10 inches. Let it rest for 10 minutes. Rub flour then oats into the tea-towel. Fold the dough into a cube, smooth, then place carefully onto the towel. Cover, and leave in a warm place to rise for 2 hours.
30 minutes before the rising’s finished, put the baking dish with its lid into the oven and set at 425 ˚ F. When the oven’s heated, tip the dough carefully into the hot dish, and replace the lid. Bake for 30 minutes, then remove the lid and bake for 20 more minutes until the loaf is rich brown. Put on a rack to cool.

Loaves and Fishes

2010-04-21T00:04:00.001+10:00

We've decided to continue the produce exchange for another month; Saturday 24th April, 1st May, 8th May, 15th May. Same time, same place - under Goulburn Street School's oak-tree between 3.30 and 4.30pm. (This is the oak tree in the centre of the school ground, NOT the tree over the Forest Road car park.)

Since the difficult part of the exchange has been organising a volunteer roster, we're going to experiment with being volunteer-free, and trusting everyone who comes to take responsibility for running it, clearing up etc. Even if you've run out of produce, come and enjoy the company and conversation. The exchange has a 'loaves and fishes' aspect - there's always lots of food to spare.

Enquiries: Annie March 62310378

From today's Sunday Tasmanian

2010-04-18T23:46:00.002+10:00

THERE'S a backyard gardening revolution going on as people reject store-bought fruit and vegetables, gardening guru Colin Campbell says.

Speaking at the Gardening Australia Expo in Brisbane, the ABC-TV presenter said people were growing food at home because of concerns about health, cost and the carbon footprint of produce.

"People are concerned about what they're getting," Mr Campbell said.

"They want to grow things that are fresh.

"This carbon footprint that people talk about when you transport vegetables from one end of the country to the other, by the time it gets to you it's gone through the transport system, the marketing system, the supermarket system.

"Backyard gardening is wonderful for kids, too.

"A lot 'of kids today think that the vegetables materialise on a supermarket shelf." Mr Campbell said he grew up in an era when people grew their own vegetables.

He said a worldwide survey of garden bloggers was topped by people's concerns about growing their own vegetables, and secondly, growing them organically.

"That was way ahead of waterwise gardening and everything else," he said.

Under the Oak Tree

2010-04-10T17:32:00.013+10:00

Under the Oak Tree at Goulburn St School

It was my first visit to the "produce swap" because I'd never really had an abundance of any garden produce before.

I was greeted by a few who had arrived earlier than I and we sat around and chatted.

One by one, others arrived, proudly added their offerings to the array of crisp greenery that was accumulating.

We chatted about the uses of the various vegetables, herbs & fruit, how best to prepare them, what health conditions they improved, which herbs go with what etc.

There was also a discussion about how to make cider! How to juice the apples, what to do about excess pulp, hazards of bottling and the most important question, what does the term "Bottle until ready" really mean!!!

I can't wait till I get something else to take down to swap - but then again, maybe I'll just go down to catch up with my new friends!

Freecycle

2010-03-28T22:24:00.005+11:00

At the film viewing on Sunday afternoon, we viewed the video "The Story of Stuff"

So many resources are used in the manufacture of so many things which get thrown away after so little use.

One way to extend the life of "stuff" is to give it away to others when you have finished with it.

And who would want it? You'd be surprised!

Freecycle is just like eBay but with one major difference - it must be given away for free!

To learn more, here are some links to allow you to check out Freecycle

The Hobart Australia Freecycle (TM) Network is open to all TASMANIANS who want to "recycle" that special something rather than throw it away. Whatever it is -- a chair, a fax machine, a piano or an old door, feel free to post it. Maybe you're looking to acquire something yourself! Nonprofit groups are encouraged to join the network too. One constraint: everything posted MUST BE FREE.

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/hobart_Freecycle/

******Other Tasmanian Freecycle (TM) groups******

http://www.freecycle.org/group/AU/Tasmania/Kingborough

http://au.groups.yahoo.com/group/DerwentValleyFreecycle/

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/BreakODay-Freecycle

http://www.freecycle.org/group/AU/Tasmania/Burnie

http://www.freecycle.org/group/AU/Tasmania/Devonport

http://www.freecycle.org/group/AU/Tasmania/King%20Island

http://www.freecycle.org/group/AU/Tasmania/Launceston

http://www.freecycle.org/group/AU/Tasmania/West%20Coast%20Council

Copyright (C) 2003-2006 The Freecycle Network (Freecycle.org) All rights
reserved. Freecycle and the Freecycle logo are trademarks of The Freecycle
Network in the United States and/or other countries.

Yahoo! Groups Links

<*> To visit your group on the web, go to:     http://groups.yahoo.com/group/hobart_Freecycle/

<*> Your email settings:     Individual Email | Traditional

<*> To change settings online go to:     http://groups.yahoo.com/group/hobart_Freecycle/join     (Yahoo! ID required)

<*> To change settings via email:     hobart_Freecycle-digest@yahoogroups.com     hobart_Freecycle-fullfeatured@yahoogroups.com

<*> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:     hobart_Freecycle-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com

<*> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to:     http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/

Gardens and Food Group

2010-03-27T00:00:00.001+11:00

Numbers have been dropping at the produce exchange of late. Are people running out of produce and steam? Let us know if you think it's worthwhile continuing through April.

Volunteers this Saturday 27th March: Pragiti and Richard.

There will be no exchange on Easter Saturday.

WHEN (West Hobart Environment Network) are screening two films - 'Transition' and 'The Story of Stuff' in the hall at Lansdowne Crescent School on Sunday 28th March at 3pm. westhobartenvnet.blogspot.com

Pumpkin pie and apple scrumpy.

The next GAF meeting, in conjunction with a harvest festival / afternoon tea and a produce exchange, will be hosted on Saturday 17th April by Caroline Evans at 10 Lansdowne Crescent.

"If we planted trees on land currently used to grow the surplus food we waste we could, in theory, offset 100% of human-derived greenhouse gas emissions." Resurgence, March-April 2010.

Annie March 62310378

Some useful energy saving tips from Bob Donovan

2010-03-25T22:28:00.002+11:00

As you may be aware, the Green Loans program has been to changed to provide funding for an extra 600,000 home assessments while the actual interest-free loans component of the program is currently suspended.

The following is a link to Aurora’s website, this will enable you to monitor your power usage and identify appliances with high running costs:
http://www.auroraenergy.com.au/forms/online_services_registration.asp

I am including a few more links to sources of useful and un-biased information that other people have found valuable. They provide plenty of tips and practical ideas on reducing energy and making your home more sustainable and may prove particularly valuable for you or someone you know were considering renovations or buying a new appliance.

Renovators guide: http://www.yourhome.gov.au/renovatorsguide/index.html

Technical manual for designing a sustainable home: http://www.yourhome.gov.au/technical/index.html

Alternative Technology Association, this group is based in Victoria and has lots of info and links on energy efficiency and design: http://www.ata.org.au/

Fed Governments appliance energy ratings: http://www.energyrating.gov.au/appsearch/default.asp

Free home energy assessments are available and if anyone would like any information you can contact Bob on 6234 1659 or 0401 951 023.

Welcome to WHEN

2010-03-15T20:43:00.000+11:00

WHEN members will have received an email recently to invite them to this, our new website. If you would like to join the weblog so that you can post items for discussion or easily respond to an item, just click on this link for directions....

Come to our next meeting 28 March 2010

2010-03-07T21:19:00.000+11:00

Our next meeting will be on Sunday 28th March, 3 pm, in the Lansdowne Crescent School hall, when we will be screening two films: "In Transition" and "The Story of Stuff". Come and find out more about how communities around the world are responding to climate change, and how you could become involved. After the films we will have a cuppa and some discussion on next steps for our group. See you there!!

HCC Draft Sustainable Transport Strategy

2010-02-14T09:07:00.005+11:00

The Hobart City Council currently has a draft Sustainable Transport Strategy open for comment until 1 March 2010 - click on the link above to see it. We will be responding to the draft. If you would like to contribute your thoughts to the WHEN input, please leave some comments below.

Sustainable House Day 2009

2010-02-14T09:03:00.001+11:00

West Hobart had several homes included in National Sustainable House Day in 2009. Click on the link above to see one of them.

Neighbourhood Watch Tasmania

2010-02-14T08:33:00.001+11:00

Neighbourhood Watch has an active group in West Hobart, holding regular meetings and delivering a regular newsletter to homes.

Map of West Hobart

2010-02-07T00:34:00.006+11:00

Join our WHEN blog!

2010-02-06T20:09:00.033+11:00

WHEN uses this page as our main ongoing channel for keeping people abreast of what the group is up to. You can check this page regularly to see what members are discussing.

This page is actually a "team blog" and all members of the blog can post items for discussion. If you would like to become a member of the team blog, just send your email address to WHEN.

We will then send you the invitation which will take you through the process of registering as a member. If you do not already have a Google account, you will also be taken through the process of setting one up. There are no charges for this.

When you post an item, you will receive an email to let you know whenever anyone posts a comment.

Weekly Produce Exchange

2010-02-06T19:09:00.001+11:00

Just a note to let you know about a WHEN Garden and Food Group event that is coming up soon and which may be of interest to you. It will take place prior to their regular weekly produce exchange.

On February the 13th at 3pm they will be having a demonstration of a solar powered recycled watering system given by Chris Beardall. You can find out more about the concept at www.waterwand.com.au

And in case you are not aware of their produce exchange, here is a recent notice:
Last week we swapped redcurrants, rhubarb, kale, potatoes, broad beans, lettuce, zucchini, apples, loganberries, raspberries, sprouts, silver beet, mint, parsley, garlic, lemons and lively conversation. Come and join us on Saturdays between 3.30 and 4.30 under the splendid oak tree at Goulburn Street School. Marked entry from Goulburn Street. Please come along even if you don't have anything to exchange - we'd love to meet you!

BusIt Challenge

2010-02-06T19:05:00.001+11:00

This is a challenge to politicians to use public transport......... http://www.busit.info/

Sustainable Transport Group, Feb 2010

2010-02-06T09:34:00.001+11:00

The group has prepared comments on the Hobart City Council's Draft Sustainable Transport Strategy and made a submission to the Premier's Fuel Summit. We are now looking at alternative actions for transport in the West Hobart area as well as the development of a walking and biking map.

Sustainable Housing Group, Feb 2010

2010-02-06T09:33:00.002+11:00

After running two very successful workshops, one on solar hot water and the other on insulation and residential heating options, the group is now considering a number of ideas for future activities related to making our homes more sustainable.

Gardens and Food Group, Feb 2010

2010-02-06T09:32:00.001+11:00

This is a very active group, which has been running regular produce exchanges, garden sharing, working bees, and information sessions, including a recent workshop on gardening with native plants. At the moment, we have several workshops and information sharing activities in the planning stages.

GAF Meeting 21 July 2008

2010-02-06T08:53:00.001+11:00

Attendees: Annie, Lucia, Anne, Jen, Sarah, Tricia, Cathy, Miriam, Marianne

Apologies: Margaret

Venue: Annie’s place Warwick Street

Food Produce - Letter drop to establish who has excess produce from trees. Maroochydore council register of trees given as example. News of excess produce to be included on website. Action: Anne to contact John regarding website

Mellifont Orchard - There is an existing volunteer garden group – Friends of Valley St. Action: Marianne to contact Simon Clarkson about speaking at sustainability meeting

Communications - Talks at sustainability meeting about topics of interest ie keeping chickens. -

Establish a way to share of propagated seeds and tools - Where to photocopy? Action: Miriam to do draft flyer including; fruit sharing, propagating seeds and tool sharing.

Permablitz - Greater community involvement for gardens and permablitz. - Working bees and skill sharing within WH Action: Hannah to talk about source co-op and permablitz

Community garden - Existing Newtown model given as example. - Possible involvement with schools. Action: Trish to contact Lansdowne, Marianne Goulburn St

Next meeting of GAF 3pm 18th August at Annie’s place.

Structure of WHEN, 2008

2010-02-06T08:49:00.001+11:00

In a general discussion on how our group might be structured the following points were raised. Most people preferred that the group remain unincorporated and simply be an informal network. It was suggested that we need formal statement of our purpose indicating what we intend to do (and not do). To cover the costs of hiring the venue, it was agreed that we should request a $2 donation from those attending. Bill Harvey from the Hobart City Council mentioned that the Council has a meeting space available for community group use (but this can only be used after working hours on weekdays).

Name of the group:

As the group has not had an official name, a number of possible names were discussed and voted upon. And, the winner was - West Hobart Environment Network (WHEN).

Group communications:

The Yahoo discussion group was a problem for some of those attending and they asked if it was possible to have direct link from the webpage to Yahoo. Paul Turvey will investigate this. Not many people expressed interest in the discussion group. There was also a request for the inclusion of subgroup reports and meeting notices on the webpage. Bill Harvey mentioned that the Council can be asked to put up community notice boards.

Other matters:

The damage caused by plastic bags was raised and discussed. This is an issue that the group may wish to look at further in the future. Simon Clarkson gave us an overview of the plans for the Mellifont Orchard. Tasmanian heritage apples (and possibly pears) will be planted on terraces.

Beat Winter Chills & Bills, 2008

2010-02-06T08:47:00.001+11:00

We had a great turnout again and it was a full house. There were many new faces as well as many from previous meetings.

Presentations were given by our expert panel – Peter Boyer (Al Gore Project),
Chris Harries (Waterworks Rd Community Project), Helen Pryor (Sustainable Living Tasmania) and Katrina Graham (Hobart City Council). The meeting was facilitated by Anne Bliss.

WHEN Meeting 22 June 2008

2010-02-06T08:44:00.002+11:00

Chris Harries started things off by giving us a really helpful talk, He spoke about the Waterworks Road Community Group, solar hot water heating, and answered questions from the group. If you weren't able to make it to yesterday's meeting, you might like to take a look at Waterworks Road website at http://waterworksvalley.com/.

Margaret then brought us up-to-date with what is happening locally, including the planned Hobart City Council sustainability workshops, which are expected to start within the next few weeks.

We then discussed how we might move forward as a group. It was decided to continue to meet on a regular basis while initially focusing upon the three primary areas of interest that we identified during our first meeting -- making our homes sustainable, gardens and food, and sustainable transport.

A subgroup was formed to act upon each of these issues. These individual subgroups will meet to explore ideas, establish priorities and devise plans of action.

If you were unable to attend yesterday and would like to participate in one of the subgroups, please contact the group convener for information on when they are meeting.

Making our Homes Sustainable
John Carpenter, convener (6231 6349)
Gardens and Food
Annie March, convener (6231 0378)
Sustainable Transport
Margaret Steadman, convener (6231 4751)

A fourth subgroup was considered, one which would look at developing the sense of community within parts of West Hobart, but it was decided to leave this for the moment. It is expected that new subgroups will form over time as new issues arise.

The importance of expanding the size of the our group was considered and a number of suggestions were made, including;

everyone bringing along someone new
a notice in the Neighbourhood Watch Newsletter and on their planned website
a media event
the promotion of the group at the Hobart City Council sustainability workshops.

Inaugural WHEN meeting - Sunday 25 May 2008

2010-02-06T08:42:00.003+11:00

It was great having so many people turn up who were concerned about the issues of community and climate change and who were also eager to start taking action on them.

In our discussion on Sunday, we identified a number of areas for possible group action. They are listed below. The numbers in brackets indicate how many green dots each item received as a measure of its popularity with the group.

There were three main areas of interest:
. making our homes more sustainable
. gardens and food
. improving local transport
Additionally, there were a number of suggestions associated with other community-related issues.

Making our homes more sustainable (28)
. rainwater tanks (10)
. solar hot water (7)
. photovoltaic panels (4)
. retrofitting (4)
. grey water recycling (3)
. composting toilets
. a demonstration house to show the potential for sustainable living

Gardens and food (16)
. community gardens (5)
. a register of garden tools (3)
. community composting(2)
. "retrofitting" gardens with native plants (2)
. bulk buying of garden supplies (1)
. information on growing your own food (1)
. information on keeping chickens (1)
. street trees (1)
. beekeeping
. distributing surplus food
. information on "permablitzing"
. utilization of Council green space for gardens

Improving local transport (14)
. better local transport (5)
. transport that is more sustainable (3)
. bike racks on buses (3)
. development of a light rail system (2)
. street calming (1)
. car sharing

Other issues raised (8)
. sharing knowledge and skill-sharing workshops (3)
. establishing a local walking club (2)
. acting to create change by influencing others in the community (1)
. building community resilience in the face of changing conditions (1)
. information on Transition Towns (1)
. creating safety in the community
. banning toxic substances in West Hobart
. sharing general resources - tools, equipment, etc.
. organisation of the Group and a venue for meetings

Walking West Hobart map project

2010-02-06T08:28:00.003+11:00

WHEN's Sustainable Transport working group plans to create a walking map of West Hobart, to help people to explore and enjoy our lovely suburb on foot

A high proportion of West Hobart residents already walk down the hills to work in the city, which means we have a well-established walking culture on which to build. Also, statistics show that walking and using public transport in West Hobart is quite safe. International town planners such as Jan Gehl argue that liveable and cohesive cities are walkable cities. This project would help to increase social cohesion and connectivity, and promote re-localisation as a response to the impact of peak oil.

The "Walking West Hobart" map would offer more options for people without cars (or who choose to use their cars less often) to walk to local shops and services. The map will show little-known shortcuts through the middle of blocks, and people's favourite routes will be highlighted. Bikeable routes and bus routes will also be shown. Links and information about other low carbon transport options will be included, such as bus timetables, Park and Ride options, walking bus, cycling clubs. Through using the map, people will learn about quicker ways to get to the shops and the cinema, and will save time and money, also improving their health and fitness. There will be wins all round!

Work on the map will commence early in 2010, and will be discussed at the first meeting of WHEN for 2010, which is scheduled to be held in February. If you would like to assist with the preparation of the map, please contact Di Elliffe on 0411 671652.

Low Carbon Transport - sticker

2010-02-06T08:23:00.002+11:00

I recently upgraded to a new car, choosing the Hyundai i30 diesel, which has a very low fuel consumption - tested at average 4.7L per 100 km. Wow!

I have had the idea of producing a car sticker which people (like me!) choosing low carbon options can use to celebrate their choice. It could be used on fuel efficient cars, on bicycles, motorbikes, even backpacks of walkers.

The wording I have thought of so far is: "Loving my low carbon transport". With a second line of small print containing a qualification for using the sticker, such as "Fuel efficiency rated at less than 5 L per 100km".

Let me know if you would like to assist with production, or a supply. Di Elliffe 0411 671652.

Sharing Cars

2010-02-06T08:15:00.004+11:00

Do you have a car you only occasionally use?

Do you have a second car that sits in the garage (or worse, out in the street) for the odd occasion when your family needs a second vehicle.

Would you like the use of a car occasionally but can't justify the expense of buying, registration, insurance and maintenance?

Other people have solved this problem in a novel way by sharing cars.

http://carplus.org.uk/

Take a look at how one of these schemes work at http://www.svccc.co.uk/

Maybe a scheme like this could work in West Hobart. What do you think?

WHEN Subgroups, 2008

2010-01-20T15:11:00.003+11:00

WHEN presently has three active subgroups. New members are most welcome and if you would like to participate in any of them, please contact the convener for meeting dates and times. The formation of other relevant subgroups is encouraged.

Gardens and Food
Annie March, convenor (6231 0378)
We are a very active group, which has been running regular produce exchanges, garden sharing, working bees, and information sessions, including a recent workshop on gardening with native plants. At the moment, we have several workshops and information sharing activities in the planning stages.

Sustainable Homes
John Carpenter, convenor (6231 6349)
After running two very successful workshops, one on solar hot water and the other on insulation and residential heating options, the group is now considering a number of ideas for future activities related to making our homes more sustainable.

Sustainable Transport
Margaret Steadman, convenor (6231 4751)
The group has prepared comments on the Hobart City Council's Draft Sustainable Transport Strategy and made a submission to the Premier's Fuel Summit. We are now looking at alternative actions for transport in the West Hobart area as well as the development of a walking and biking map.

About us

2010-01-18T00:05:00.003+11:00

We are a group of West Hobart residents who are concerned about the impact that climate change is having upon the planet. As individuals, we each had felt the need to take action. WHEN was formed partly as a means to motivate and support one another, and partly to serve as a vehicle for action. Global warming is an issue that we can no longer afford to ignore. To do so will be at the expense of our children’s futures.

WHEN’s main focus is on making our individual lives more sustainable so that our lifestyles will have a lighter impact upon the planet. Allied with this is our desire to strengthen and enliven our local community.

We meet occasionally as a whole group. The WHEN sub-groups meet regularly and organise community workshops and activities. The current sub-groups are Sustainable Housing, Gardening and Food, and Sustainable Transport.

If you also would like to act on climate change, then please join us. We look forward to meeting you and to working together with you in order to develop a more positive and secure future for our community and for the world.