Byron Sustainable Ventures Network

Council passes an ethical purchasing policy

2008-01-03T22:56:45Z

Byron Shire Council has passed an ethical purchasing policy, the Echo carried the news on the front page. This is a significant step forward in making sure that council tenders are not only judged on price, but also on the business practices of the companies tendering. I addressedaddressed council regarding this policy at the February 2006 meeting where it was proposed, and made a submissionon the draftthat went on public exhibition. The two most important proposals I made, in that submission, made it into the final policy, i.e. extending the requirement for disclosure to companies in the same group, and allowing council to extend the matters requiring disclosure as it sees fit. My remaining suggestions related to specific matters I believed needed disclosure, but they can, where necessary be added in now. I don't know if anyone else from Byron SVN made submissions, but it is good to see that emailed submissions can have an impact and effect policy outcomes. ]]> www.byron.nsw.gov.au/Policies

Next SVN - Tuesday 18th in Byron

2007-09-07T02:18:09Z

The next gathering of the Byron Sustainable Ventures Network will be on Tuesday 18th at Sandra Heilpern's place in Byron, hosted by Giovanni Ebono. Giovanni - formerly host of "The Generator" on BayFM is running for federal parliament for the Green Party, so it seems to me that this is an opportunity to bring green business issues to the front of the debate, i.e. not environment & community versus business, but working together. Since the last event we've also had Ken's event at Ethos, and some interesting developments I'm involved with in the Green Building and Solar Power field. Hope to see you here, before the usual spring break (when I go to the US). As usual: 6 for 6:30pm; $20; BYO and let me know RSVP's as soon as possible; RSVPs: (14) Giovanni Ebono (hosting) (Greens candidate; one-stop green ship); Mitra Ardron (organising) (Natural Innovation; Zelfo; Beyond Building); Tim Winton (Permaforest Trust); Ian Jones (Bionizer); Paul Spooner (BYS); Tom Jones (UK planner); Chris North (Apex Air); Ken McLeod (CEF); Alasdair Smithson; Dev (Painted Earth); Sally Mathrick (Sound Medecine); Arion Ocean (Architect); Wadzy(sustainble Cities and Farms); Sandra Heilpern Apologies: Peter Cuming; Rachel Bending;

Report on 9th August at Mitra's

2007-08-05T07:53:52Z

On Thursday 9th August we gathered over dinner at Mitra's house in Tyagarah. The flu season seems to have hit and there were a number of last minute cancellations, present were Mitra Ardron - Natural Innovation (hosting, and organising);Ken McLeod - CEF; Katerina Nikolaidis - Natural Innovation; Deb - Painted Earth; Scott Larsson - Hampton and Larsson. Topics discussed included: * How much are customers willing to pay for greener products * Councils - and their support or otherwise of sustainability * Possible energy savings from using sawdust to generate heat * Supply chains and ways to get costs down * The unwillingness of businesses in Byron Bay to pay for the tourist infrastructure that they benefit from. * Certification especially for small businesses So the usual mix of business and politics

Carbon reduction Competition for support in improving Energy Efficiency for an Accommodation Business.

2007-07-18T03:18:34Z

Following from their successful eco-lighting competition, Byron Sustainable Ventures Network and North Coast Climate Action Group are making an offer, to good to refuse, to Accommodation Businesses in the Byron Shire. The winning business will receive a free energy audit conducted by Peter Westcott. He will work with the business to identify ways to improve energy efficiency, reduce their carbon footprint and save money in reduced energy bills. Peter will then again for free, project manage any energy efficiency improvements the business decides on ˆ thereby taking the challenge out of managing electricians, plumbers and any other contractors needed. Accommodation Businesses can do a lot to reduce their carbon footprint and their costs. Many have high heating, cooling, refrigeration and lighting costs which can be reduced while also making their services more attractive to tourists. Businesses are a significant contributor to greenhouse gases, and global warming, and this competition is part of an ongoing effort by Byron SVN and NCCAG to help businesses do their part for the environment. To enter this competition, download the simple application form from here Entries should be emailed to mitra@mitra.biz before 20th August 2007.

Post Carbon education comes to Byron Bay

2007-07-10T10:53:21Z

Tim Winton of Permaforest Trust - an active participant in Byron SVN - asked me to forward this announcement. Byron Bay, NSW - July 9, 2007. The Permaforest Trust, Centre for Sustainability Education, announces it will be training Post Carbon Professionals in its Accredited Permaculture Training (APT™) program in Byron Bay, starting in March 2008. Climate Change, Peak Oil and other limits to growth, such as declining water availability, are raising awareness for the need to move beyond the fossil fuel era. Australia and the world are now entering an era of post carbon transition. According to founder and trustee Tim Winton, the Permaforest Trust's 2008 Accredited Permaculture Training Certificate 4 and Diploma courses have been specifically designed to create skilled leaders in community based Post Carbon sustainability initiatives. The program offers a comprehensive range of training in hands-on skills combined with cutting edge theory for creating positive change. Tim Winton, a sustainability educator for the past decade and regular speaker on the topic of Post Carbon Transition, says: "We are shifting our focus in the Byron Bay program so that students can actually participate in preparing the Byron community for post carbon transition. In their course work our students will be learning by engaging in projects, such as community gardens, developing energy descent action plans and community climate change initiatives, as resources for the community. As far as we know a comprehensive course like this hasn't been offered anywhere in the world. Jobs are now opening up in local councils and government funded projects, allowing our students to undertake this work in other communities. Facilitating positive change for Post Carbon transition is a large part of our overall approach." Byron Bay is renowned for its forward thinking environmental initiatives, and Mayor Jan Barham welcomes the new program, stating: " The Permaforest Trust's new Byron Bay based Accredited Permaculture Training Program is a great opportunity for the community to learn about adaptation to peak oil, climate change and other growth related issues. With its focus on facilitating community post carbon transition the training program can act as a real catalyst and it will help to continue Byron's position as a national leader in positive alternatives for sustainable living." Permaculture is a linking discipline which incorporates effective design strategies and an understanding of natural patterns and principles in order to support the development of sustainable human habitats and communities. Renowned environmentalist Dr. David Suzuki has stated: "What permaculturists are doing is the most important activity that any group is doing on the planet." The Permaforest Trust specialises in sustainability education, networking and the creation of open source resources for ecological, cultural and personal transition to a lower carbon future. It offers Austudy approved Certificate IV and Diploma in Accredited Permaculture Training, providing skills and strategies for peak oil, climate change and other challenges associated with limits to growth. For additional information see www.permaforesttrust.org.au

Sustainable Futures Expo - Ballina 17th Aug, call for presenters and exhibitors

2007-06-25T05:41:46Z

Details are attached on a Sustainble Futures Expo in Ballina, Its two day - with one for students, and the other for the public. sustainable futures expo.doc and sustainable futures expo presenters.doc

Report on June 21st at Elaine Seiler's

2007-06-11T05:09:38Z

On Thursday 21st June we met at Elaine Seiler's place in Montecollum A smaller group this time, but we had some really interesting discussions, with topics being whether, and which non-toxic paints are up to scratch, globalisation - what exactly do we mean by it, and what should/should not be globalised, also some stuff on non-toxic pools, and other issues with green buildings, and probably other topics in conversations I wasn't part of. Elaine Seiler (ReGenesis, Hosting); Mitra Ardron (Natural Innovation, Organising); Tim Winton (Permaforest Trust); Anne McCoy (ReGenesis); Helena Norberg Hodge; Ian Jones (Bioniser); Apologies: Justin Toohey & Therese; Joel Fleming; Christina Covington; Madeleine Faught The next meeting hasn't been announced yet - sometime at the end of July.

Report on 31st May at William's

2007-05-27T04:14:45Z

On 31st May, we met at William's place in Byron Bay. We had an interesting conversation, discussions included how do you pick the good ideas from the really bad ones, and also the Cool Business program and competition done in collaboration with North Coast Climate Action Coalition. Wadzy had brought the model of his "Egg" project, as seen in the Echo on 5th June which announced that the first one would be built at Mullum high school. - Mitra Present: William (Hosting); Mitra Ardron (organising); Wadzy (Sustainable Cities and Farms); Ken McLeod (Creative Edge Facilitators); Elaine Seiler (ReGenesis); Scott Larsson (Hampton & Larsson); Justin Toohey; John (artist); Mark+Jenny; Giovanni; Michael Weatherhead; Marti Carstairs; Helio (Airport2Byron); Apologies: Paul Benhaim; Christina Covington; Amber Wilson; Peter Cuming & Eshana; Rob Moussalli;

Report on 25th April gathering at Melissa's

2007-04-08T06:30:59Z

For our April gathering we met at Melissa Hirsch's home in Sunrise.

Simeon Michaels told us about his kayak from Sydney to Hobart to draw awareness to the issues around Gunn's planned pulp mill in the Tamer Valley. The mill is being sold to the public on the grounds of jobs, despite its environmental damage. The chair of the inquiry into the mill resigned due to undue pressure from the ALP state government, and the second threatened for the same reason. When Gunns threatened to withdraw from the process because it was being too thorough the state government took it over and is considering pushing the mill through without any public hearings or enquiry into the environmental damage that locking in wood supplys for 30 years will cause. Sim's focus of his paddle has been on showing how jobs are linked to the environment, how the benefit from tourism of a clean Tamer valley exceeds that from one massive, polluting, pulp mill. www.paddlewithsim.com.

Robert Rosen from Rainforest Rescue talked about their new project to use Carbon credits to regenerate rainforest in this area. Benefiting the environment both through the carbon sequestered, the biodiversity created. They have been working with people such as SCU to get a handle on the amount of carbon actually stored in bio-diverse forest soils.

Kirstie Fisher of Sustainable Futures told us about their council health check up, and the change of focus of Sustainable Futures from a planning consultancy to one focussed on supporting councils in their sustainability.

Rachel Bending of Slingfings made a suggestion that we meet earlier, and to have the more formal part of the meeting towards the beginning of the evening. There was general agreement to try this at least for winter.

William offered us his house for the next gathering of the Byron Sustainable Ventures Network which will be on Thursday 31st May at the early time of 6pm

Present: Melissa Hirsch (FiberArt - hosting); Mitra Ardron (Natural Innovation - organising); Jannine Barron (Natures Child); Rachel Bending (Slingfings); Simeon Michaels; Catherine Somers (Spellwear); Wadzy (Sustainable Cities and Farms, BayFM Generator); Kirstie Fisher (Sustainable Futures); Robert Rosen (Rainforest Rescue); Robert Moussalli (Best Organic Business); William (Stirling Solar); Justin Toohey (J.Toohey & Assoc); Therese Toohey;

Job: Rainforest Rescue: Program Manager - Philanthropy

2007-03-19T04:06:06Z

"Position Available with Rainforest Rescue Program Manager - Philanthropy Full time position Rainforest Rescue is a not for profit organisation committed to saving our rainforests for current and future generations. We are experiencing an increase in community support in the form of substantial donations leading to expansion of this important role. We are seeking expressions of interest from suitably experienced people for this position to be based in our Mullumbimby office. You will have a track record in working with donors in a philanthropic environment or success in selling high value services in a corporate setting. Your confident, mature attitude, intellect and quality presentation will be important attributed in this role. If you are passionate about conserving our rainforests and protecting the natural environment and would like to work for Rainforest Rescue please request the selection criteria and respond with a cover letter and copy of your resume. Applications close 30th of March For further information contact Kelvin Davies, Executive Officer, Rainforest Rescue Email: kelvin@rainforestrescue.org.au, phone: 02 6684 4360 and visit www.rainforestrescue.org.au

Report on March gathering at Mitra's

2007-03-08T22:33:27Z

We gathered on 22nd March at Mitra's house in Tyagarah.

A smaller gathering this time, so we kept it informal and went into detail about issues facing each of the people there.

RSVP: Mitra Ardron (Natural Innovation); Tim Winton (Permaforest); Elaine Seiler (ReGenesis); Urs Furter (Apex Air); Wadzy; Janet Borg
Apologies: Amber; Melissa; Peter & Eshana; Giovanni Ebono; Christina Covington; Peter Westcott; Ken McLeod;

What Byron SVN companies are doing about climate change

2007-02-24T08:20:33Z

ReGenesis has installed a grid-interactive wind turbine, currently in summer it generates 15-20kwh/day, and is expected to triple in winter. Its organic waste pickup truck is also run on biodiesel, saving about 80 liters of fossil fuel per week. And all remaining power is Green Power. Their Bio-Recycling project saves large 200 tonnes/year of waste from clogging the tip and turning into methane (a potent greenhouse gas), while manufacturing live nutrient rich soil to hold that carbon. Their annual regeneration program has planted thousands of trees both on ReGenesis Farm, and the ReGenesis Eco-Hamlet site. A cabinet timber plantation which will be thinned, but never clear-cut is sequestering carbon over the long term. Both the ecologically sustainable houses built at the Eco-Hamlet are powered by solar.

Slingfings and Bird Textiles' climate impact from freight of raw materials, car and air travel of our staff, manufacture, operations and delivery, has been calculated so that we can green our carbon emissions. So far in two years, we've saved 70 tonnes of carbon. All our manufacturing is done using a combination of wind and solar power.

Footprint Directions has used Country Energy's GreenPower since 2005 and reduced its power bill to under $90. We have retrofitted our office for nil air-conditioning use and encourage all our staff to work from home to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and fuel use. We rarely drive when we can phone or email. Other small power-based reductions include only using laptops (80% more efficient), never leaving technology in stand-by mode, purchasing of local recycled supplies. We have offset all our emissions with tree planting schemes, have self-planted in our work environment where tree schemes don’t apply to the Northern Rivers, and use onsite water and waste water with 100% reuse. We avoid sodium-based cleaning products wherever we can find an alternative and we wear Australian clothing or recycled natural fabrics as both clothing and cleaning are significant carbon gobblers. This year we designed an ethical investment system as a sustainability index, developed policy and conflict-reduction projects, and ran senior management programs that demand sustainability outcomes with a focus on low impact eco-footprints. Our consultancy service continues to support development professionals and business people to implement sound supply chain and design features of sustainability. Our largest BASIX driven project for a 400-home aged care community was approved by the State government late last year for regional NSW. We did this with only 2 site visits, reducing our eco-footprint by 50% in one year (air travel is a killer).

Australian Soil Additives & Products (ASAP) - is providing the only purely biological approach to soil health, farming without herbicides or pesticides or any Soil Foodweb damaging salt-based "natural" additives such as lime, gypsum etc., or anti-fungals like copper sulphate (all permitted under organic certification requirements) in Australia that’s suitable for monoculture and large-scale as well as boutique growers or landholders. Our focus is also on restoration using actively aerated microbial solutions where living tested compost is not available in large quantities. We manufacture the GeoTea and BioActive Brewer locally (saving estimated production and energy use by 40 times compared to overseas use), and choose locally-made anerobic compost where it’s available in high quality and made from local green waste. All these activities contribute to our carbon neutral position and support growers to achieve better land use management practices that are 40% energy dependent.

One service that One Stop Green Shop offers sustainable business is carbon offsets. We can help you calculate your emissions from electricity, fuel use, or air travel and offset them using accredited Green Power in Australia, Gold Standard offsets in Europe or other projects accredited by the relevant authority. Sourced from climate friendly and tailored to your needs, these offsets are all put into renewable energy not trees or other carbon "sinks", ensuring that the amount of power you use is shifted from coal-fired to renewable energy. We are working with power companies to find ways to assist local land-owners and farmers to begin farming energy as part of an ongoing, sustainable solution.

Compost Toilet Systems and our private residence are signed up with Origin Energy to 100% Wind power, this costs us about $2/week more than our old Country Energy bill, - it makes us very happy. Our solar passive house has minimal energy requirements, none for heating or cooling and very little for solar hot water boosting. Offsets to our vehicle emissions are our next consideration. Compost Toilet Systems actively promotes the importance of selecting true 100% Green Power from the grid. Clients are encouraged to go 100% Green Power and rewarded with discounts on products and services should they have made, or make that change. Clients are thankful for informing them and encouraging them to sign up for 100% Green Power. A number have made the change and picked up discounts.

Report on Feb 21 at Paul's

2007-02-22T04:03:05Z

Last night (Feb 21) we had an enjoyable evening at Paul Benhaim's place in Mullumbimby over dinner.

Christina Covington of Hari Har Chai had brought her new product - an organic, ready to drink, soy chai for us to enjoy, and told us of how that market is developing in the same way that coffee has developed from instant to people demanding a quality product, and how organic and australian-grown are both selling points.

Mitra Ardron of Natural Innovation led a discussion about the proposed Byron Community Carbon Bank, which would funnel donations from businesses to offset their emissions through projects proposed by local community groups, or through tree planting through Rainforest Rescue. This project was briefly presented last month, and it is looking very positive with several businesses indicating their support. If you want to be involved in this, either by offsetting your own emissions, offering support or help, or with ideas for community projects, please contact Mitra(at)mitra.biz,

Paul Benhaim, who hosted the gathering, showed us some samples of Zelfo and invited all Byron SVN members to the launch which - pending ironing out of some last minute production hitches - will be on March 16th. Email him admin(at)zelfoaustralia.com for an invite, or to RSVP.

Their will be another opportunity to try Christina's Chai at the event, since she is a neighbor to the new plant.

Wadzy told us about the One Stop Green Shop, and its recent outing to the Sustainable Living Festival in Melbourne, where it represented a number of local products. Their store is now online and happy to market your products to the world.

Mitra led a discussion on planning for change. At SLF, a consultant was discussing for example how he led his clients through looking at the Greenhouse targets and how the projections had got tighter, for example 20% in 2050 to 30% in 2050 to 60-90% in 2050. So it was important to not just look at targets, but how those targets changed over time when planning investment, in fact he argued that the only plausible planning for 2050 would have to be based on zero emissions.

Christina, Mitra, Giovanni and Wadzy had all been at SLF so there was some discussion of trends and products seen.

We also had a discussion about the challenges of being chameleon's, of being able to live in the community we all love, while running successful businesses. How the image of the north coast can effect the way our products and services are seen, despite the fact that our businesses are all able to meet the same challenges that city-based services have to meet.

We look forward to seeing everyone next month, the time and date have not been announced yet, 22nd March is likely.

- Mitra

Attending: (13) Paul Benhaim (Zelfo); Mitra Ardron (Natural Innovation); Tim Winton (Permaforest); Wadzy (Generator/One-Stop); Makoto (WOM); Christina Covington (Hari Har Chai); Melissa Hirsch (Fibreart); Amber Wilson (OnQ); Alice Moffet (Rainforest Rescue); Peter Westcott; Martin Ernegg (Zelfo); Urs Furter (Apex Air); Simon Ridgley (Electrical); Rob (Zelfo);

Apologies: Phil Sedgman; Elaine Seiler; Giovanni Ebono; Zara Elwood; Monica Boenigk; Alan Gordon (EcoHut); Ken McLeod (CEF);

Collecting stories of reducing or offseting carbon stories

2007-02-08T23:36:41Z

I (Mitra Ardron) know that quite a few of us have done something about our carbon emissions, for example Zelfo is carbon-neutral plastic; Slingfings is using Solar-powered sewers; ReGenesis have installed a wind turbine; Natures Child and Fiberart have offset their emissions, and others are more directly involved e.g. Climate Friendly, North Coast Biofuels; Quality Solar and Apex Air. As part of the collaboration between Byron Sustainable Ventures Network and North Coast Climate Action Group, I'm putting together some materials for distribution to encourage other businesses to reduce their carbon use, or offset what they can't reduce. A key part of that is showcasing what we are already doing, rather than preaching. If any of you have done something about carbon can you let me know what you've done, if you give it to me as a sentence, and as a short paragraph then I probably won't have to edit it, otherwise I'll edit it to fit whatever I produce. It would help me if you've got any numbers, for example how much carbon you've saved, or any other numbers I could use to get a handle on the magnitude of effect we are having. If you haven't got numbers that's ok. Lets use ourselves as good examples to others. If anyone wants to help in this collaboration let me know .... mitra @ mitra . biz Read on for the collected stories.... Businesses Significantly reducing their requirement for non-renewable power. ReGenesis Enterprises: Erected a wind turbine, to power the farm. (requested numbers, how much power -> how much carbon) ReGenesis Soil Company: Run the truck that collects food waste from restaurants off of BioDiesel, use the food waste to make compost. (requested numbers, how much fuel -> how much carbon) Zelfo Australia: Will (in a few weeks) be running their equipment off a vegetable oil powered diesel engine instead of 200kw of electricity. Heat provided by vegetable oil burners and will be solar panels soon. (will need numbers when operational). (Green Power) Slingfings and Bird Textiles: Our climate impact from freight of raw materials, car and air travel of our staff, manufacture, operations and delivery, has been calculated so that we can green our carbon emissions. So far we've saved 70 tonnes of carbon. All our manufacturing is done using a combination of wind and solar power.

Businesses that, apart from normal efficiency measures, use Green Power for the rest

Natures Child: 100% (how much total - confirm with Jannine)
FiberArt: 100% (how much total - confirm with Melissa)
Santos: 50% (how much total - confirm with John)

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Business for sale: Mother Tuckers Organic Food Van

2007-02-08T04:42:57Z

Mother Tuckers provides high quality vegan vegatarian food at Byron and Bangalow Markets. The van is equiped with Baremarie, Pie Oven, stainless steel prep bench with two bbq style hotplates. also has a huge chai or soup pot with gas fittings. The fittings are all quality with local materials used for the benches. Its open plan allows for easy stock delivery and air flow. The van has been recently re-fitted and painted. It has rust proof Aluminium frame with single axle heavy duty carriage. It was constructed with festival and special events in mind so there is potential to expand this business into a successful family based model for sustainability. For all other details and viewings please call Kevin on 0404638795 P.O.A. kevingay@linknet.com.au P.S. I am selling the business due to relocation and to support my two children on the Central Coast.