Festival tackles plastic, climate and community power

THE World Environment Day Festival in Murwillumbah last Sunday attracted hundreds of community members in a day of environmental action and ideas.

Residents, families, environmental advocates and green thumb enthusiasts gathered for a market-style day of education, action, and celebration of a more sustainable future.

Hosted by Caldera Environment Centre and Tweed Landcare, the free event demonstrated practical solutions to this year’s global theme #BeatPlasticPollution through its zero-waste event using 100 per cent reusable crockery and cutlery.

Tweed Landcare community officer Isabelle Oude-Egberink said it was about showing that we were not alone in tackling the environmental issues of our times.

“The event was about maintaining and growing an environmentally conscious community, sharing knowledge and empowering each other to tackle the issues together,” she said.

Expert speakers addressed critical environmental challenges, including climate adaptation, fighting plastic, forest conservation and how bird language can deepen our connection to country and the natural world.

Climate Justice Alliance’s Chels Hood Withey was the MC and said the day proved that when the community came together, it could demonstrate real solutions.

“What we don’t lack is innovation and community commitment to sustainability – what we lack is political will,” she said.

“From renewable energy to circular systems, the solutions exist, and our community is ready to implement them.

“I hope our decision-makers are listening – there’s no excuse for further investment in coal and gas when a thriving, regenerative economy is not only possible but is being initiated here in the Northern Rivers.”