Sustainable Living
Find out about sustainable living events, activities, and resources at libraries.
Featured
Jack’s got it all sewn up: Sustainable sewing at Tūranga
Outdoor enthusiast Jack Kerr has found a sustainable way to get the things he needs – by making them himself at Tūranga.
Change for the better: Plastic Free July
Find out how to do your bit in the global movement that helps millions of people be part of the solution to plastic pollution.
Don't toss out your tomatoes!
Every year New Zealanders throw away 157,398 tonnes of food. We have tips, books and resources on reducing food waste.
Sustainable events
sustainable spring events
Liv Sisson – Butterflies and Moths of Aotearoa FULLY BOOKED
Nov 4th | 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Join Liv Sisson, author of Fungi of Aotearoa, for an engaging conversation about her latest book, Butterflies and Moths of Aotearoa.
Mending Mornings at New Brighton Library, part of a series
Nov 7th | 10:30am - 11:30am
Drop-in on a Saturday morning to sew, mend or learn how to stitch a button!
The Great Stash Swap
Nov 26th | 9:00am - 11:00am
Bring along your unwanted fabric, haberdashery, buttons, wool, lace, trims, paints, brushes, zips etc then choose what you want to take away
Featured
Community Energy – Local Examples | Speaker Series @ Tūranga
Members of the Canterbury Energy Wellbeing Collective share their experiences from four different South Island Community Energy projects.
Craft snippets: Furoshiki with Ayumi Hirata
Report back from a Craft Snippets session with Ayumi Hirata discussing the history and benefits of furoshiki, Japanese fabric gift wrapping.
Make your money go further: Mending
Make use of library resources and extend the life of your clothing for little to no cost!
Community Energy – Local Examples | Speaker Series @ Tūranga
Members of the Canterbury Energy Wellbeing Collective share their experiences from four different South Island Community Energy projects.
Craft snippets: Furoshiki with Ayumi Hirata
Report back from a Craft Snippets session with Ayumi Hirata discussing the history and benefits of furoshiki, Japanese fabric gift wrapping.
Make your money go further: Mending
Make use of library resources and extend the life of your clothing for little to no cost!
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Sustainability resources
Find sustainable living eResources, books, and eBooks in our collection.
Sustainability Resources
BWB Critical Issues Collection
A deep analysis of New Zealand's big issues, social, environmental and political.
GreenFile
Research the effects of humans on the environment. Use GreenFile now Find out about GreenFile
Environmental Studies: Gale in Context
Understand environmental issues that affect people globally through topic overviews, journals, news, and multimedia content.
Non-fiction - Sustainable Living
Looking for ways to help save the planet? Learn how to be more self-sufficient, less wasteful and a true eco warrior.
Non-fiction - Climate and environmental change
Read about the passionate work of environmental activists and what you can do to make a difference.
Waste-free Christmas
Does the amount of paper and rubbish created during one day of celebration bother you? Ideas on reducing waste at Christmas time.
Change for the better: Plastic Free July
Find out how to do your bit in the global movement that helps millions of people be part of the solution to plastic pollution.
Non-fiction - Sustainable Living
Looking for ways to help save the planet? Learn how to be more self-sufficient, less wasteful and a true eco warrior.
Non-fiction - Climate and environmental change
Read about the passionate work of environmental activists and what you can do to make a difference.
Waste-free Christmas
Does the amount of paper and rubbish created during one day of celebration bother you? Ideas on reducing waste at Christmas time.
Change for the better: Plastic Free July
Find out how to do your bit in the global movement that helps millions of people be part of the solution to plastic pollution.
Sustainability Resources - Global
Sustainability Resources - Local
Rubbish and recycling resources
Do more to help with rubbish and recycling Christchurch City Council
Information, educational resources and downloads to let you help more with your rubbish, recycling and organics.
Rubbish and recycling guide, information and videos Christchurch City Council
Guides, booklets and videos about rubbish and recycling including a guide to reuse and recycling takeback schemes in Christchurch
Active transport
Ngā Kōrero Auaha Creative Stories: Anthea - Remix Plastic
Learn how Anthea Ibell uses 3D printer waste in her sustainable business, Remix Plastic.
Useful websites
- Brightr - Supports homeowners & builders get to more energy efficient solutions.
- CEA - Community Energy Action - Charitable trust that provides (subsidised) insulation or heating, other energy efficiency services and independent energy advice for residents in Canterbury and the West Coast.
- Community gardens in Christchurch - from CINCH (Community Information Christchurch)
- ECAN - Environment Canterbury Regional Council - Manages the use and quality of our natural resources, including water, land and air.
- EECA - Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority - Te Tari Tiaki Pūngao
- Gen Less - Live more with less energy. The home of climate action and ideas
CINCH Community Information Christchurch
Visit the CINCH online directory to join and connect with community groups, organisations, activities, education, and hobbies.
Sustainable Library Cards
Learn about the Māori designs inspired by Matariki and philosophy behind our biodegradable library cards.