Sustainable Backyards in HB

The Environment Centre will be running a Sustainable Backyards programme over November this year, recognising that more people are searching for better ways to connect with their communities and the environment..

The Sustainable Backyards Project is a fun, accessible way to promote sustainability that will include groups and individuals across the region, supported by a Hastings District Council contestable fund grant of $4000.

It’s the first time the Environment Centre — which recently moved into its new home at 1004 Karamu Rd beside Nourished to Nil, — has run the programme in Hawke’s Bay.

Environment Centre manager Marielle Haringa said the aim was to get about 30 events on board this year, and to grow the programme in years to come.

Those 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 sustainable home tours.

“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 various locations around the whole Hawke’s Bay region,” Mrs Haringa said.

The events would be free or low cost, and organisations were encouraged to contact the Environment Centre if they wished to be involved.

“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.”

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

Council social and cultural committee chairman Malcolm Dixon said that every day the wider community was becoming more aware of the need to care for our environment.

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

“The contestable grants committee was delighted to be able to support this environmental initiative.”

Environment Centre interim e-waste manager Robert Haas, left, manager Marielle Haringa and sustainable co-ordinator volunteer Togia Lui at the new premises on Karamu Rd.