Say ‘I Do’ in Sustainable Style

Begin your green wedding journey with sustainable wedding attire. Seek out designers specializing in eco-friendly materials, consider a chic second-hand dress, or explore rental options. Remember, sustainable fashion can be both trendy and elegant. Today, many bridal shops offer a ‘green’ line featuring gowns made from organic cotton, hemp, and even bamboo. You could also consider accessories made from recycled materials, adding an extra touch of sustainability to your outfit.

Make the Most of a Venue’s In-House Charm

Before splurging on new decorations, check what your venue already offers. Many venues have a selection of decor items included in their package, reducing the need for single-use items. If you need more, consider renting from local suppliers. Often, these venues have partnerships with local vendors who can provide additional items such as linens, centerpieces, and lighting. Also, think about using the natural features of the venue as part of your decor, like a beautiful tree or a charming fireplace.

Offset Carbon Footprints with Love

Balance the carbon emissions from your big day by supporting initiatives that focus on carbon reduction. Make it a part of your love story that not only unites two hearts but also contributes to preserving the planet. Consider calculating the carbon footprint of your wedding — including travel, energy use, and food production — and then donate an equivalent amount to a green charity or project. It’s a wonderful way to give back and make your special day even more meaningful.

Green Rides for Happy Guests

Encourage your guests to share rides or use public transport. It’s a small step that can significantly reduce the overall carbon footprint of your event. Plus, it’s a fun way for guests to mingle! If your venue is in a remote location, consider arranging a shuttle service from a central location. Not only does this cut down on emissions, but it also ensures everyone can enjoy the celebrations without worrying about driving home. Visit Climate Wave to learn more about how they can assist you with sustainable event management!

Gift Registry with a Green Twist

When setting up your gift registry, choose items that are eco-friendly. This could be anything from organic cotton sheets to recycled kitchenware. Alternatively, ask guests to donate to a charity close to your heart. You can also include experiences or services on your registry, like a cooking class or a massage, which don’t require any physical products at all.

Savor the Sweetness of a Sustainable Cake

Even your wedding cake can echo your commitment to sustainability. Opt for bakers who use locally-sourced, organic ingredients and avoid excess packaging. Consider a cake size that matches your guest list to minimize waste. Ask your baker about vegan cakes, which are often more environmentally friendly. And remember, the cake doesn’t have to be large to make an impact — a small, beautifully decorated cake can be just as memorable.

House Plants for a Lasting Memory

Swap traditional floral arrangements with attractive houseplants. Not only will they add a unique touch to your decor, but they can also serve as gifts for guests or become a part of your home decor after the wedding. Choose plants that are easy to care for, and that will thrive in various home environments. For more ideas and information on sustainable plant choices, you can visit https://homegardenhero.com/. You could even include care instructions and a note about the plant’s significance as a memento of your special day.

Planning a green wedding is about making conscious choices that reflect your shared values and commitment to the planet. Every decision, from saving on decor to requesting green gifts, can contribute to a sustainable celebration without compromising on elegance or style. Ultimately, you’re creating a unique love story that not only honors each other but also respects the environment, setting a precedent for your future together. Celebrate your love by saying ‘I do’ to a greener planet and a brighter future.

In April 2023 we then received the news that Climate Wave was the winner of Best Sustainable Event Management Agency in Queensland! Woo hoo! This shows us that people are really starting to pay more attention to how waste is managed during events. The team at Climate Wave all agree that what we do is honorable and entertaining work and we absolutely love what we do!

We would like to thank all the events that have chosen to work with us in doing our part to help this planet we all live on together.

To check out the article that ran alongside our award, click here:/https://www.apac-insider.com/issues/australian-enterprise-awards-2023/127/

Plastic waste at event courtesy https://www.theguardian.com/

It’s time to devoid from single use plastic at your event with the Queensland Government, “re-introducing legislation to ban single-use plastic items in Queensland, starting with straws, stirrers, cutlery and plates that will take effect in September 2021.”

In December 2019, Climate Wave Enterprises (CWE) shared our earliest and growing positive waste/resource diversion outcomes with The Village Markets, and our eagerness to continue working together for better social and environmental outcomes.

“During the year 119 x 240 litre household bins were filled with rubbish, 88 bins were diverted from landfill.”

2019/20 Landfill Diversion for The Village Markets

In December 2020, CWE had established a familiar and productive system within The Village Markets.

In December 2019, CWE found that the total amount of landfill that was created between events decreased exponentially, although it was always less than the total amount of recovered waste.

In December 2020, despite its ups and downs, and the distended prevalence of single use plastics, particularly between March and July, compostable, recyclable and organic material and detritus still persevered, with compostable waste consistently the most prominent, having a 57% difference between recycling, which is much better environmentally.

CWE was able to achieve an average of 36% landfill during this challenging period, because of conscientious Eco Angels and consumer waste education; and following July, CWE accomplished a 42% improvement in average landfill diversion, coming in at 79%, and at best, 87%. Because of the keenness of the event management and staff, and retailers, CWE was able to achieve a remarkable 13% improvement from 2019 as well.

Climate Wave Enterprises at Tani Tei En Open Garden fundraiser for Southern Beaches Community Garden with details of the composting system

In 2019, CWE was excited to see how our relationships in the community would grow, such as with Smoothjuice, as the continued to helpfully contribute to CWE’s endeavours.

In 2020, CWE established positive relationships with retailers and found sustainable, local businesses, such as Minimalist the Label, to help at waste education and community events. Smoothjuice, among others, continued to support CWE to perpetuate the value of materials in the economy for as long as possible, by providing canned water, which was able to be exchanged via container deposit schemes to support Surfrider Foundation Gold Coast. They also provided rich organic material, that CWE transported and layered into the Southern Beaches Community Garden after every event.

This not only reduced our impact and supported the health and vitality of local ecosystems and ecological communities, but also provided much needed immense social and health benefits, as outlined in the 2020 National Pandemic Gardening Survey. It showed community gardening contributed to an overwhelming improvement in mental wellbeing, brought people together to foster social connectedness and contributed to food security and dietary diversity for low-income-impacted households, which was an unanticipated result of Climate Wave Enterprises’ ardent social responsibility.

In 2021, again, we would like to repeat that it has been an extremely enjoyable and rewarding experience working with the event management and staff at The Village Markets and seeing the growing positive impact that CWE’s presence has made, and the dramatic improvements in sustainable choices, because of the support of all stakeholders; and are excited, again, to see how these relationships and outcomes will continue, starting on Sunday 3 January.

The Village Market 2019/20 waste diversion chart

Between December 2019 and December 2020:

1,535L of organic waste was diverted from landfill to be used at the Southern Beaches Community Garden;

12,712L of compostable material was diverted from landfill to be composted;

1,420L of cans and bottles were diverted from landfill to be used for a container deposit scheme;

5,432L of recyclable material was diverted from landfill to be recycled; and

7,412L of waste went to landfill.

This means that 28,511L of waste was produced, where:

21,099L of waste was prevented from going to landfill; and

Only 7,412L of waste went to landfill.

In other words, 119 x 240L household bins were filled with rubbish, 88 bins were diverted from landfill.

The Village Market diversion data 2019/20

Please contact Climate Wave Enterprises on how to get great waste diversion results for your event.

Written by Murray Morris
CWE 2ic & Market Coordinator
Climate Wave Enterprises…working with the planet

Music:
‘Chillax- Ocean Song’
(c) c.j.freeman & phuinkeemunkeemusic
phunkeemunkee@hotmail.com
Listen to more: SoundCloud, Audius, YouTube

Partnering with Griffith University Community Internship Program

CWE acknowledge the Yugambeh language people as traditional owners and custodians of the land on which we work and live.

Here at Climate Wave we call our waste/resource management crew in Queensland, Eco Angels, so when I saw the Bin Fairies I just had to
contact B-Alternative and speak to Jason Rahilly the visionary and creator of this innovative organisation.

This all happened in 2017 and I met Jason over a delicious vegan lunch which he was late to but I didn’t mind at all once I heard his ideas for the company and settled into discussion that only like minded souls can have. So one of the many subjects breached was me coming to Victoria to work as a Bin Fairy for the 2018/19 season.

Let me just reiterate WOW… so the season is over for me anyway, back to Queensland with a smile on my face a great crew of new friends (Fairies) and a new business plan.

B-Alternative’s system which works so well involves offering compostable options to food vendors if they don’t have their own. This way you know exactly what system needs to be set up and can divert the maximum amount of resource away from landfill and B-Alternative’s amazing statistics prove Jason’s method works, better than anything I’ve seen in the world.

B-Alternative crew at Rainbow Serpent Festival

Here’s a quote from Tim Landells, Head Environmental Consultant at B-Alternative “composting at festivals instead of sending this waste/resource to landfill, has stopped a lot of methane from going into the atmosphere (huge contributor to global warming). We have stopped 108563 kg’s of CO2 equivalent (the effect other greenhouse gases have on global warming in comparison to CO2) from going into the atmosphere. To put this into perspective, it’s the same as:

• Not driving a small car around Australia’s coastline 20 times
• Not flying a Boeing 747 to Hawaii and back 29 times
• Turning off the power at 15, 4-person American houses for a year

These results are purely from us composting and not putting waste in landfill. It’s from what gases are released when composting compared to landfill. There are so many other factors to include that will increase the greatness of these results by a mile!”

Educating campers at Unify Gathering

Another major role we performed was that of Campground Education which was a real eye opener! There are a lot of young folk that it’s their first big festival and whether they go over the top at home or not they get very messy at these events. Our role was to remind patrons that they are obligated to keep a clean campsite and most of all take their shit home with them, oh & most importantly #partywiththeplanet

These are the events that I worked on but there were others that were serviced by the amazing dedicated B-Alternative crew during the summer.

Cowrie Markets (Torquay)
Queenscliff Music Festival
Warralily Christmas Spectacular
Surf Coast Kite Festival
Bentleigh Markets
Falls Festival (Lorne)
Nightjar Torquay (each Thursday in January)
UNIFY Gathering
Rainbow Serpent Festival
Nightjar Geelong (each Friday in February)
Day by the Bay

If you have an interest in these remarkable results & practices you can follow B-Alternative’s path in their social media, it’s definitely a path worth following. And love to all the Fairies 🙂

Facebook

Instagram

Climate Wave Enterprises was contracted to handle ZERO WASTE management at Home Of The Arts (Gold Coast) Concert for the Planet, Earth Hour event 24/03/2018. The aim of a ZERO WASTE event is to minimise the waste going to landfill to an absolute zero volume, where all created waste of the event can be reused or recycled. Achieving a ZERO WASTE event requires an effort from all stakeholders involved that include the event management, staff, food vendors, volunteers as well as the attendees themselves.

If you’re a lover of following a story with photos you can see our facebook photo album 🙂

Our Zero Waste management components consisted of:

Composting & Reuse

Food stall engagement

Waste education

Waste sorting

Site clean up

Volunteer engagement

Local non-profits

OUTCOMES:

FACT: 72 % diversion from landfill from event with 1500 visitors.

The system we put in place is only as good as the volunteer Eco Angels, who achieved a stellar result with a very low percentage of contamination and a high level of attendee education which drastically reduced the need for sorting onsite. Achieving a 72 % diversion rate from landfill for the first event is an excellent result. See below a detailed breakdown of the number of bins, volume and percentage of waste.

Result table:

As you can see from the table there was an overabundance of bins. When ordering bins for a similar style event, costs from bin hire can be diverted to furthering sustainability practices.

Composting

Joan Park Community Gardens welcomed our resource

The events compostables were taken by Joan Park Community Gardens which were shredded on 26/03/2018 and layered into a compost bed for scientific research. Our Griffith University Intern Emily Looke will be monitoring the breakdown of the compostables over the next few months. The outcome of this research will determine the viability of composting with community gardens compared to an industrial composting company. Should this system work satisfactorily the social & community benefits of this relationship from a sustainable event management perspective far out way the easy alternative. Also this system will reduce the waste cartage & processing costs which can be diverted to the community.

Biological Tea

Organics collected by Biochar Project Australia

And as an added treat by having the 4 bin system we were able to divert the food scraps (17 kilos) towards the Biochar Project Australia. The organic material was incorporated into a large scale worm farm and the worms performed their magic creating castings, it was then made into a biological tea which fed the licensed Department of Primary Industry cannabis crop.

Food stall engagement

Our high diversion rate from landfill could not have been achieved without full cooperation from the food & beverage vendors. They were asked to only provide compostable catering materials.

During the evening one vendor ran out of compostable utensils and introduced a plastic fork which was difficult to tell apart from the compostables given the lighting. The Zero Waste policy was not adhered to therefore their waste contaminated our system. Contamination rate was kept at a minimal level thanks to the vigilance of our Eco Angels.

Waste education

Eco Angels getting in the mood to educate

Ideally every waste station at a ZERO WASTE event should have a volunteer or as we achieved 2 volunteers that can guide people with proper waste disposal and local waste station sorting, so contamination of bins won’t occur and saves time sorting. The level of waste education was high with attendees very open to learn & appreciate what we were trying to achieve.

Event attendees are a captured audience who can be educated on waste, reuse and recycling which is extremely beneficial in the war on waste and they will share this directly into networks in other communities which will bring greater awareness of sustainable events and waste reduction.

During the evening 30 attendees were surveyed, we would have preferred to have at least 3 times that but some volunteers cancelled at last minute which added to the impact on our Eco Angels. Survey results are being compiled.

Waste sorting

The sorting of refuse was done at the waste station by Eco Angels if an attendee was too quick disposing of their waste/resource in the wrong receptacle.

Site clean up

Our Eco Angels patrolled the site as did HOTA staff equipped with a pick up stick and a bucket. Extremely low levels of refuse retrieved.

Volunteer engagement

For our ZERO WASTE management program CWE attracted 14 volunteer Eco Angels but the ideal number we had in mind to run an efficient system was 22 across both shifts. Our Eco Angels excelled in their duties and made up the shortage.

We received great feedback from our volunteers as they found purpose and challenges to waste education and proper sorting. Most of our volunteers learned about waste issues during this event which is another great benefit.

Local non-profits

Surfrider Foundation & Joan Park Community Gardens were well received by attendees with their local information on protection of the coast, waves and beaches and gardening tips. In addition, they assisted waste reduction of landfill through their education of Rise Above Plastics & Ocean Friendly programs.

Fundraising achieved:

Surfrider Foundation

• Spoke to many event attendees about coastal projects
• Fundraising $290

Joan Park Community Gardens

• Distributed approx. 90-100 plants and also gave away bunches of herbs and flowers.
• Talked to lots of people and they now know about Joan Park CG.
• Fundraising $268

FUTURE RECOMMENDATIONS

The impressive result of 72 % waste diversion from landfill could have only happened with the full support of every individual that was part of this event. Nevertheless, there was a remainder of 28 % that obstructed our aim towards a ZERO WASTE event. When event attendees are allowed to bring in their own food & drinks we will always have a higher landfill percentage but when ticketed events take place we will be able to reduce that.

Food vendors

Food vendors were approached at the event prior to attendees arriving and several were asked to remove single use plastic items from being available including, straws, utensils and water bottles. For an efficient Zero Waste system all vendors need to be alerted & monitored. It is an opportunity for the event to educate vendors on waste reduction.

Thanks to:

All our wonderful Eco Angels

Len Goldsmith for donating money for Eco Angel apparel

OCC Apparel for donating t-shirts

Panamuna Project for printing t-shirts

HOTA for equipment

Surfrider Foundation providing education

Joan Park Community Gardens for composting service & allowing scientific research

Biochar Project Australia

By Greg Howell

Climate Wave Enterprises…working with the planet

Partnering with Griffith University Community Internship Program

CWE acknowledge the Bundjalung people as traditional owners and custodians of the land on which we work and live.

Wanderlust yoga, meditation, food and music festival takes place on October 20-23 at Novotel Twin Waters Resort, Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia.

Like balancing plates on a stick or a beer bottle on your forehead, planning a successful zero waste event takes finesse, organisation and teamwork.

Components of our sustainable waste management system:

Resource/Waste: Our Team members Greg Howell, Simon Witt & Monique Carole will induct our Eco Angel volunteers with guidelines & practices for attending our ZeroHero waste management stations, educating attendees while sorting the events waste accordingly for landfill, recycling and organics/compostables.

Normally, compostables and organics end up in landfill, not used to their full potential. The Eco Angel role is vitally important and there is still volunteer positions available in exchange for free passes to see the great lineup including Xavier Rudd, Dubarray & a multitude of activities, just contact the friendly Wanderlust Volunteer Coordinator for more information volunteerausnz@wanderlust.com

Composting:

Earthborn Australia resource recovery and green organics recycling facility

Earthborn have generously offered to take organic resource from Wanderlust and will introduce it to their Aerobic Composting Process.

They treat organics through numerous process and beneficially reuse. They create composts and customised soils/potting mix/growing media for all sorts of applications.

Over the last 12 months they’ve been developing a soil mix for Edible Gardening. They call it Living Blend. A completely natural, nutrient balanced, biodynamic soil with beneficial microbes. It’s designed specifically for raising fruit, veg & herbs.

There’s nothing like it on the market currently. Earthborn also have the ability to provide composted end product back to the initial waste generators site. The product is fantastic to recondition gardens, turf areas etc that might be impacted upon by the event.

For more information about Earthborn contact Ashleigh Brownlow, 0404 134 132

Resource/Waste service & collection:

Party Bins have again been secured to continue providing their meticulous service and going beyond and here’s an example. Chris Goldsworthy owner of Party Bins came to our rescue as opportunities to fully utilise our compostable resource came to a screaming halt when no companies or organisations were able to accommodate our needs. Here’s how Chris put the final pieces of our sustainable waste management system together.

Party Bins definitely “make the clean up easier!”

“Have successfully sourced our local recipient for the compostable waste from Wanderlust, Twin Waters event, thanks to a referral from Penne at Worms Down Under who is also the manufacturer of the commercial composting machines OSCA . Earthborn Australia – Organic Recycling is a local  business at Chevallum and no extra charges are required by Wanderlust to take up their offer above what I have already quoted.”

Yes, I’m sure you’ll agree he deserves a pat on the back!

For more information about Party Bins contact Chris Goldsworthy, 0403 214 565

Education:

Surfrider Foundation Sunshine Coast will be assisting us with education on plastic pollution and general coastal environmental campaigns, projects & you can get your hands sandy at a beach clean up, so drop in and say hey. The Sunshine Coast Branch looks after an extensive stretch of pristine coastline, from Caloundra to Noosa and on to Double Island Point. The branch keeps busy with regular beach clean-ups and dune care across the entire region. Their main local campaigns include the award winning ‘Clean Up Double Island Weekend’, run twice a year and regular ‘School Education’. They coordinate and manage the iconic ‘EcoChallenge’ sustainable event run annually and also conduct environmental awareness & education presentations at local surf, music & community events.

Craig Macintyre is the president of the Sunshine Coast branch and can be contacted on 0415 670 639 and sunshinecoast@surfrider.org.au

Solar powered amenities in our Gold Coast Motorhome Hire van

Transport:

Gold Coast Motorhome Hire have generously provided us with Freedom  – a two bed fully contained van to enable us to hit the road in comfort and style with everything we will need for the adventure that lays ahead! The bonus for us is that this van is solar powered and will allow us to live off-grid in the luxurious surrounds of the Novotel Twin Waters Resort. For more information about Gold Coast Motorhome Hire contact Glenna Watkins, 0407 686 434

Please support Events, Companies & Organisations that have sustainability written into their business plan, and if you’re interested in more information of practices you can bring to your event see our Check List.  If you’re a Sustainable Event Manager, Venue or Service and feel all alone fear not Sustainable Event Alliance is a global affiliation of organisations, events and individuals who are focusing on improving the sustainability outcomes of events. Together they’re committed to harnessing the powerful opportunity to advance and promote sustainable development through events.

The Gold Coast has been named the World’s 8^th Surfing Reserve at the four day Global Wave Conference held on the 15^th of October. The conference was held at the House of Commons, in London, U.K, and attended by leading international surf and environment academics. A committee of seventeen experts from the Save the Wave Coalition announced the Gold Coast the winner at the conference.

The reserve will cover 15km of coastline from Burleigh Headlands to Snapper Rocks, including Kirra & Currumbin Alley. There was a lot of tough competition this year, and the Gold Coast was able to come out on top over the other finalists Noosa, Australia and Guarda do Embáo, Brazil. Save The Waves Coalition’s Executive Director, Nik Strong-Cvetich said, “Each applicant was highly unique, however the Gold Coast’s combination of perfect point breaks and world champions was a deciding factor in winning the approval for 2016”.

Gold Coast’s nomination process has taken nearly two years, but it was well worth the time. Chairman of the Gold Coast Surfing Reserve, Andrew McKinnon, has been building a case for the Gold Coast World Surfing Reserve since early 2014, talking with state and local government. Becoming a World Surfing Reserve requires a lot of hard work from the local community, and Surfrider Foundation Gold Coast Tweed is proud to have assisted in the nomination. The branch is a part of the Surf Management Plan Advisory Committee (SMPAC), formed to provide input on the Gold Coast’s Surf Management Plan for the Ocean Beaches Strategy. The Surf Management plan will define future coastal management and the importance of surfing to the Gold Coast’s economy and lifestyle.

The official World Surfing Reserve dedication ceremony is planned for March 2016 alongside the World Surf League’s opening event of the New Year, the Roxy and Quiksilver Pro world surfing tour at Snapper Rocks. The World Surfing Reserves program identifies and preserves outstanding waves, surf zones, and surrounding environments from around the world. The criteria that eligible waves and surf zones are evaluated and chosen on are quality and consistency of the wave(s), environmental characteristics, culture and surf history, and capacity and local support.

For more information or to keep up to date with surf amenity within the World Surfing Reserve check out these links:

https://www.facebook.com/Gold-Coast-World-Surfing-Reserve-405018699666517

https://www.facebook.com/surfridergct

http://goldcoastworldsurfingreserve.com

by Ashley Pilkinton, Griffith University, Bachelor of Business/Bachelor of Communication

Humans learn through lessons of the past. Having the ability to learn and establish new ways of approaching things is fundamental to our existence. It inspires new thoughts and ignites the artist within. Each turning point throughout surfing’s evolution is unique, serving as a puzzle piece in the grand scheme of what modern surfing is today.

Polynesian fishing cultures first experienced wave riding while in route between islands almost three thousand years ago. One day, the wooden boat magically clung to the ocean’s swell, as the wave’s energy glided beneath. At this moment, the passion and pleasure for wave riding was discovered. Islanders observed how different shapes of wood glided on the ocean’s swells as craftsman experimented accordingly. Eventually, Islander’s discovered they could reduce the amount of wood being used in these wave-riding tools, without effecting performance. This eventually led to “planks”, resembling the shape of modern-day boards.

The exact date of when surfing emerged as a sport is unknown. However, ancient Hawaiians left evidence of their sport through hieroglyphs of surfers carved into lava-rock. These carvings date back to 1500 A.D. Polynesian cultures eventually made their way to the Hawaiian Islands. These men and women brought with them a deep love and respect for the ocean, depending on it for their source of life. Surfing became deeply rooted in ancient Hawaiian tradition as the culture lived, breathed, and cherished the bountiful resources of the ocean. Skilled surfers around this time were often upper class, including chiefs, warriors, and kings.

Through maintaining finesse in the ocean’s powerful dynamic environment, surfer’s gained respect and were ranked accordingly throughout their society. Surfing in Hawaii continued to shape and develop over the next couple centuries, as it remained ingrained in the culture.

Captain Cook’s crew recorded written documentation of surfing while exploring Tahiti and Hawaii in the late 1700’s. By this time the Hawaiians had already developed the sport of surfing with nearly two centuries of experience. Hawaiians experimented with different board shapes and sizes, while they sought new tools and methods for the shaping process. The three main boards used by ancient Hawaiians included the following:

• The Paipo or Kioe, used as a body board, 2-4 feet; usually by children
• The Alaia (ah-LAI-ah), mid-sized board usually 7-9 feet
• The Olo (O-lo), longer surfboard: usually used by royalty. 18-22 feet

Ancient Hawaiians continued surfing until changes in the belief system emerged and missionaries from New England settled in the mid 1800’s. By 1890, surfing in Hawaii was close to extinction, as well as many old Hawaiian traditions and customs. The ancient roots of surfing had been firmly established by this point, despite the sport’s dwindling presence. The United States annexed Hawaii in 1898 which would mark the beginning of a revolution for surfing.

Over the course of the twentieth century, surfing developed further, erupting into a billion dollar industry. New approaches by surfers, shapers, waterman, and physicists alike have lead to key discoveries in form and function, changing the nature of surfing itself. Surf board design has evolved, devolved, emerged, reemerged, and has continued to take on shapes as various as the waves themselves over time.

History is important and should be passed down over generations. The Surfing Heritage Foundation is a non-profit organization based out of California that started in 2001. The Foundation is dedicated to preserving and promoting surfing’s heritage for the appreciation and education of current and future generations.

More on surfing’s evolution through the 19th century to come!

We would like to thank Rick Civelli from WB Surf Camp for his eloquent depiction of  The Roots of Surfing: Surfing’s Lineage article. I was wanting to write something exactly along the same line to promote our upcoming Eco Challenge events on the Sunshine & Gold Coasts but Rick had said it all so well I just contacted him and ask for permission to replicate.This blog was taken from The Roots of Surfing: Surfing’s Lineage by Rick Civelli

If you’re interested in alternative to petrochemical surfing products & services check out the Surfrider Foundation Gold Coast Tweed Branch Eco Stoke campaign to raise the profile and generate discussion.

Greg Howell

Climate Wave Enterprises

working with the planet

My first DOOF

After working with the wonderful team from Green Chief Recycling at Woodford Folk Festival, Madeline Radke the Queensland representative offered me an opportunity to participate at Earth Frequency Festival (EFF) which I immediately jumped at the chance. From the first time I met Mads it was plain to me that she had a unique way of approaching sustainability, waste & recycling. “Madeleine is intent on utilising festival culture as a platform for reconnecting people in personal and respectful relationship with the land, themselves, and their fellow human beings. And their trash”

I was even more excited to be working on the Greening @ Earth Frequency Festival when Mads developed a role for me as the first Manager of Carbon Offsetting which involved writing up a survey & managing a team of volunteer collectors. The idea behind the survey was to gain the interest from festival attendees about their knowledge and willingness to personally take control of their travel emissions & acceptance of the festivals “Leave No Trace” waste policy. As a community driven festival sustainability is high on the agenda. “Earth Frequency is investing in existing and new initiatives to create a more sustainable festival for the future.”

Being the first time these initiatives were to be trialled we had to be flexible and consider all facets of the operation. Working with the Camping Team who were directing punters to their camp spots we stealthily manoeuvred in between cars so as not to hold up the system and eager travellers from their destination. Hard data is still to be calculated but from speaking with travellers who had driven from various destinations as far as Melbourne they were still stoked to have the opportunity to donate to a worthy project. There was also the availability to offset from the festivals web site when booking tickets.

Happy campers took up the offer of carbon offsetting their travel to & from the event.

The offset project consists of:
• All credits are recognised under the Australian Governments, National Carbon Offset Standard (NCOS).
• Forests Alive  work with farmers who own and manage native forests in Tasmania.
• Unlike projects that rely on planting trees in order to generate credits, we are able to use existing forests and also protect all of the biodiversity benefits that native forests provide.

As well as the travel survey we incorporated questions about the festivals “Leave No Trace” waste policy. 60 people were surveyed and over 90% new about the policy and were more than happy to comply and took a general interest in managing their waste and 99% recycled at home.

It was my first DOOF and it was a pleasure to be involved in this festival; it was a happy friendly atmosphere where everyone was having all types of fun, mixed with education and heaps of music.

I would love to hear about events you’ve been to that have similar practices. Do you carbon offset your travels?

More from the blog

Greg Howell

Climate Wave Enterprises – working with the planet

Unleashing an artistic tidal wave that engulfed the Gold Coast in 2012, Bleach* Festival  returned for it’s second year and runs from 22nd Feb – 3rd March 2013. “Long renowned as the global home of surf culture, the Gold Coast was the logical birthplace for Bleach*. The festival embraces the beach heritage of the Southern Gold Coast, re-imagining it in the form of a contemporary arts celebration.

With a global reach estimated in the millions and showcasing the work of more than 168 visual and performing artists in its opening year, Bleach* Festival 2013 again celebrates surf & beach culture with a series of indoor and outdoor pop up music & arts events and installations.”

The morning at Bleach* Boulevard the first day of outdoor activities saw the sun come out for the first time in a cloudy rainy few weeks it seemed. Perfect weather for an outside local community festival and the best day also for riding a bike and leaving the car at home.

Happy cyclists from all over the Gold Coast came out in the sun and were treated to free secure bike racks to leave their prized possessions so they could wander freely and enjoy the atmosphere of this wonderful arts, music lifestyle festival. Everyone that rode their bike accepted the complimentary Active Travel reusable drink bottle & Gold Coast cycling guide booklet with details of cycle network routes. Many pedestrians were disappointed that they hadn’t ridden their bikes when finding this service was available to them but were mollified when given the products for future use.

Climate Wave Enterprises provided the service for Bleach*, partnering with Gold Coast City Council Active Travel who generously donated the racks. All participants were grateful for the service and commented on the easy to use design and newness of the racks. Yes these racks were straight out of the Gold Coast City Council workshop for first time use at this event. Compliments to all who were involved in the development of this new easy to assemble system which had stability and functionality.

Numbers of users of the service was down on the previous year which could have been due to many factors including weather leading up to the event, lack of advertising and change of physical location of the racks. But this didn’t hamper the enthusiasm and encouragement not only of the cyclists but all that enquired about the project.

Comments ranged from:

• “It would be great to have this service at all events on the Gold Coast”
• “If I’d known you were here I would have left the car at home, it took ages to find a park”
• “I left my bike at home because I don’t have a lock and now I’m exhausted from walking 2 km’s
• “I’m going to get my bike out of the garage and use these cycle paths in the booklet”
• “Would be great to have Bleach* Boulevard once a month”

I’d like to thank all those who used the service for lightening the carbon footprint of the event and Bleach* Festival & Gold Coast City Council Active Travel for making it possible to promote sustainable event management (SEM) practices.

After all the enthusiasm and encouragement from visitors to the festival I’m left wondering why more events aren’t welcoming and actively participating in this creative style of SEM practices.

Would love to hear from event organisers on your thoughts about this 🙂

More from the blog

Greg Howell

Climate Wave Enterprises – working with the planet