JECO eNews for September 2012


A message from the JECO president, Tom Osborn.

JECO has just relaunched our environmental film nights. Watching "No Impact Man" then discussing it over supper was a great catalyst for us to think about the impact we, as individuals, communities and countries, have on this planet which is in our keeping. Over 20 people attended and we found the evening a very useful prompt for reassessing our own behaviour and thinking about how we can more sustainably lead the life we want. None of us said we would, or could, live exactly like this "no impact" family, but it made us question in what ways we wanted to do it differently, and why.

For those who missed it last night, here are some relevant links you can use to "get involved":

NIM Project   http://noimpactproject.org/
NIM Blog   http://noimpactman.typepad.com/
NIM Trailer   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z9Ctt7FGFBo

I also want to take this opportunity to thank Susan Kohn who a while back took over responsibility for our updated website and our new-look JECO eNews.

regards, Tom Osborn
JECO President


Calendar

4 - 9 September - Environmental Film Festival Melbourne
In its third year the film festival presents a wide range of films on environmental issues. All films are screened at the Kino Cinema, 45 Collins Street, City. For the full program see http://www.effm.org.au/.

7 September, Friday, 11:00 - 1:00 pm - Last Chance to Tour the JECO Showhouse
This will be your last opportunity to tour the seven star energy rated JECO showhouse in Camberwell. Find out how this family home has used less than 10% of the mains water set by the government and has used only 24% of the mains-supplied gas and electricity of other similar size and age houses on the site. Further details at www.jeco.org.au.

9 September, Sunday - JECO and the City of Port Phillip Free Bike Riding Skills Course
It’s never too late to learn to ride a bike or improve your bike riding skills. This course aims to increase your knowledge and riding skills with both theory and practice on your bike. The course caters for any age from twelve and places are limited. A couple of places are still available, but you must register by Thursday. Further details at www.jeco.org.au.

9 September, Sunday - Sustainable House Day at the Port Phillip Eco Centre
Enjoy some or all of the following activites:
  • Half hourly tours of the EcoHouse between 12-2.30pm.
  • Nesting Box workshop to attract wildlife to your home environs. Booking required.
  • 'All about Solar' talk and info session with experts from EnviroShop (2pm) Booking required.
  • Funky 'garden art from recyclables' workshop with Transition Port Phillip.
  • Carbon-cutting workshop (Proven ways to reduce your power bills).
  • Sustainable home products and plants for sale.
  • Scarecrow activities for the kids.
  • Enter the competition to win up to $1000 in prizes.
Further information at http://www.ecocentre.com/node/846.

News

Office Temperature Regulations

In your office are you shivering in summer and sweating in winter? The author of this article, Richard de Dear, an indoor environment scientist, looks at the widespread belief that 21.5 degC is the optimal temperature for human productivity. In fact, research shows that people perform better at 24 - 25 degC in summer. Unfortunately 21.5 degC is often written into tenancy contracts. Read more at http://theconversation.edu.au/shivering-in-summer-sweating-in-winter-your-building-is-living-a-lie-9194.

Something for Dog Owners from Israel
The "Ashpoopie" device developed by the Israeli company Paulee CleanTec turns dog waste into ash, eliminating the need for plastic bags. You have to see the demonstration at http://ashpoopie.com/index.html. On a more serious note, the company has won a grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to create a device that turns human waste into compost without using water and electricity.


What's happening in your shtetl

  Council   Date   Event   Link
  Glen Eira Ongoing Glen Eira is the perfect place to walk. Several walking guides are available. http://www.gleneira.vic.gov.au/Connect/Parks_and_recreation/Walking_in_Glen_Eira
  Port Phillip Sept 20,21
9:00 - 5:00
FREE 30 minute one-on-one sessions on sustainable design http://www.enviroehub.com.au/whats-happening-in-your-hood/events-calendar/event-item?eventId=523
  Stonnington  
Sept 12
 
Edible Weeds with Doris Pozzi http://www.stonnington.vic.gov.au/events/dorispozzi/
  Boroondara Sept 4,10:30 - 11:30 Discover some local native foods growing in Boroondara http://www.boroondara.vic.gov.au/our-city/parks-gardens/walk-talk/native-food-plants

You should do your own appraisal of products and services reported.  JECO cannot take any responsibility for the accuracy of the information provided.
The JECO Committee welcomes input to and comments about JECO eNews.

JECO works to deepen the Jewish community’s commitment to caring for the earth. We believe there is a religious as well as a moral obligation to protect the environment. To this end we work with Jewish, secular and multi-faith groups in supporting activities that promote sustainability.
Copyright © 2012 JECO The Jewish Ecological Coalition Inc, ABN 57 768 480 221  All rights reserved.