Press Releases
1 December 2009
Eco-my-flat to run again in 2010
The University of Canterbury’s eco-my-flat competition is gearing up for its third year of helping students learn how to flat more sustainably.
The competition involves entrants attending a series of workshops, maintaining a blog, doing a community project, and having their efforts audited by a team of mentors. Students learn about water and power saving, gardening, cooking and eco-shopping, and are encouraged to leave the car at home and go by bike or bus.
“This project shows how many ways everyone can change so many aspects of their lives, often with personal benefit, to start moving in that new direction. No one knows how far that is, but you’ve got to start,” said Winkle’s Lair, one of the participating flats this year.
Matt Morris, who is organising the competition, believes the competition is a brilliant way to promote sustainable living ideas to Canterbury students. “It’s also lots of fun, and we’re expecting this year to be the best yet,” he said.
“It’s a unique competition, and we’ve had queries from all around the country from other campuses wondering how to go about doing something similar,” said Dr Morris.
To help them get started, students entering the competition will be given plenty of free giveaways, donated by companies, including Energy Mad, Bin Inn, the Supershed, King’s Seeds, Envirosax, Ecostore and Earth Angel.
One of the winning flats will be sent to Green Globe certified Kaikoura by Kiwirail, stay at the YHA and be treated to Whale Watch, Dolphin Encounter, Seal Swim Kaikoura, Kaikoura Kayaks and an organic dinner at Hislops Wholefoods Restaurant. The other winning flat will be sent to lovely Geraldine where they’ll be feted by locals and taste some of the delights of this great eco-friendly town.
“We’re really happy that so many great businesses have come on board to support this competition. Lots more are offering special prizes, such as a stay on an organic farm and dinner at the Lotus Heart Restaurant, so whoever wins is going to be very, very pleased,” said Dr Morris.
The competition runs for several months, with prizes being awarded on Earth Day, 5 June next year.
ENDS