Green March

8 February 2010

March will be a month of green activity across Sydney, culminating in the now global climate change event that began here in 2007 - Earth Hour.

From 8.30pm on March 27^th, Sydneysiders will join a billion people around the world taking action to help our environment, by turning off the lights for 60 minutes.

You can also get involved in a host of other green events across the City next month:

March 2 Part 1 of the Sustainable Living Series begins at the Home Ideas Centre in Alexandria (61-63 O'Riordan Street). Find out everything you need to know about choosing a solar hot water system for your home, from technical advice to rebates. Refreshments from 6.00pm. RSVP to events@homeideas.com.au

March 5-7  The Live Green House will be on display in Sydney Square (between Sydney Town Hall and St Andrew's Cathedral). The interactive house will provide information on sustainable technology and innovation and will host a range of experts talking about energy, water, waste, rebates and incentives, and lifestyle options such as gardens/growing food, as well as showcasing green products.

A Cycling Centre will also be set up next to the Live Green House to offer information on the City's cycle network and to educate people on the benefits of cycling.

The centre will be giving away free 'Live Green Sydney Cycling Maps' showing preferred cycle routes to get around the City and puncture repair kits. There will also be a bike mechanic on site to service bikes for free and several bike maintenance workshops over the weekend to teach the basics of bike maintenance, including changing a flat tire and fixing your breaks so bike riders can cycle safely and reliably.

March 7  This year marks the 20^th anniversary of Clean Up Australia Day, and Sydneysiders are urged to do their part to help rid our streets and waterways of rubbish. To register go to http://www.cleanupaustraliaday.org.au

March 7  Free e-waste recycling drop off for council residents. Take all your unwanted electrical goods, such as TVs, computers and mobile phones, to Bay Street Depot, Ultimo (corner of Bay and Macarthur Streets) between 9am and 3pm. www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/Residents/WasteAndRecycling

March 15  The City will be running a Butt Blitz to urge smokers to bin their butts and stop cigarette littering in the City. City businesses are encouraged to get involved through the City's Zero Waste Partners Program. http://www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/Environment/Waste/ZeroWastePartners

March 27  2010 sees the world's largest environmental campaign Earth Hour enter its fourth year. Reduce your impact on the environment by turning off the lights for one hour at 8:30pm, and make a pledge to make Earth Hour Every Hour by switching to a greener lifestyle.  To register go to www.earthhour.org.au

For more information on these and other Live Green initiatives visit cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/environment/livegreen or alternatively subscribe to the City's 'Live Green' monthly E-newsletter - cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/subscribe

Media Contact:  Rachael Stevens  9265 9082 / 0427 044 768 or   rstevens@cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au