Waste Not! DIY ways to reduce your household rubbish

Attend the first session then pick 3 workshops all for just $5 (for members, $26 non members).

This special sustainability series is brought to you in memory of late WEA Treasurer, active student and much missed friend Andy Blaikie. Andy was inspired by the first course he took here at the WEA on sustainability at home and we are delighted to bring you this series in his honour. With thanks to the generosity of the Canterbury Officers Club we are able to offer this course to members at the special price of just $5 dollars. All participants are invited to attend the first session and then select and book 3 workshops from the ones listed below.

31 July, 12.30 – 2 pm, Rise to the challenge: In this introductory session we will explore the problems that the world is facing due to the trash that we produce from plastic in the oceans to the greenhouse gases emitted in its production, from food waste to the hidden secrets of the fashion industry. We will then set participants a home challenge – for which there will be prizes!

7 August, 12.30 – 2.30 pm, Beeswax Wrap Workshop: Be the change you want to see in the world by ditching cling film and single use plastics. Beeswax wraps are a great way to swap out plastic and work as a catalyst for sustainable changes in

your household and a conversation starter with friends and families. Hosted by Remix Plastic, this workshop provides all the equipment and materials you will need to make 2 beeswax wraps.

14 August, 12.30 – 2.30 pm, Soap/shampoo Bar Making Demo: Learn to make your own soap and shampoo bars from scratch! By making your own soaps you can save money and plastic packaging and avoid harmful chemicals. You reduce your impact on the environment through only using ingredients that you can be certain won’t have any considerable negative environmental impacts. This workshop is a demonstration of the process and a discussion around other household alternatives to single use plastic.

21 August, 12.30 – 2 pm, Rope Making and Sustainable Fashion: Learn about the current opportunities to make fashion more ethical and sustainable as well as gain skills and knowledge on how to best maximize the life of your garments, and reuse fabric scraps. Use unsavable fabric scraps to make something infinitely useful, a piece of rope! Participants are welcome to bring scraps of material/ old clothing to cut up but fabric will be provided. Suitable for all 8 years and over, and for 8-13 year olds preferably with a parent present during the workshop.

28 August, 12.30 – 2 pm, The Sharing Economy and Chch as a Sharing city: The sharing economy has an important role to play in a sustainable future and by participating in it we can significantly reduce our impact on the environment as well as our waste. This workshop will introduce the sharing economy with world-wide examples before inviting you to explore the Christchurch city Sharing Map. You will hear more about what a sharing city is, why we think Christchurch is one of them and what you can do to share! After all, sharing is caring.

4 September, 12.30 – 2 pm, What bin? Recycling Workshop: Confused about what can go in your Council Organics bin? Confused about the current state of plastic recycling? Want to vent frustrations, meet like-minded people and learn ways to reduce waste? Come to this workshop!! We will go through common household waste items and discuss what bin they go in, how you can avoid them and what you can replace them with. Bring a plate and your questions (or rubbish!).

11 September, 12.30 – 2 pm, De-plastic your home: Are you tired of all that plastic clogging up your cupboards and the oceans? Then come and learn about the problem with plastic, discover simple alternatives to plastic in your home, and get hands-on making your own reusable bags and beeswax food wraps. This course is brought to you by Vanessa Lukes, who has cycled, recycled and upcycled for years. She loves the empowering feeling that comes from knowing your simple everyday lifestyle choices can improve your own life and that of the planet, and now combines her background in teaching with sharing her practical knowledge of sustainable living.

18 September, 12.30 – 2 pm, Drains to the Ocean – homemade household cleaners: Everything that goes down our sinks ends up in the sea. We can reduce the negative impact of that by reducing the amount of harmful chemicals we use to clean our house. By making your own household cleaners you can also reduce the plastic packaging needed and save money! Come along to this workshop to learn about alternatives to store bought cleaners and make your own multipurpose spray and toilet cleaner. Bring along jars or containers if you have them but there will be some available.

Don’t forget: everyone is invited to the first session, then you may pick 3 individual workshops to attend. Please note there are limited numbers so be in quick to secure your first choice!