Blog
Our blog features a variety of gardening and sustainablity articles on topics such as soil biology, composting, grafting, pruning, water-saving and irrigation clean energy, waste and biodiversity. Plus we regularly post recipes to help you make the most of the ‘seasonal glut’ and tips on how to live in a more sustainable way.
Getting to net zero with rooftop solar
The Australian government has a target of 82% renewable energy by 2030. In 2022, 32% of energy was renewable. Clearly, a very significant increase in renewable energy is needed if the 2030 target is to be met. Large scale projects, such as the 20 projects which are...
Green, green (fake) grass of nightmare proportions
Artificial turf looks good if you love neatness and a smooth green vista. On sporting fields, it is seen as a reliable way to guarantee a consistent surface. The convenience is a lure, too. No more mowing or watering! But there is much, much more to the story of...
The ‘devil bird’ has arrived
In the mid-2010s when I lived in Indonesia, I learnt the distinctive call of the Eastern Koel (Eudynamys orientalis). The Eastern Koel (also sometimes known as the Common or Pacific Koel) migrates from eastern Indonesia and Papua New Guinea to Australia’s...
The beetles bringing some Christmas bling
Christmas beetles are a delight to see. They usually appear close to Christmas time and their shimmery, shiny exoskeletons decorate flyscreen doors wide and far as they flock towards any light. Some are metallic green, others golden and bronze. All are incredibly...
Banyule Urban Food Strategy Launch
The Banyule Urban Food Strategy was officially launched on November 23, 2023, at the Bellfield Community Hub with an audience of community members and community organisation representatives. On the day, a tour of Bellfield Community Garden and the next door Farmraiser...
Clean Energy Expo Report
The Sustainable Macleod Clean Energy Expo on November 19 saw engaged residents able to get the most up-to-date information on improving the energy-efficiency of their homes and reducing energy costs. Thanks to Macleod College, we had an excellent space to showcase the...
No animal faeces, nappies and hygiene pads in the green bin!
No faeces whether human or animal belong in the green bin. Animal droppings should be wrapped or bagged and placed in the red waste bin as should nappies and hygiene pads. Nappies and hygiene pads contain plastic. Anyone reading this column will appreciate by now,...
Beat the heat wave with quick, easy and temporary shade structures
When the temperature soars, it's time to shade our fruit and vegies, but how? We can build permanent structures that come at a hefty price and will be permanent, but that may not suit our garden year-round or our pocket. Here's some tips on using what you have or...
Worried about your plants over summer? Here’s what to do!
Are you planning on being away for a few days during the hotter weather, and are worried about whether your vegies will survive and be productive? There are things you can do such as using a timer with drip line to water, and building a quick shade structure if the...
It’s time to renew your Sustainable Macleod membership!
That time of year has arrived! Membership of Sustainable Macleod is due on 1 January 2024 for the calendar year 2024. People who have joined since 1st October will have their membership rolled over to 31st December 2024. Sustainable Macleod membership costs $30 and...
Wasps we should welcome
At primary school I had a teacher who was very concerned we’d swallow a wasp in a can of soft drink. He often told us to use a straw (before single-use plastics became recognised as an environmental disaster). He was worried about the aggressive invasive European...
Hilling all root vegetables
'Hilling' or 'hilling up' of potatoes is a well-known technique for producing more tubers and preventing 'greening', which is toxic to potatoes. Less well-known is that hilling up all root vegetables will lead to better produce and prevent shoulder greening of...
BANSIC Christmas Appeal
Can you help with donations of cash, food, toys, toiletries? I've been sitting in the front of my computer feeling teary as I read the recent BANSIC Donor Update. Life is, sadly, so challenging for many people in the Banyule community that BANSIC has gone from giving...
No tea bags or coffee pods in the green bin!
We have now covered 3 items in the last 2 newsletters that don't go in the FOGO* green bin in Banyule, Darebin and Manningham Councils. These are: stickers on fruit and vegetables bin liners including compostable ones food packaging. This month it is tea bags and...
Join Sustainable Macleod
Become a member and get access to the community garden, the tool library and our seed library. We welcome all members of the community and have regular events and workshops to enjoy.