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:
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Half hourly tours of the EcoHouse between 12-2.30pm.
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Nesting Box workshop to attract wildlife to your home environs. Booking required.
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'All about Solar' talk and info session with experts from EnviroShop (2pm) Booking required.
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Funky 'garden art from recyclables' workshop with Transition Port Phillip.
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Carbon-cutting workshop (Proven ways to reduce your power bills).
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Sustainable home products and plants for sale.
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Scarecrow activities for the kids.
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Enter the competition to win up to $1000 in prizes.
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
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.