Sustainable Living Festival, 12-27 February 2011

In response the increasing demand for effective solutions for a sustainable  world the Sustainable Living Festival has just launched a new 16 day program that will feature events in iconic Melbourne locations including Royal Botanical Gardens, Yarra River, National Gallery of Victoria, RMIT University, Melbourne Town Hall and Federation Square.

"Australian's have both the brains and brawn to create the big solutions we need to get a transition moving for a sustainable planet, and we are starting to see this leadership emerge from in our own backyard "

"There's a new spirit of positive energy around town that is just starting to surface and it's driving a creative force for big change. People are gearing up for the transition. It's like that feeling you get just as a new wave begins to curl. "

"It's the first time in 10 years that we have noticed such a shift in thinking, people aren't so fearful of making big changes once they see the clear benefits".  Luke Taylor Festival Director

Preparation have also started with a range of groups from around the CBD, wider metro Melbourne and regional Victoria to encourage sustainable events in local cities, suburbs and streets.

"Over the past decade the Festival has reached visitation levels of over 100,000 to it's central location at Federation Square. Now as we enter a new decade the Festival is extending it's reach to further it's message"

"We want to celebrate the local achievements of communities from Melbourne and beyond, and showcase the people who are driving the restoration of a safe climate "

The Festival is now seeking applications for events. See website for details www.slf.org.au/festival

Festival Background Information

The Sustainable Living Festival is a celebration and showcase of sustainable living bringing together individuals, communities, organisations and businesses that share a vision for a sustainable world.

In a spirit of optimism and empowerment the Festival will host events  that explore solutions to a sustainable future.

100% Renewables - More than a big idea.

This ground-breaking presentation explores how Australia can meet 100% of its electricity needs with 60% solar thermal energy and 40% wind power. Stanford University Professor Mark Z. Jacobson and Australian research group Beyond Zero Emissions will present work showing that the shift from fossil fuels to clean renewable energy is possible. Don't miss this inspiring forum. Check out the plan online - www.zerocarbonplan.org

The Green Market (18-20 February)

Discover how to make your home sustainable with solar and water systems, green cleaning, architecture and other design innovations. Visit over 100 exhibitors at the Festival's Green Market.

Australasian Premiere of "Force of Nature: The David Suzuki movie"

David Suzuki, iconic International scientist, educator, broadcaster and activist delivers a 'last lecture' - what he describes as "a distillation of my life and thoughts, my legacy, what I want to say before I die".

The film interweaves the lecture with scenes from the places and events in Suzuki's life - creating a biography of ideas - forged by the major social, scientific and cultural events of the past 70 years.

The Film will be presented with a live introduction from David Suzuki.

Presented by Ford Fiesta Moonlight Cinema.

The GreenHouse

Come and visit the Festival's coolest new venue The GreenHouse, profiling hot issues and cool solutions for our planet. The program includes range of free and ticketed shows featuring some of Australia's most renown environmental brains and brawn.  Eco-forums, climate comedy, music to rock our world. The unique experience of The GreenHouse, coupled with its diverse and topical program of events, will ensure its place as a highlight of Melbourne's summer events calendar.

www.slf.org.au/festival