20 January

Renowned Australian environmentalist Tim Silverwood is giving a talk on his recent expedition to the Great Pacific Garbage Patch. He will discuss the consequences of plastic pollution in our oceans and also present the award-winning documentary Bag It. Includes light refreshments.

Where: Civic Centre, Council Chambers, 725 Pittwater Rd, Dee Why, NSW.
When: 6:45pm, Friday 20 January, 2012.
Cost: Admission is free, but bookings are recommended.
Click here for more information.

24 January

While most people say they are concerned about sustainability issues and want to live sustainable lifestyles, there is still a gap between good intentions and taking action. Sydney Festival is joining forces with Unilever to present a lively and thought-provoking panel discussion with international and national panellists to debate the topic Can Consumption Become Sustainable?, asking if adopting sustainable practices can improve lifestyles in cities and our greater world. The discussion will be chaired by broadcaster, author and comedian Adam Spencer.

Where: City Recital Hall Angel Place, Sydney, NSW.
When: 6:30pm, Tuesday 24 January, 2012.
Cost: Admission is free, but bookings are essential.
Click here for more information.

10 - 23 December, 2011
Whether it is creating memories or even handmade gifts, Made with Love: A South Bank Christmas – presented by South Bank Corporation – will engage and delight the whole community. It’s been a long, hard year for Brisbane locals and South Bank Corporation believes that Christmas is all about joy, hope, love and giving so this year we have done away with the mass‐produced, commercial idea of Christmas to refocus on the feeling behind the holiday. An inspiring series of classes will be held at the Christmas Craft Studio (Suncorp Piazza) where from 10 December, twice a day, expert artisans will educate participants of all ages on how to craft their own lovingly handmade gifts − many from up‐cycled and sustainable materials. From Wednesday 14 December, visitors can also take time out with friends and family at the Under the Trees lawn (Little Stanley).
Soak up the ambience and luxuriate in the holiday spirit by relaxing in our beautifully styled picnic area –
complete with bar and entertainment – or challenge a newfound friend to a spot of croquet or lawn games.
Continuing the handmade theme, make your own picnic from the extensive menu of tasty morsels from
South Bank retailers, nibble from our bar snacks menu or bring your own packed picnic to enjoy the
atmosphere. In the true spirit of giving, South Bank Corporation will host a private gala community picnic on 17 December, where 40 Red Cross families will be spoiled with decadent hampers and a special night under the twinkling trees. The Under the Trees picnic lawns will be open daily from 10am to 10pm with drinks and music kicking off from 6pm each day.

Where: The Parklands, South Bank, Brisbane, QLD.
When: 10 - 23 December, 2011
Cost: All Christmas Craft Studio classes (click here for more info) are held in Suncorp Piazza, are two hours long and are suitable for a range of ages. Prices range from $7 to $40.
Click here to buy tickets and for more information.

From 1 January, 2012
A cooperative is a business owned and operated by a group who derive mutual benefit from the organisation. Cooperatives help to further socioeconomic development and provide invaluable contributions to reduce poverty, generate employment and facilitate social integration. Fairtrade-certified products operate on this alternative business model, so look out for the Fairtrade logo if you’d like to support cooperatives overseas.

Where: Worldwide.
When: From 1 January, 2012
Click here for more information.

6 - 8 January, 2012
Catch more than 100 musicians at various venues across the historic gold mining town of Gulgong in NSW. Highlights include live performances from Bill Chambers and Anne Kirkpatrick. There are poets’ breakfasts, workshops, farmers’ markets, street theatre and Irish dancers. Tickets are $90 each. For details, call Richard on 0447 036 783 or visit www.gulgongfolkfestival.com.au.

Where: Gulgong, ~300kms (4 hours drive from Sydney), Central West district of NSW.
When: 6 - 8 January, 2012.
Cost: Three day all-inclusive attendance passes are only $90 (plus booking fees, if applicable).
Click here for more information.

29 December, 2011 - 1 January, 2012
Set in the idyllic Glenworth Valley just one hour from Sydney, this event is the only Southern Hemisphere founding partner in the UN Music and Environment Initiative. There’s a strong emphasis on eco-living education, where even the environmental impact of the printing and cutlery are considered. This festival, now in its eighth year, will host a much-anticipated New Year’s Eve performance by musician Gotye.

Where: 69 Cooks Rd, Peats Ridge, NSW.
When: 29 December, 2011 - 1 January, 2012.
Cost: General public (adult) $334.60 + Booking Fees. FAMILY PASSES AVAILABLE: 1 x Adult & 1 x Youth $439.65; 2 x Adult & 1 x Youth $758.90; Extra Youth $89.80; Child $33.70; Children under 6 Free. Full Price Youth Tickets are $90 + Booking Fee and Extra Youth are Discounted to $75.
Click here for more information.

2 - 14 November

The Greenpeace photo exhibition – Changing Climates – showcases a selection of powerful images from award-winning photographers around the globe capturing extreme weather events and their aftermath. As Australia passes an historic tax on a price on carbon pollution, these images show what is at stake. The images explore the essence of climate change - the people and places, impacts and actions.

Where: Palm House, Royal Botanical Gardens, Sydney.
When: 10am - 4pm, Wednesday 2 November to Monday 14 November.
Cost: Admission is free.
Click here for more information.

2 - 4 December

A free public event promoting fair and ethical trade in an engaging and inspiring way. Visitors will be treated to a fabulous variety of entertainment, including live musical acts, fashion shows, interactive presentations, lifestyle workshops such children's activities and shopping opportunities. Walk through a static display of an eco-friendly house in an interactive and educational Fair Living Space, a collaboration with Eco Innovators and RMIT Architecture Students. Plus, resident fashion guru Leeyong Soo will put together an elegant VIP Ethical Fashion Show on Friday night.

Where: Federation Square, Flinders St, Melbourne, Victoria.
When: Friday 2nd - Sunday 4th December, 2011.
Click here for more information.

18 - 20 November

From Friday evening to Sunday afternoon, families are invited on a camping weekend at North Head near Manly, Sydney, to help protect bandicoots through the ‘Bandicoots on the Brink’ project. Activities include spotlighting and trapping bandicoots at night, setting and collecting cameras and cat lures, and looking at video footage of the secret night-time activities of bandicoots.

Where: North Head Sanctuary, Manly, Sydney NSW.
When: 18 - 20 November, 2011.
Cost: $195 for adults and $155 for children between 10-17 years old.
Click here for more information.