There’s plenty to see, do and learn at this environmentally-friendly event
The annual Mosman Sustainability Fair is back on 21 September at Balmoral Beach where you can learn about marine conservation, biodiversity and waste reduction through fun activities everyone will enjoy.
The fair, organised by Mosman Council, was previously called Seaside Scavenge and Sustainability Fair and started at Balmoral in 2018 as a pop-up beach program that offered family-friendly activities encouraging people to rethink their approach to waste and caring for the environment.
Council’s environment officer and fair organiser Loani Tierney says the event is a great way for council and community to share the message about protecting our local environment.
“Mosman’s beaches, natural environment and natural beauty always rank highly when we talk to our community about what they like most about living in Mosman,” says Loani.
“Our community has told us that promotion and delivery of sustainable practices and protection of the environment should be a priority for council in the next decade.”
Loani says that council is committed to working with residents and businesses to deliver programs, events and projects to address sustainability, the fair being one of many.
This year sees the return of popular activities such as Bike ‘n’ Blend pedal-powered smoothie making, worm farming and composting demonstrations from Kimbriki Resource Recovery Centre, and presentations on topics relating to the natural environment. Live music will entertain visitors.
The Revolve Recycling crew will be offering free bike check and tune sessions, which need to be booked. You can also donate your old bike to Revolve and they will fix it up and and donate it to disadvantaged children without bikes.
Revolve Recycling was established in 2021 and has had a stall at the Mosman fair ever since.
“We accept all bikes,” says general manager Guido Verbist. “Even if it’s not good enough for a second life, it can be used for spare parts, and the metal and rubber can still be recycled so everything is diverted from landfill.”
Revolve collects about 5,000 bikes per year, sells 1,000 and donates 500 to disadvantaged children, but Guido says they could do more.
“Every year 350,000 households throw away a bike and that’s what we want to get our hands on,” says Guido. “In the Sydney metropolitan area that number is 50,000. We collect 5,000, so there is still a big margin for growth.”
If you have an old bike at home, bring it along to Revolve Recycling to give it a new life.
If four wheels is more your thing and you’re considering an electric car, Zero Emissions Solutions will have an electric vehicle car display and will be on hand to answer questions.
The Seaside Scavenge is back this year, organised by Take 3 For the Sea, where you can register on the day for a beach clean- up, and any rubbish you collect can be converted into tokens you can use to buy things at a second-hand pop-up stall offering pre-loved clothes, books and toys, or browse the showcase of products and services that promote sustainable living.
Some new activities added to the program include talks and displays about native Australian animals by Feature Creatures, and some great interactive activities and community education on environmental protection by community groups.
There will also be a presentation on induction cooking, you can make beeswax wraps, and an Auslan interpreter will ensure that everyone can benefit from the short talks. So get yourself down to Balmoral on 21 September for a great day!
MOSMAN SUSTAINABILITY FAIR
Sunday 21 September 10am to 2pm Balmoral Beach
events.mosman.nsw.gov.au