Basics for a better world shared

Discovering, debating and delving into sustainable technologies and lifestyles will be the focus of next month’s Macedon Ranges Sustainable Living Festival.

The free community fiesta of sustainable living ideas will include a food and garden expo alongside a design and technology expo, outside Woodend library on March 4 – the same day as Woodend Farmers Market.

Macedon Ranges Sustainability Group vice president Ralf Thesing said this year’s event will build on a year of significant environmental achievements, including completion of the Woodend community solar project.

“It will be bigger and better than ever this year,” Mr Thesing said. “It’s great that more and more people are taking up things like solar panelling in the Macedon Ranges, compared to other shires, in an effort to live more sustainably.

“People move to this area because of the environment … it’s very important for us to look after it.”

Mr Thesing said this year’s expo theme is: ‘Learn, do, share’.

“We want to encourage people to take what they’ve learned from the festival and apply it in their homes and in the wider community.”

Kyle Behrend of Edgar’s Mission will be among the stallholders at the festival, promoting the work of the Lancefield rescue centre and sanctuary.

The technology expo will give people the chance to sit behind the wheel of a Tesla electric car and have any questions answered by sustainability experts.

Exhibitors in a community garden will cover permaculture, worms, beekeeping and vegetarian cooking.

Details: slf.mrsgonline.org.au