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Community Participation

The City of Yarra recognises that all members of the community can contribute to the health of our local and global environment. There are several programs available providing opportunity for residents, students and employees to learn about environmental issues and act for a healthier environment.

Environmental Education programs

Schools

• sustainable schools
  Sustainable Schools provides a holistic education program on sustainability for schools. It is one of the new generation of environmental programs that takes schools beyond mere awareness raising to action and, in many cases, environmental leadership. The focus of the program is on quadruple bottom line outcomes - educational, environmental, social and economic. For more information see http://www.ceres.org.au/education/External_programs/sustainable_school.html

• water learn it live it
  The Water - Learn it! Live it! program allows schools to actively implement water education and conservation across the primary and secondary curriculum. While developing a knowledge and awareness of water as a precious source to be protected, students will learn about behaviours and actions they can adopt to reduce water consumption and improve water management . For more information see http://www.citywestwater.com.au/education/water_learn_it_live_it.htm

• Waterwatch
  Waterwatch Victoria is a community engagement program connecting local communities and schools with river health and sustainable water management issues. For more information see http://www.vic.waterwatch.org.au/

• Wastewise schools
  Becoming a Waste Wise school is an excellent way to reduce litter, waste and associated disposal costs in your school, at the same time creating worthwhile learning opportunities for students and instilling environmental awareness and responsibility at an early age. For more information see http://www.sustainability.vic.gov.au/www/html/1861-waste-wise-schools.asp?intSiteID=4
  

Community / Business

• Victoria St litter project - Summary pdf Version

Gleadell Street Market - changing history for a sustainable future

A popular and historical Saturday street market in the City of Yarra has joined forces with the local Council to achieve an amazing 70% reduction in the waste they send to landfill each week.

The Gleadell Street Market has been in operation since 1873 , it is a local icon.

Today , more than 5 , 000 people , from the local area and from across Melbourne , visit the market each Saturday , making it a busy hub of activity.

Prior to starting the Waste Wise process the market was producing up to four and a half tonnes of waste each week. At the end of each Saturday the street was filled with litter , which ended up being blown into other areas and into the adjacent park.

In partnership with Council the market traders created an action plan to improve their waste management practices and change the behaviour of the market shoppers. Some of the initiatives that were introduced included standardising bin infrastructure, introducing coloured bins for separate waste streams.

Introduced a dedicated bin for recycling cans and bottles, food and organic waste , which goes to the Collingwood Children's Farm to be used for animal feed and compost and a general waste stream.

Council will be working with the traders and shopping community in the up and coming months to make this a plastic bag free market. The trades will use reusable and paper bags and the community will be encouraged to bring back their bags every week.

Community Events

Link to events page

Community Grants Scheme

The City of Yarra Annual Community Grants program offers assistance to community groups wanting to undertake environmental projects in the local area. Projects with ongoing community education benefits for sustainable living are favored. link to section on website.

Further information

Links

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