Do you care deeply about the environment? Were you inspired by ABC TV’s “War on Waste” program? Is your mindset all about reducing, reusing, and recycling wherever possible?
If so, you’re not alone! Whether you have a clever idea for repurposing everyday items or questions about recycling that leave you frustrated, we’d love to hear from you. Join SUO and have your say!
You don’t have to attend lots of meetings or commit to volunteering all the time—every little effort helps. Even the smallest contribution is appreciated, and if you’re not ready to join, feel free to reach out anyway. Let’s collaborate on making real changes for the next generation.
What We’ve Been Up To
Here are just a few ways we’ve been working towards sustainability:
- Reusing textiles – Instead of letting stained or torn sheets go to landfill, we turned them into handkerchiefs for backpacks sent to Pacific Island school children.
- Supporting charities – Donated fabric to the RSPCA and a local charity making bags for refugees.
- Reducing plastic use – Encouraged Bright Laundry to stop using plastic bags for clean linen.
- Finding recycling solutions – Investigating whether non-recyclable plastic string used in laundry can be repurposed for baling twine.
- Recycling pill blister packs –
- All-aluminium packs can be scrunched into a ball with used foil and placed in your recycling bin.
- Plastic-and-aluminium packs can be collected and dropped off at participating chemists, such as Chemist Warehouse, Myrtleford, and Mount Beauty.
We’re also working on securing funding for Bright Pharmacy to install Pharmacycle collection boxes, following the efforts of Lance from Myrtleford Bowls Club and the generous funding from Bendigo Bank for similar projects.
Looking Ahead
- New bin standardisation – We’ve been in touch with the EPA about FOGO bin guidelines, and by 2030, Sustainability Victoria will introduce a standardised bin system to clear up confusion.
- Collaborating with regional groups – Every three months, we attend North East WasteWise Alliance meetings, where sustainability groups from Yackandandah, Benalla, Wangaratta, Milawa, Beechworth, and beyond exchange ideas and inspire one another. If you’re interested in attending, we’d love to carpool!
- Working with local government – Sarah and Bronwyn from the Alpine Shire Council Sustainability Department support SUO whenever they can, and we truly appreciate their involvement.
Get Involved
Sustainability is a journey, and we need your ideas, enthusiasm, and support to make a difference. Whether you’re ready to take action or simply want to chat about an issue, let’s connect!
By Petula Edwards, SUO Committee Member.
Future-Ready: Taking Action for a Greener Tomorrow
You’ve insulated your home, upgraded appliances, installed solar panels, and you’re saving for an electric vehicle—fantastic! But if you’re wondering, “What more can I do?”, there’s still a powerful way to make an impact: raising your voice.
While individual actions matter, governments hold the greatest power to drive large-scale environmental change. The good news? In Australia, we have the right to speak up—and we should.
The Global Concern
A recent United Nations survey found that, on average, 87% of people worldwide:
✅ Believe in climate change
✅ Are deeply concerned about its future effects
✅ Feel their government isn’t doing enough to combat it
Even in China—one of the world’s largest polluters—94% of citizens believe action must be taken.
So, where does Australia stand? While our renewable resources (solar, wind, tidal energy, and pumped hydro) put us in a prime position to lead the charge, we remain behind countries like Algeria, Bulgaria, and the Czech Republic in climate action rankings.
What Can You Do?
Speak up: Write to the government. Let them know your concerns, share ideas, and—most importantly—demand answers. We live in a democracy, and your voice matters.
Hold them accountable: If you don’t receive a response, reach out to Dr Helen Haines, MP—she’ll make sure you get one.
Keep writing, keep pushing: Change doesn’t happen overnight, but persistence works. If you need support or want to discuss ideas, send an email to brianredwards@yahoo.com.au.
Australia has the resources, the innovation, and the potential. Now, we need the action. Let’s make sure our leaders hear us loud and clear!
By Brian Edwards, SUO Committee Member.