Practical ideas for reducing waste and living more sustainably will be showcased at the annual Bundeena Maianbar Sustainability Expo on Sunday (October 21).
Organisers say the event provides a great opportunity to learn ideas on saving money while helping the environment.
The expo will include stalls, presentations and activities, covering topics such as solar energy, reducing the use of plastics, composting, worm farming, wildlife protection, growing your own food and recycling and reuse.
There will also be food, music and craft for the kids.
An e-waste collection point for residents of Bundeena and Maianbar will be provided.
Expo organiser and president of the Bundeena Maianbar Chamber of Commerce, Scott Dovey, said the event was held for the first time last year and was very well received.
“This year it will be even bigger and better,” he said.
“We have some great examples of how local business and individuals can make simple changes that make a big difference.”
A centrepiece of the event is the Bundeena Maianbar Boomerang Bags scheme, which was launched last year by Craig Reucassel.
Mr Dovey said local shops were thrilled with the success of the scheme, and the issuing of single use plastic bags had been greatly reduced in the community.
“Bundeena and Maianbar are uniquely located in the beautiful Royal National Park,” he said.
“As residents and custodians of this area, it is important we do all we can to maintain a pristine environment and create awareness about how damaging plastics can be to the environment.”
A feature of the expo will be a working “sweatshop” making Boomerang Bags so people can see the process and talk directly with local volunteers.
Helen Armstrong, one of the volunteers, said it was “a marvelous way to contribute to the community and to also learn new skills”.
“I’ve been screen printing, helping cut large amounts of fabric,” she said.
“I’ve even been collecting and sorting some donated fabric. We’ve had some lovely vintage material to work with.”
Bespoke Bought To Support Boomerang Bags will be on sale, with proceeds going to support sustainability projects within the local community.
The expo will be held at Bundeena Community Centre, Bundeena Drive, from 10am-3pm, Sunday, October 21.
