Past events
Greening your organisation
9 October 2009
A presentation by Leith Sharp - Founding Director of the Harvard Green Campus Initiative
Leith Sharp has a Bachelor of Engineering (Environmental) from the University of New South Wales and a Master of Education (Human Development & Psychology) from Harvard University. She has 18 years of experience in greening universities, beginning her career as an elected student environment officer before being employed to create the University of New South Wales Management Program in 1995. In 1999 Harvard recruited Leith to become the founding director of Harvard's Green Campus Initiative. Over the next 9 years Leith worked to build the largest green campus organisation in the world funding this effort largely on the savings it produced, employing over 23 full time professional staff and 30 part time students, bringing Harvard to the forefront as a global leader in campus sustainability. View Leith's presentation [PDF 5.06MB].Podcast to come shortly.
Innovative Sustainable Technologies
24 September 2009
This forum highlighted the importance of sustainable technologies and showcased some local innovations with the potential to male the world a more sustainable place.- Biolytix is a wastewater treatment system that utilises nature not machinery to treat wastewater. It is a winner of many prestigious awards, including the Asian Innovation Award, for its potential to solve world problems and is currently nominated for the 2009 Time Magazine world Technology Award for the Environment. The presentation [PDF 349K] was given by Dr Thomas Loetshcer, Manager Knowledge & Research, Biolytix Pty Ltd.
Organic food
13 August 2009
- Dr Kristen Lyons is a Senior Lecturer with the Griffith University School of Biomolecular and Physical Sciences. Kristen overviewed some of the social, economic and environmental benefits of organic agriculture. In the context of the current global food crisis, including climate change, peak oil and growing rates of hunger and food insecurity, Kristen discussed the contributions of organics. View Kristen's presentation [PDF 1.5MB].
- Marg Will, the General Manager of the organic certification body Organic Food Chain, provided an insiders look at the organic industry in Australia and worldwide, as well as international legislative requirements.
- Les Nichols, an organic farmer from Sandy Creek Organic Farm shared his wealth of experience and knowledge about organic farming.
Are you poisoning yourself again?
7 May 2009
- Lisa Malcolm an environmental scientist at the EcoCentre. Lisa's presentation will assist you to create a healthier home by making informed choices on cleaning products and safer use of plastics.
- Narelle Chenery, back by popular demand, is a world wide educator and activitst. She revolutionsed the beauty industry by creating the worlds first certified organic skin and personal care range. Narelle's presentation outlines the hidden dangers of the cosmetic industry.
- Dr Greg Emerson is the founder and Medical Director of the Emerson Health and Wellness Centre and co-director of Nutritional and Environmental Medicine QLD. Dr Emerson's presentation demonstrates the body's intrinsic ability to heal itself if the underlying cause of the illness (which can include environmental toxins) is removed.
Green Carbon - the role of natural forests in carbon storage
12 September 2008Green carbon is the carbon stored in the plants and soil of natural ecosystems and is a vital part of the global carbon cycle. Currently, international rules are "colour blind" so that the green carbon, especially forests, is not recognized, leading to perverse outcomes. In this presentation [PDF 2.85MB], Professor Brendan Mackey presents results from ongoing research into the carbon carrying capacity of Australia's natural ecosystems, and discusses implications of this research for climate change policy.
- Brendan Mackey is a Professor of Environmental Science at the Fenner School of Environment and Society at The Australian National University. He has a PhD in plant ecology, and has previously worked as a research scientist with the CSIRO, the Canadian Forest Service, and the CRC for Greenhouse Accounting.
Are you poisoning yourself?
Thursday 17 July 2008
Check out the following presentations to find out about the potentially dangerous toxins we expose ourselves to daily in cosmetics and household cleaning products. These toxins that can harm us and the environment are easily avoidable when you know how.-
Narelle Chenery: a world wide educator and activist who revolutionised the beauty industry by creating the worlds first certified organic skin and personal care range. Narelle's presentation [PDF 382K] exposes the secrets of the toxic cosmetic industry.
- Averyll Fitzgerald: Managing Director of Energy Health and Living, Averyll's presentation [PDF 544K] outlines the dangers of toxins and how to eliminate them from your household and environment.
- Joanne Costello: founder of Ebar and well being crusader Joanne's presentation [PDF 480K] discusses cosmetic lables and how to avoid toxins.
Renewable Energy - practicalities and community initiatives
23 April 2008
Check out the following presentations to learn about the myths and realities of renewable energy in the home and some ways communties are taking matters into their own hands to make renewable energy more accessible.
- Mr Russ Holmes: Representative of Local Power, a community group who organised a bulk purchase for solar panels, resulting in a very significant price reduction. Local Power presentation [PDF 1.82MB]
- Trevor Berrill: Trevor is an award winning sustainable energy systems consultant and a founding member of the Alternative Technology Assocaition. Trevor has over 20 years experience in the renewable energy field. His presentation examines the practicalities and performance estimation of renewable energy for the home. Sustainable homes presentation [PDF 2.02 MB]