Hannah Motyka has signed up for the GreenHome program being run for Casey residents.
By Callan Date
A BERWICK family has become one of the first in Casey to sign up to a green house initiative.
Linda and Hannah Motyka have joined the Australian Conservation Foundation’s (ACF) GreenHome program being run for Casey residents.
And ACF officials want more locals to follow suit and register for the free program to discover the many ways to green their homes and lifestyles.
The GreenHome program is a series of four evening workshops teaching tips for reducing water, energy and waste in the home and how to create drought-resistant, food-producing gardens.
Everyone taking part in the program will receive free environmental products and also have the chance to win an array of energy-efficient prizes.
The first workshop will show people smart ways to save water and adapt to the drought, with one lucky participant set to win a rainwater tank.
Linda Motyka said she had been encouraged to sign up to the GreenHome program after her daughter, Hannah, took part in Casey’s Eco Youth Challenge.
She has already started to implement some green ideas around her house, including installing a water-efficient showerhead and energy-saving light bulbs.
“My daughter was involved and she got me thinking about what we could do around the house,” Ms Motyka said.
“Because I’m renting, we can’t make major changes but when we buy I will be doing more permanent things,” she said.
ACF GreenHome officer Verity Campbell said she was thrilled to be launching the program in Casey after successful stints in Frankston and on the Mornington Peninsula.
“GreenHome will assist people to make changes to their homes and lifestyles that will help the environment, but it will help them, too,” Ms Campbell said.
“They’ll save on their electricity, gas and water bills and make their homes a more comfortable place to live.”
Casey mayor Colin Butler is also showing his green thumb by encouraging locals to attend the workshops.
“The need for being green has never been greater and we all have a responsibility to do our part,” he said.
“Simple, everyday practices can make an enormous difference to the impact we have on the planet.
“This exciting partnership with ACF will help educate residents about the ways they can make their homes more green.”
The first workshop will be on Wednesday, 1 August, from 6.30pm to 9pm at the City of Casey Chambers, Magid Drive, Narre Warren.
Refreshments will be provided and registration is essential. For details and to register call 1800 223 669.
