Worm farms to crop swaps: Sustainability encouraged in the Bay

Robert Haas (left), Marielle Haringa and Togia Lui, from the Environment Centre, are encouraging sustainability in the Bay. Photo / Supplied

Want to have a backyard worm farm, grow your own food or help clean up the beach?

Then the month of November will be right up your alley, with Environment Centre running a Sustainable Backyards programme over the month.

The programme, which received a $4000 grant from Hastings District Council, aims to have around 30 events promoting sustainability this year, and to grow the event in years to come, says Environment Centre manager Marielle Haringa .

"Our role at the Environment Centre is to bring the community groups together – some events will be held at the Environment Centre and others will be at locations around the Hawke's Bay region," Haringa said.

Events could include anything from workshops on worm farms and growing and preserving food, to crop swaps, beach clean-ups, green movie nights, educational seminars about environmental issues and tours of sustainable homes.

"This will be a great opportunity to highlight, celebrate and support the fantastic range of environmental initiatives run by individuals and community organisations throughout Hawke's Bay with the aim being to connect, inspire and engage people throughout the community."

Events would be free, or low cost, and organisations are encouraged to contact the Environment Centre if they wish to be involved.

Hastings District Councillor Malcolm Dixon said the community was becoming more aware of the need to care for the environment.

"The Sustainable Backyards project is a wonderful example of what is possible to achieve in your own backyard once you become aware. "

He said the contestable grants committee was delighted to be able to support the environmental initiative.

The Environment Centre is one of 32 community organisations to receive a council grant in the latest contestable funding round.