Earthwise Community Association

Overview

The Earthwise Community Association is a not-for-profit, volunteer-staffed community centre in Australia, specifically located in Subiaco, Perth. It operates within the Uniting Church building and is known for promoting sustainable living practices, community engagement, and environmental stewardship.

Activities and Programs

Earthwise focuses on several key activities to achieve its mission of sustainability and community support:

• Op Shop: It operates an op shop where clothing items, household goods, bric-a-brac, and furniture are collected and redistributed, providing affordable access to essential items for the local community. Over 300 clothing items pass through the op shop each week[5].
• Community Meals: The organisation hosts weekly community meals at a low cost, fostering a sense of community and social connection among participants[3].
• Community Gardens: Earthwise incorporates permaculture principles in its community gardens. These gardens not only serve as educational spaces but also help in reducing waste by transforming local organic materials into nutrient-rich fertilisers. They collect materials such as coffee grounds, shredded paper, fruit pulp, vegetable leaves, and food scraps from the community to support their gardening activities[5].

Environmental Impact

The community centre plays a significant role in environmental conservation by diverting waste from landfills. Annually, it rescues approximately 1.5 tonnes of food that would otherwise end up in waste, distributing it to community members instead[5]. This approach highlights Earthwise's effort to reduce food waste and support sustainable living.

Educational and Community Outreach

Earthwise is actively involved in sharing knowledge and skills with the community. They host workshops and participate in local festivals to educate individuals on sustainable practices, such as setting up wicking beds in unconventional containers (e.g., foam boxes, fridges, and baths)[5]. This hands-on approach encourages community participation and innovation in environmental stewardship.

Collaborations and Future Directions

The organisation is committed to strengthening ties with local entities, including daycare centres, schools, and businesses. These collaborations enhance the community's environmental consciousness and foster a collaborative environment for sustainable practices. Earthwise also emphasizes user participation, allowing individuals to initiate activities and projects that align with its mission[5].

Philosophy and Mission

At its core, the Earthwise Community Association aims to inspire sustainable living through the principles of reducing consumption, reusing materials, and recycling resources. By operating entirely on renewable energy, Earthwise serves as a model for environmentally conscious community development[1].

[1] https://www.earthwisewa.org.au [2] https://seesubiaco.com.au/business/earthwise-community-association/ [3] https://www.acnc.gov.au/charity/charities/436ac096-39af-e811-a962-000d3ad24a0d [4] https://www.instagram.com/earthwise.community/ [5] https://www.wastesorted.wa.gov.au/businesses/case-studies/earthwise