every drop counts - a conversation about conservation!

We all know how integral water is to our everyday lives. It nourishes us and is essential as we go about our daily routines - drinking, washing, cleaning, cooking, and creating. Yet, having instant access to fresh water is something most of us take for granted. In Melbourne, we’re fortunate to have some of the freshest and cleanest water in the world. But our supply is limited, making the water we do have our most precious resource.

Our city is growing every day, and with more people it means we’re using more water than rainfall is providing. Oh, and it’s not just people who rely on our precious resource - animals and entire ecosystems depend on fresh water to survive and thrive too!

The numbers: Well, the average person here in Melbourne uses 162 litres of water a day. Now, if we could reduce that to 150 litres, the effect would be huge on our supply (and in our pockets too!)
Did you know your water bill tells you how much water you use per day? To work out if you're meeting Target 150, look for the daily water use information on your bill.

How can we do this? Firstly, being mindful of our daily water use, and implementing ways to save water every day - that we know we can stick to. Also getting the whole family involved and working together. Check your next bill to see how well you have all done!

We are all busy families, so Mamma has some simple ways we can save water every day at home

1. In the laundry - be sure to have a full load in the washing machine, use the eco cycle, and when purchasing new appliances be sure to buy water-efficient products.

2. In the garden - Make sure you check the weather before watering the garden - no need to water if rain is on its way! The best times to water is morning and evening - and use a trigger nozzle on your hose which helps get water to the right spot and reduce evaporation.
It’s always best to use native plants when you can as they are more drought resistant. Also, mulch in garden beds helps to retain water in the soil.

3. In the kitchen - you can save water by skipping the rinse before loading plates into the dishwasher. Did you know the average dishwasher uses around 13 litres of water per load, while hand washing can use at least 20 litres? Also again, be sure to check the efficiency when buying new appliances.

4. In the bathroom - Take a few minutes off your shower time – there's no need to sing the whole song you have in your head! Teenagers, we know you love to take your time, but consider using a timer to remind you to save both water and money by taking a shorter shower.

Oh, and water-saving showerheads make a huge difference!

Remember to just use the half flush button - and make sure the kids know which is which!

Dont let all that bathwater go down the drain! Get the kids to help carry buckets out and empty onto the garden.

5. All over the home - Check for leaking taps. A dripping tap can waste between 30 and 200 litres of water a day, adding up to 12,000 litres a year. A running tap uses around 16 litres of water per minute.

Most importantly keep the conversation about conservation flowing at home.

Mamma says what we do today will help the future of our kids, AND their kids! Let’s do this together and make every drop count!

Head to your local water provider for more information 

Barwon Water Greater Western Water Melbourne Water South East Water Yarra Valley Water

Living Future Expo

On June 2, Maribyrnong City Council will be hosting its first-ever Living Future Expo, an event aimed to inspire and inform us on how to live more sustainably.

There will be workshops, talks, and demonstrations to give US the tools to get inspired and make those changes for better self sufficiency - and a better planet!

With a focus on the climate emergency, eco-conscious living and innovation, the Expo will showcase a range of Council initiatives, e-vehicles, community exhibits, and interactive experiences designed to educate and motivate.

Highlights of the day will include:

• Very Edible Gardens showing us how to identify edible weeds and make the most of their medicinal properties

• Bike n Blend with free smoothies for the first 400 visitors

• E-bike test rides thanks to Rilu- E-Bikes and Melbourne Powered

• An electric garbage truck demo thanks to Cleanaway

• Tim Forcey discussing his new book My Efficient Electric Home Handbook

• David Spratt from Safe Climate Australia with his eye-opening presentation on the Climate Emergency

• The Good Car Company with a range of electric vehicles to trail ride

• Footscray’s own DIY HI FI Solar Sound System

• The Community Bike Hub will have a huge range of serviced 2nd hand bikes for sale.

• The Riff Raff Radical Marching Band will entertain with their swinging tunes of love and rage.

• The Indirect Object will run two sessions of their This is Not a Box Workshop

• Porta Putts with their mini golf course

• Parents for Climate holding a kids clothes swap

• Asian Australians for Climate Solutions with their induction cook top demonstration

• BikeWest showing us the best routes for cycling

• The EPA’s GardenSafe team giving you the dirt on your soil samples  

• Bat box making with the Junior Rangers program

• Local Friends of Groups giving away native plants

• School of Sewing and Upcycling creating a Living Future Expo banner live 

• Green My Plate, CSD Victoria and Cleanaway helping us reduce our Expo waste on the day

  Plus workshops by Climate Action Maribyrnong, WestSide Cohousing Collective, Friends of the Earth Melbourne and much much more

So much fun to be had!
There will also be kids entertainment and sustainable food options! Oh, and YES the Mamma’s will be there with bells on!

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This is a paid promotion
*Bike image courtesy of Bike West

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The nitty gritty

Location: Footscray Arts precinct and span from The Line on Yewers Street, across Moreland Street and into The Footscray Community Arts Centre.

Date: Sunday June 2
10-5pm

Cost: FREE