Kids scoop prizes for sustainable design ideas
28 September 2018
Weekend events draws crowds keen on improving sustainability at home
Shining a spotlight on sustainability proved a real crowd pleaser for hundreds of Tweed residents who attended a weekend of sustainability events across the Tweed.
On Saturday15 September more than 600 people attended the sixth annual Tweed Shire Sustainable Living Home Expo held at Kingscliff TAFE.
Attendees included both renters and home-owners looking for sustainable living options. Ninety percent of attendees surveyed identified actions they intend to take following the event to improve sustainability at home. Planned actions included steps to reduce waste, increase energy efficiency, improve biodiversity, grow backyard food gardens and save water.
Tweed children showcased their knowledge of sustainability homes and living via the Sustainable Shoebox House Design Competition. More than 50 entries were received. The competition was judged by local celebrities and stars of the reality TV show Home Rules, Kim and Michelle, who were amazed by the talent shown by Tweed Shire kids in designing their model sustainable homes. Prizes for best sustainable shoebox house design were won by:
Under 8 year olds: Lyla Simpson, Cooper Emilianowicz (Runner Up)
8-12 year olds: Kirra Smith, Cohan Tierney (Runner Up)
Team: Jamella and Matildah, Lucy Green and Tylah West (Runners Up)
Presentations about dolphins in Tweed estuaries, native planting, solar options for renters, energy smart actions, tiny homes, building better homes, carbon positive buildings, circular economy development hubs and carbon neutral living were well attended.
There was standing room only for many of the workshops about keeping waterways healthy for insects and frogs, practical tips for healthy backyard chickens, productive suburban backyards and bee keeping. More than 150 people made their own beeswax wraps, repurposing fabric into plastic-free alternatives to cling wrap, helping households to take another step towards avoiding single use plastics and waste to landfill.
On Sunday 16 September Sustainable House Day was held across Australia, and for the first time, the event included an open house in the Tweed. Over 100 people visited Elwood Farm in Limpinwood to marvel at the sustainable features home designers and owners Len and Robyn have incorporated into their own sustainable dream home.
“We had lots of interest in various aspects, especially the rammed earth construction, bamboo flooring, solar dehydrator and our home-made wines and preserves,” Len said.
“We found it was a very positive experience. We got a lot of personal satisfaction in people complimenting us on what we’ve done.
“It’s nice because when you are in your own little bubble and you think this is our normal life and then people come and say how special the things and they’re excited about the things you find normal and that’s very rewarding.”
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Caption: Sustainable shoebox house design winners in the Team category were Jamella and Matildah