About the Sustainable Living Programme

This education and action programme has been developed across New Zealand since 2001 by the local and regional Councils listed below, led by Marlborough District, with involvement from environment centres, high schools, WEA, REAP and other adult education providers. Originally named Sustainable Households, it was assisted for its first three years by the Ministry for the Environment's Sustainable Management Fund (Projects 7067 & 6153). The now re-named Sustainable Living Programme has attracted many additional Council subscribers - listed below. In 2007-8 the partner councils have sought close links with Ministry for the Environment initiatives on household SustainAbility, and secured funding to help develop these further.

The original partner councils listed below were jointly responsible for content of the original project materials on this site, which are being updated in 2008 with help from Ministry for the Environment. All but two of the original councils (Hutt City and Hamilton) are still subscribers, five years on, and many more have joined them.

Our course participant questionnaires show that the learning has made a difference in their lives. See the courses page and news for links to research papers, or contact Rhys, the national coordinator, direct on 03 960 2656.

Sustainable development involves caring for the environment, whilst thinking about the economy and society's needs too, into the future for ourselves, our children and grandchildren. This practical education programme promotes sustainable living, to 'make difference' and maintain good quality of life, alongside the changes that we recognise are needed to reduce the amount of stuff we use in business, government and schools. Read background information on sustainability (download pdf file, 187kb) A Government information site on SustainAbility is available, which includes the Sustainability Challenge. Make your pledges to take action.

In addition to the Sustainable Living issues and actions resource pages, each with their free information to download, this site includes selected links to information from NZ and overseas, grouped by topic. We invite submission of additional links to relevant consumer information sites, from government or independent/non-profit organisation sources (not usually commercial, blog or personal pages).

To locate an evening class or study group near you, first check the course listings page for announcements, or email from the registration page, or phone national cordinator Rhys (03) 960 2656

Endorsement for the programme:
Former Dunedin City Mayor and chair of EnviroSchools Foundation Sukhi Turner, wrote:- "I endorse the Sustainable Households adult education programme. It allows participants to consider the impact of their everyday behaviours not only on the environment but also on their purse. Through discussion topics such as energy saving, waste reduction, shopping and car travel, group members are encouraged to take positive action. This environmental education programme promotes more sustainable practices."

Links below are to other pages on this 'resources' site, or you could try our Sustainable Living Quiz