CHRISTMAS can be a difficult season for the environment, due to the huge amount of waste that is generated.
This Christmas, Coffs Harbour City Councils (CHCC) sustainability team were determined to come up with solutions in our own workplace that we hoped may in turn inspire others to get creative and help reduce waste one step at a time, Andrew Davis, CHCCs Sustainable Living & Community Programs Coordinator – Community Programs told News Of The Area.
Advertise with News of The Area today.It’s worth it for your business.
Send us a message.
Phone us – (02) 4981 8882.
Email us – [email protected]
The tub of office Christmas decorations was looking a little worse for wear so it was the perfect time to come up with a sustainable alternative.
Fabric bunting was the preferred decoration.
We just needed a sustainable source for fabric and a skilled team of willing seamstresses.
Join our community partners, Lifeline North Coast Donation Centre or Anglicare Next Level program.
The Lifeline Donation Centre in High Tech Drive has a wealth of second-hand treasures. But, often so many donated textiles, including clothing, linen, and curtains are just not suitable for resale.
Recent research has shown that about 240 000 tonnes of textiles, or up to 80%, end up in landfill every year in NSW.
This is a costly situation that can result in a loss of revenue for our local charities, waste facilities, or our local environment.
Anglicares Next Level Program works with community members of diverse cultural backgrounds. At their Multicultural Hub in Coffs, with tubs filled with donated fabric, 17 women, from refugee backgrounds, were able to create over 160 metres of colourful bunting.
This festive and colorful bunting brought joy to the office and will be used to decorate community events for many years.
Andrew said that it was a win-win situation for the community as well as the environment.
A thank you celebration was held at the Multicultural Hub recently for the women and project partners. With a wonderful partnership between Lifeline and Anglicare the women are excited to keep the joy flowing in the new year.
Emma Aspden, 0435 966 604 can provide more information about Anglicares Next Level Program.
Councils Sustainable Living provides great ideas and inspiration for living sustainably. It also offers free workshops and nature tours. www.ourlivingcoast.com.au.
By Andrea FERRARI
