Market weekend for environment

The community of Hardys Bay and Killcare will be hosting an "It's Easy Going Green" market weekend as part of celebrations for World Environment Day

The weekend markets will operate from 9am to 3pm on Saturday, June 9, and Sunday, June 10.

The weekend will feature a quest to "Unearth the Coast's Coolest", an individual who has made "significant contributions in reducing their environmental footprint and resides in the Central Coast area".

"This may be in the form of innovation in energy saving technology and/or methods, educating or motivating others to reduce the impact of climate change or lobbying for a more positive environmental outlook," according to organiser Ms Anna McCall.

"The competition is in keeping with this year's theme to World Environment Day - Melting Ice - A hot topic."

Nominations are being sought and three finalists will be presented on the Sunday at the market weekend, with the winner announced at 11am.

Nominations will be judged by a panel of "three experts" including environmental educators from local councils.

The winner will be awarded with an overnight package on a luxury yacht including an evening sail with a skipper, dinner and breakfast with Hardys Bay Yacht Charters.

"The market weekend is designed to motivate and inspire our local and wider communities in reducing our ecological footprint at a grassroots and community level," Ms McCall said.

"We will put forward suggestions, resources and case studies that will simplify the sometimes overwhelming prospect of 'going green'.

"This event will be carbon neutral with the small amounts of energy consumed offset.

"Exhibitions and displays will include solar and other renewable energy case studies and displays, solar hot water alternatives, energy efficient lighting and building design consultancy, water minimization programs and tips.

"The Toyota Prius will be on display as well as a range of organic and local fresh produce, organic designer clothing, recycling and waste management alternatives, native plants, energy neutral leisure activities, books, local school displays, kids craft activities, public transport information and an array of exciting new environmentally friendly products that will show the public exactly how easy it is to go green."

Press release, 28 Apr 2007 Anna McCall, Hardys Bay