Although the “cap and trade” idea behind Rudd’s ETS scheme is a workable way to make progress on carbon emissions, the system that’s being put in place is less than ideal.

The basic idea is that the government sets a cap on the total pollution the country will emit. People or businesses who are able to [...]

To celebrate its reprinting, Lyn Bagnall is giving away one free copy of her book Easy Organic Gardening and Moon Planting, along with 10 vouchers for $5 off the purchase price.

All you have to do is email her and give your reason why, in 25 words or less, organic gardening/farming is best.

You’ve got until midnight [...]

A green manure crop is really just anything you grow for a short while and then slash or dig into your soil before it gets a chance to set seed or fruit.

Why would you do that? Lots of reasons! It helps by:

increasing organic matter in your soil (increasing nutrient content, aeration and water retention) adding nitrogen [...]

If you live in Australia, did you know that you can now access green retrofits for your house for free?

Check out all the sustainable retrofit rebates available here in Australia. Make sure you scroll to the bottom and find your state ones, too.

You could get a rainwater tank, a solar hot water system, solar electricity, [...]

[ March 28, 2009; 9:30 am to 12:30 pm. ] Come an learn about the energy consuming areas of your home and the actions and changes you can make to save yourself money and reduce your carbon footprint. Topics covered also include solar passive principles and alternative energy technology. To register, please call Byron on 4232 0465.

[ March 7, 2009; 8:00 am to 12:00 pm. ] Venue: Black Beach School Flat, Shoalhaven Street, Kiama. Time: 8:00 am to 12:00 noon You can trade, sell or give away second hand items, instead of sending them to landfill. All residents are welcome to participate in this event. To register a site, call the ‘Second Hand Saturday’ hotline on 4232 0400.

[ March 28, 2009; 8:30 pm to 9:30 pm. ] What began as a campaign to get Sydneysiders to turn their lights off, has grown to become one of the world’s biggest climate change initiatives. Be a part of the [Earth Hour](http://www.earthhour.org/) initiative and represent the Kiama community by switching your lights off between 8:30pm and 9:30pm on Saturday 28th March 2009. Earth Hour is now a [...]

[ February 28, 2009; 9:00 am to 1:00 pm. ] Learn about seed collection and processing, sowing and techniques such as propagating from cuttings. Participants will receive a kit which will allow them to propagate a small number of a variety of species of native plants. This activity is run by Kiama Council and is available free of charge to Kiama residents only. Bookings are essential [...]

[ February 28, 2009; 9:00 am to 3:00 pm. ] In this hands-on, practical workshop you’ll learn how to make Ricotta, Mascarpone and Fetta cheese. Please note this full day course has a charge of $30 per person (this is subsidised from a retail cost of $90 per person). This activity is open to residents of Wollongong, Shellharbour and Kiama Council areas. **NOTE: Unfortunately, this event [...]

[ February 27, 2009; 7:30 am to 2:30 pm. ] Wollongong City Council ratepayers only may purchase up to 50 plants per property at prices as marked until stocks last. Payment by cash, cheque or EFTPOS (no American Express accepted). A rates notice must be produced when payment made. This activity is run by Wollongong Council and is available to Wollongong residents only. Venue: Wollongong Botanic [...]