An environmental education program which helps people to live more sustainable lifestyles is about to begin in the Margaret River region, and course facilitator Laura Bailey is encouraging locals to sign on for the experience.
“The course is a fantastic way for adults aged 16 and over to learn practical, affordable and healthier ways of living with a real hands-on experience,” Ms Bailey said during a presentation of 'OVER - overpopulation, overdevelopment, overshoot', a book she donated to the library last week.
“The book was given to me as an environmental educator to share images showing the ecological and social realities of over-consumption of our planet's limited resources.
“Over the seven sessions we have activities, presentations and speakers, and we looks at ways to live healthier, grow our own food, reduce our power, water and waste, create compost & make our own chemical-free cleaners.”
Ms Bailey, who is an experienced sustainability educator with a background in renewables, energy assessing, permaculture and regenerative farming, will lead the course which covers a range of topics over the early evening sessions.
“We explore ten topics over the course; Living Simply, Healthy You, Healthy Home, Power, Water, Productive Gardens, Biodiversity, Waste, Transport & Community,” Ms Bailey said.
“Wherever you are on your sustainability journey, it's about creating personal goals that apply to you and your life. A participant from a previous Margaret River course said ‘Living Smart goes hand in hand with my other goals - to save money, look after the environment and make more time’.”
Course participants can meet with other locals who have established their own sustainable living practices and discuss potential projects for their own lifestyles.
The six week course is supported by the Augusta Margaret River Shire and includes a local gardening field trip in May.
The Living Smart Margaret River Course begins Thursday April 27 and costs $80 + booking fee (or $40 + bf for valid concession card holders). For info visit www.facebook.com/LivingSmartMargaretRiver or email Laura at mrlivingsmart@live.com