Sustainability and why it matters

Maria Tarrant & Chris Jubb

One of the important things we can all do to support a more sustainable society is to talk about sustainability and why it matters. 

Social change is only achieved when people take up an issue talk about it, spark ideas and then plan and act. Even if a person or organisation is doing nothing to reduce their environmental impact, just asking the question, “what can you do to be more sustainable?”, prompts thinking on the issue.

It is worthwhile taking the time to find out what your school, workplace or apartment building is doing to make their immediate environment and activities more sustainable. Ask what more can be done. Identify like-minded thinkers and work with them to engage others in the community to take action. 

As an example, Southbank Sustainability Group (SSG) was approached by a local resident who wanted to know where they could buy groceries and cleaning products without any packaging. While there are shops and stalls at the South Melbourne Market where this is possible, we also identified a mobile zero waste grocery shop on wheels that will come to Southbank and your home. 

The mission of Precycle Pantry is to help people live healthier, low-waste lives by making zero-waste shopping easy and convenient. More information is available at precyclepantry.com.au

To help you talk more confidently about sustainability and zero waste we are holding a workshop.

Artemis Pattichi is one of the founding members of the SSG and a true change maker with a passion to help all of us unlock the secrets to a waste-free future. Artemis is presenting a free workshop to help us understand the basics of a zero-waste living philosophy and provide us with clear and easy steps to reduce our carbon and waste footprint.

The workshop in the next event in the SSG calendar of activities. The workshop will be held Sunday, July 16, 2023, between 10.30am – 12.30pm in the Assembly Hall at the Boyd Community Hub, 207 City Rd, Southbank. Registration through Eventbrite MelbourneZeroWaste.eventbrite.com is required as numbers are limited.

Future events include a workshop on planting for small spaces such as balconies on August 12, and sustainable clothing later in October. Details will be included on our Facebook page.

The fortnightly SSG Saturday meetups continue to be enjoyed by many, as a chance to get in touch with nature and to join in some lively discussions. The next meet ups are on the July 8 and 22 at 10am in the garden at the front of the Boyd Community Hub.

About the group

SSG is a solutions-focussed community group of Southbank residents working to bring positive change in sustainability practices. Reach us at [email protected] or facebook.com/SouthbankSustainabilityGroup 

If you are interested in getting involved with SSG, send us an email or come to one of the upcoming meetups. •