Funk, Soul and Reggae songstress Jane McArthur of Hobart band Let The Cat Out launches her innovative compilation, 'Roots Up!' Launch Party - 9pm at Republic Bar, North Hobart on Saturday, 18 July.

In collaboration with some of Tassie's finest groovers and shakers, Jane has put together a digital compilation release which, hosted by iTunes, is available for download and, in an innovative partnership with Australian sustainability organisations, is promoted through their website in a profit sharing arrangement with the bands and the organisations.

If you buy the RootsUp album, then 50% of the proceeds will be donated to Sustainable Living Tasmania. Click on the banner below to go to the RootsUp website now to find out more.

There is fierce debate about the merits of the current legislation before federal parliament to create an Australian carbon market. Check out 'Plan B: An Agenda for Immediate Climate Action' produced by the state-based conservation councils and other national environment organisations. Download a copy of this document here.

The Federal Government has announced the close of its $8000 solar rebate for households.  The new regime will come into effect 1 July 2009. If you have decided to go solar, please read our pamphlet - Make It Count. We have also produced a Sustainable Living Guide on Solar Energy, which includes a list of Tasmanian suppliers.

Training for Transition Workshop – Friends Meeting House

Saturday and Sunday, 27-28 June

We have been overwhelmed by the interest from all over Tasmania in The Transition Workshop!  It is beyond full, but we definately plan to run another one.  Please email Lissa if you would like to be added to the list of interested people.  Transition Towns is a very exciting initiative that began in the UK, in response to the dual threats of climate change and peak oil, and is quickly spreading worldwide. It is basically uniting with others in our community to relocalise, build resilience and chart a course to a sustainable future. It is very similar to the things that local groups throughout Tasmania have beeen doing, but involves creating a clear common vision for the future and creating a fairly detailed plan for how to get there. There are two trainers coming down from the mainland to facilitate the workshops and there will be a session at the end for us to discuss how we can progress Transition Initiatives in Tasmania.. 

In November, SLT supported a group of 12 Tasmanians to complete a Home Sustainability Assessment Training Course offered through Holmesglen TAFE. The assessment will cover electricity and water usage with an option to have a more holistic lifestyle segment included. 

There are many easy things that we can all do around our homes to increase energy efficiency and water conservation.  Having an HSA done on your home is an opportunity to have your unique environment assessed and a personalised report and set of recommendations provided. The cost for a 1.5hr assessment and follow-up report is $130 ($90 for SLT members) or $80 for health care card holders.  If you interested or would like more info, call us on (03) 6234 5566 or email us.

In the face of the global economic crises and climate change, Tasmania can not only survive but build strong local businesses and resilient communities.

Michael Shuman is a noted economist, attorney, author, entrepreneur and Vice President of the Training adn Development Corporation. He is widely recognised for his research into the economic advantages of small-scale businesses in an era of glabalisation as well as the often over-looked benefits of building local economies.

Michael will be sharing ideas at several events:

Government and Business Seminar on

Monday, 29 June, 9:30-12noon at the Baha'i Centre

RSVP to Christine - LGAT

Public Lecture

Monday, 29 June 7-9pm at teh Baha'i Centre

Community Workshop

Tuesday, 30 June, 9:30-12noon

RSVP to SLT by email or phone 6234 5566

After nearly a year in our Liverpool St office, we have moved once again.  We can see the new space becoming a real sustainability hub with even more wide-ranging information on sustainability ideas and issues, display space for businesses, a more accessible library, large community meeting space, tea room, a community notice board, reading and working areas and much more. We will be very centrally located - on the first floor of 71 Murray Street, above EcoHaven and just down the block from the State Library. We are quite excited and hope that everyone will be able to come and check out the new Sustainability Centre. Our phone, fax and e-mail will remain unchanged.

The Sustainable Living Tasmania library catalogue is now online. This is a very exciting development and will make this valuable resource more accessible and easier to use. You are now able to browse the catalogue from home, work or uni. To borrow books you will need to become a member. Click here to acess the library and click here to find out about becoming a member.