Turning attention to sustainability this spring

As spring returns this year, so too does Federation Square’s month-long festival Sustainable September.

Put on hold for two years, the festival is back with a green-focused bang, ready to promote a healthier and more sustainable planet for future generations through family-friendly events and activities.

Presented by Fed Square and major partner Bupa, the square will host a multitude of events throughout the month, including film screenings, panel discussions and interactive events.

While the festival ultimately focuses on fun during September, Fed Square said it is also aimed to “empower us to make the right choices, so we can do our part to nurture our health, environment and the community.”

On September 3, Fed Square’s The Atrium will become a Vegan Market and the ideal destination to get your hands on everything from food to homewares with the added bonus of it all being plant-based, cruelty-free and vegan.

A Zero Waste Festival will also be held on September 17 to encourage people to rethink waste through the use of practical solutions. The event will be presented by Zero Waste Victoria and panel discussions will be conducted with sustainability experts.

Other events taking place throughout the month include:

• Yarra River Keepers Clean Up – A community clean-up of the Yarra River will be held on September 3.
• Sustainability Storytimes – The City of Melbourne’s pop-up library for kids will be open on September 17 between 11am and 2pm, filled with books about food, sustainability, health and community.
• Total Ethics Fashion with Collective Fashion Justice – Find out different ways to create a more ethical and sustainable fashion industry from expert panel discussions, practical workshops and demos.
• Follow the Green Brick Road – ACMI, The Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia and the Koorie Heritage Trust are inviting kids to follow clues to special artworks and discover how art can help people think about important issues.
• Green Workshops – Yoga classes, worm composting lessons and sessions for kids on turning waste into wearable items will be running throughout the month. Entry-by-donation proceeds will go to the Black Duck Foundation.
• This is Planet Earth – An especially-curated exhibition at &Gallery in the Atrium will explore the work of artists who reflect on the human impact of the environment, sustainability and climate change in their work. •

For more information: fedsquare.com/events/sustainable-september