Community First Step Helps People Help The Environment

Community First Step helps people help the environment

In partnership with local organisations, Community First Step's East Fairfield Community Centre is leading the way in assisting people to make a contribution to the environment and their health by growing their own vegetables.

The centre recently held gardening workshops that provide a step by step guide on how to make a no-dig vegetable garden, which is a simple and effective way to grow quality fruit and vegetables.

The workshops, organised on the back of the success of similar workshops held at the Centre last year, were conducted by gardening teacher Lisa Pendergrast and were generously supported by Bonnyrigg Garden Centre and Bunnings at Villawood.

"There was overwhelming interest in the workshops last year, and they were a huge success this year too. We know that many people from the community who attended have since set up their own gardens at home," CFS Community Development Worker Teresa Gratkowski said.

Ms Gratkowski said that participants in the workshop can use the practical skills they have acquired to maintain their own gardens at home in order to reduce the eco-impact of their food.

"It is easy to become overwhelmed when hearing about environmental issues such as climate change and pollution, but this is an easy way to make a difference to the environment," said Ms Gratkowski.

"Home grown vegetables and fruits have `zero food miles', meaning less carbon dioxide pollution and cleaner air because it is from your own backyard. We can also limit or eliminate the use of pesticides and fertilisers and there's no packaging involved. It also saves money on grocery bills and provides a ready supply of tasty and healthy fruit and vegetables.

"The workshops were very hands-on and people came away with a lot of knowledge and confidence," Ms Gratkowski said.

CFS Media Enquiries:
Kate Sawtschuk,
Communications & Resource Development Worker
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.cfs.asn.au
Phone: 9727 4333 ext 122

SOURCE: Community First Step