Posted 23 February 2015 - 9:20am
Climate change analyst Professor Ross Garnaut will be the key note speaker at the launch of a low carbon initiative called Livewell Yarra on Thursday, 5 March at 7pm in the Fitzroy Town Hall, 201 Napier Street, Fitzroy, Victoria. This is the first in a series of Livewell Clusters that will assist community members to reduce their carbon emissions. Fiona Armstrong, Founder of the Climate and Health Alliance will also speak at the launch.
Funded by the CRC for Low Carbon Living (CRCLCL) Livewell Yarra was initiated by Curtin University and is supported by Yarra City Council and the Yarra Energy Foundation.
The project will recruit members of the public to work together in ‘clusters’ on activities to reduce their carbon footprint. There are many ways to do this, such as draft-proofing homes, changing lights, starting a food garden or sharing your car or tools with your neighbour.
The ‘clusters’ refer to different types of groups and activities. In ‘Decarb Groups’ six to 12 people work out what their carbon footprint is, get information on how to reduce it, set targets, get into action and support each other along the way. ‘Project Groups’ on the other hand focus on specific areas to make carbon reduction easier for everyone, for example, organising working bees to do simple retrofitting jobs or bulk buying low carbon products or encouraging food gardening.
The project is called ‘Livewell’ because evidence shows that people can reduce emissions while maintaining and enhancing wellbeing. The benefits to be gained include smaller power bills, more comfortable homes, better health and stronger community links.
Media seeking more information or would like to attend the launch please contact:
