cultivate.ie

As part of the AONTAS Adult Learning Festival, Cultivate and ECO-UNESCO present..

Life Long Learning Opportunities for a Sustainable World

Tuesday 23 February | 18.00 | The Greenhouse, St Andrews Street, Dublin 2

ECO-UNESCO and Cultivate introduce the education and training opportunities on offer at the Greenhouse in 2010.  This free event will be of interest to anyone interested in understanding green issues, sustainable development and reskilling for life in a rapidly changing world.

The Greenhouse (– Powered by Cultivate and ECO-UNESCO), a new venue for green living and education for sustainability. has been opened in the former ENFO building.

A presentation by Albert Bates

Saturday September 15th  | St Kieran’s Hall, Main Street, Cloughjordan  |  7.00pm  | Donation

Cultivate in association with The Village present an evening with Albert Bates.  Bates is a permaculture instructor at the Ecovillage Training Center at The Farm community in Tennessee and author of eleven books, including, Climate in Crisis and The Post-Petroleum Survival Guide and Cookbook. Albert, who was also a former President of the Global Ecovillage Network, will explore the opportunities for communities in the face of oil depletion and climate change.

Weekend 25th and 26th July | €150 incl. Lunch | Bookings: 086 883 8400 or kirdnehl@hotmail.com

This 2-day workshop is designed for people with an interest in natural building techniques. The workshop is going to focus on the material clay, which can be abundantly found in the area. On the basis of constructing an earth oven, you are going to experience this versatile natural product.

After these 2 days you are not only able to build your own low cost earth oven. Furthermore you will have a very good understanding how to apply your knowledge to any natural building project, if it's constructing a solid wall, creating a natural insulation material or applying a natural plaster to your building project.

You will have the Know-how!

Limited places available, book early to avoid disappointment.

For Bookings and further details call: Hendrik on 086 883 8400  or Email: kirdnehl@hotmail.com

www.irishorganicherbs.com

Several events in August will help you in the Identification and cultivation of herbs and inform you about their medicinal uses and benefits.

Events include Aug 19th in Cork, Aug 26th in Dublin, Sept 1st in Sligo, Sept 15h in Dublin and Sept 22nd in Limerick.  Click the link below to find out more information.

27/28 February 2009 | Froebel College of Education, Sion Hill, Blackrock, Co Dublin

Teaching from Theory, Learning from Practice
A Development Education Conference for the Primary Sector.
organised by the DICE (Development and Intercultural Education) Project

Through a series of research papers and hands-on workshops, this conference will investigate the creative dialogue between the theory and practice of development education. Building on the global dimension to education, this conference will generate valuable knowledge and skills for those interested in education and the shared development of our world.

For more a conference programme and an application form please click here

The closing date for registration is 12 th February 2009

Conference fee: €50 (Friday €15, Saturday €35), Concession €20 (Friday €5, Saturday €15)

Learning, Design and Innovation

Tools of the Trade, Strategies for Sustainable Design Innovation

Tuesday 6th November | 9am - 5pm | N.C.A.D. Dublin and University of Limerick| €80 (Student €25)

The one–day Re-Form 07 conference offers designers (both professional + student) and those working in the design realm; the opportunity to explore new concepts and to learn how to implement sustainability principles into their daily practice. Lectures from a variety of experts will be video linked between NCAD, Limerick and Milan. The topics will include: Innovation, Legislation, Alternative Practices + Practical tools.

This is the only event during design week to be focused solely on the area of sustainable design and the only one in which designers can learn the invaluable tools to help provide a better world as well as adding value to their designs.

5th November 2010 | Glasshouse Hotel Sligo | walkingmatters.ie

The project (conference and workshops) is being supported by the Heritage Council.

The aim is to look at our public realm and how we connect important items of our built heritage by looking at the quality of the streets that bring this built heritage together. The focus is to encourage people to look at the quality of our public spaces and walking environment as a key part of protecting our built heritage – and also in building sustainable, healthy communities.

Whether you are an architect, planner or heritage professional wanting to keep fresh with new ways of thinking about public space, or involved in health promotion looking for news ways to engage people in exercise in urban areas, or a community activist looking for new regeneration tools – this conference is for you.

Dr. John Parkin "Planning for Pedals"

Thursday 15th May 2008 | Emmet Theatre, Trinity College Dublin

Dr. John Parkin from the University of Bolton will deliver his paper on "Planning for Pedals".  Details of the event are available here

It will be of interest to everyone who dreams of having a more cycling friendly capital city but will be of particular interest to urban planners, transport planners, traffic engineers, architects and public health professionals.  The event is especially important this year as the Department of Transport is currently preparing a National Cycling Policy, and many figures from local and national government and the Stage agencies have been invited to attend.  The event is free of charge this year and it is advisable to arrive early.  Details of the work of the Dublin Cycling Campaign can be found on www.dublincycling.ie

Interested in teaching your class about the Marine Environment and Marine Wildlife such as Seals? 

The Irish Seal Sanctuary provide an education programme for Primary Schools and Transition Year and CSPE Secondary School classes on the marine environment and the welfare of wildlife focusing on our work of Rescue, Rehabilitation and Release of Seals and other sea life. 

Available to all Primary School Levels and Age Groups are classrooms based visual presentations and excursion activities.  Available to Secondary Schools is a classroom based visual presentation and talk.

For Full details, check out www.irishsealsanctuary.ie and click on Education

TAKING BOOKINGS NOW FOR DECEMBER TO MARCH!

To make a booking, please contact Sarah Fields, Education Officer @ 087-0552025 or info@irishsealsanctuary.ie

By Darina Allen

Ireland is a small island nation with a wonderful growing climate but despite our many natural assets the reality is - we simply cannot compete with the larger countries on economy of scale.

The way forward, it seems to me, is to capitalise on our clean green image and target the fast-growing niche market for top quality naturally produced food. We are hugely fortunate in this country to still have this clean green image, albeit somewhat tarnished. Bord Bia markets Ireland as 'Ireland the food island', so it is absolutely vital that we do not just pay lip service but absolutely understand that our future prosperity, particularly the prosperity of our farmers, food manufacturers and tourist industry depends on not merely trading on this green image, but delivering the quality produce that the image promises. In the recent past, some sections of our society have been to say the least, cavalier with this precious asset and consequently we are in real danger of losing this priceless marketing tool. There have been several damning articles in German and French periodicals pointing out that the reality does not match the image. Tourist figures are already reflecting this publicity as reported in the Irish Independent on Friday 2nd April. Bord Failte has described it as a 'communication challenge'!

Cloughjordan, N Tipperary | 0505 - 42833 | www.thevillage.ie

There are still sites available in this exciting project. If you would like  to start the process of becoming a member then contact sales@thevillage.ie or call 0505-42833.

The Village Project reached a major milestone with the demolition of the building on the main street of Cloughjordan which will become a new street into the eco-village project. See the YouTube clip.

Minister Gormley said:  "The Cloughjordan initiative aims to strengthen the local economy in the village and the surrounding area and to maximise the potential for new emerging sustainable technologies, businesses and services to locate in Tipperary....

17th April | 9.30 – 16.00 | Radisson SAS Royal Hotel, D8

 €195 | 10% discount for ÉASCA members | Bookings: training@dwme.ie

 To coincide with the introduction of smart metering and SEI renewable energy grants, DWEcoCo invites you to a One-day training course in micro-generation.

The workshop will be led by Xavier Dubuisson, Senior Sustainable Design Consultant at DWECoCo Ltd. Xavier is one of Ireland’s leading renewable energy consultants with over 11 years experience in renewable energy technologies, including lecturing at CIT.

CELT Centre for Environmental Living and Training | Main St, Scariff, Co.Clare, Ireland | www.celtnet.org | info@celtnet.org | 061-640765

Excellent article in the Sunday Times - The Tribe that Stood their Ground

Deforestation in Brazil threatens indiginous tribes directly as well as the rest of the world by contributing to global warming.  Probably the best thing we can do is encourage people to eat less meat and soya products - we can also support the efforts of Survival-International

CELT Climate Awareness Day - Sat 28th Feb |12 noon to 5.30pm | East Clare Community Coop premises, Scariff, Co.Clare

Films, talks, discussion, info, photos - also at 7pm, 'The Eleventh Hour' (DiCaprio) |  www.celtnet.org (also book now on-line for Weekend in the Woods, 9th / 10th May, traditional and ecological skills workshops and get certified, native trees and more to plant from CELT tree nursery

By Joe Murray 

We are in an era when a New World order is being constructed. Dominant interests in the leading industrialised nations, especially the United States and Europe, are driving this construction. The agenda is one in which the interests of rich sections of rich countries are paramount. It is based on the imposition of a model of development, which is more about expanding capitalism and creating markets for multinational corporations than about concern for the people or environment of poorer countries.

Date: 18th – 20th September 2008

Location: RDS, Simmonscourt, Dublin  

The Irish Sustainable Building Show has over 200 companies demonstrating a range of new products and ideas.  ÉASCA (The Environmental and Sustainable Construction Assocation) & Cultivate will have a stand showcasing a full range of books on sustainable building. Free tickets to the event can be picked up at the Cultivate Centre. 

Seminars during the event include presentations by a number of ÉASCA members, namely:

Thurs 18th 3pm - 4pm:  ÉASCA and the art of sutainable design - Joseph Litte (Joseph Little Architects)

Thrus 18th 4pm - 5pm:  Carbon Offsets  - Conor O'Riain (Ecocem)

Friday 19th 3pm - 4pm:  Passive Homes - Lars Pettereson (Scandinavian Homes)

Friday 19th 5pm - 6pm:  Building Energy Ratings and DEAP - Bill Quigley and Patrick Duffy (NICER Training).  

Visit  the Website for more information

The Show will once again be a carbon neutral event in association with ÉASCA member Ecocem.

cultivate your mind | community | world

Issue 6 | Vol. 1  |  June 2007

Welcome to our sixth Living & Learning bulletin that focuses on the activities at the Cultivate Centre (Essex St West, Temple Bar, Dublin). Thank you for reading, sharing and sending us your feedback.

Traditional Skills and Crafts Training

27th & 28th September 2008 | Bealkelly Oak Woods, Tuamgraney, East Clare

Learn a Traditional Skill or Craft in the unique and beautiful surroundings of Bealkelly Woods, on the shores of Lough Derg, East Clare.

2 day workshops, including Woodcrafts & Rustic Art for Youngsters (8-14yrs). 16 courses on offer : Dry-stone and Lime-mortar Walling / Spinning & Weaving / Canoe-Building / Felt-making / Bow making  / Greenwood Furniture / Coppersmithing / Wood Carving / Sugan Chair-making / Stone Carving & Clay Sculpture / Silversmithing / Blacksmithing / Basketry / Herblore and Natural Building Techniques 

For info & on-line booking: www.celtnet.org | info@celtnet.org | (061) 640765

Monday August 4th, 2008 | Midday to 2a.m.

Local Global Network are proud to present The Galway Earth Festival at The Black Box.  This event has been organised to celebrate Eco-logical thinking in Galway.  The theme of the event is:

"Education and Celebration"

Enjoy live bands, DJs, eco-workshops, stalls, films and talks and much more.   

All proceeds will go to creating native tree nurseries in Irish and South American primary schools.

Tickets only €15 euro (OAPs & Kids under 16 FREE) - Available at The Town Hall Theatre
and Zhivago Music 

Youth for Sustainable Development Conference 2010 - Learning to Change our World

Wednesday 22nd Sept 2010 | 10am – 4pm | ECO-UNESCO, The Greenhouse, 17 St Andrew St, D2 | Free of charge*

A conference for Youth Workers, Youth Leaders, Teachers and Educators from Community Organisations and NGOs. Young people aged 15-18 are also warmly invited to attend with their adult support workers.  You are invited to a day of learning and reflection through workshops, keynote speeches, exhibition of projects and interactive activities.  Share your ideas and experience, and learn from others

The conference is an opportunity to share examples of good practice in ESD, particularly in non-formal education. Environment, development, economics, sustainability, inclusion, justice, cultural diversity and other aspects of ESD will be explored.  The conference will also share ECO-UNESCO’s experience in Peer Education for Sustainable Development. The conference forms part of ECO-UNESCO’s work for the UN Decade of Education for Sustainable Development.

25th September - 18th December 2010 | Forest Friends Headquarters, 55 Fairview Strand, Fairview, Dublin 3

This is a thirteen week course covering all aspects of wildlife/biodiversity gardening presented by John Haughton and assisted by Forest Friends volunteers and interns. It is divided into two separate modules. It is possible to register on the basis of the indivicual modules at a cost of €100 for the first six weeks, €170 for the entire series of thirteen weeks It is also possible to attend on an individual day basis at a cost of €25 by pre-booking if places are available at the time. Refreshments, tea and coffee, is included in the fee. There is a choice of two identical workshops, Saturday mornings 11.00 to 13.00 or Saturday afternoons 14.00-16.00.  Booking: To book places please email forest.friends@topmail.ie or phone 087 619 8265 or 01 430 2591 (evenings).

Irish Seed Savers Association |  info[at]irishseedsavers.ie |  www.irishseedsavers.ie

Celebrate! Food | Sunday 15th July | 11am - 5pm | Capparoe, Scarriff, Co Clare | Shuttle Bus from Scariff Primary school 10.30am - 6pm | Members €10 Non-members €12 Children: FREE | Includes return bus from Scariff, Organic meal and all activities

• Presentations and discussions on local and global food security with invited keynote speakers.
• Demonstrations on seed saving, summer pruning and organic gardening.
• Guided tours of our heritage gardens, orchards and woodlands.
• Childrens nature walks and wildlife drawing.
• Full organic cafe all day.

Booking essential call 061 921866 / 921856 or follow this link

An Taisce is seeking to employ a new staff member for three years to develop the chairity’s role in advocacy and to fulfill its statutory function to review planning applications and policy in Greenhouse Gas emission reduction and the reduction of emissions generated by electricity generation.

An Taisce is Ireland’s oldest charity protecting our built and natural heritage.  This is done through the management of a number of properties, through environmental education and advocacy, by promoting debate on environmental issues and seeking improvements in management of the built and natural environment.    An Taisce also has a prescribed role in the planning process, forestry, and aquaculture licensing.   There is a small team of professional employees and we are currently seeking an Energy Officer.

By Ben Whelan

The urge to become sustainable is related to the experience of the earth, cosmos and life itself as an inter-related system. Without the recognition of our planet as a living organism it is difficult to imagine how we can really respect her to the extent that we would alter our activities to benefit her processes. It would seem that the call for a more sustainable planet is a result of an intensely spiritual urge.

By Brian Rogers

To get a spatial sense of this subject, consider that last year over 52,000 roofs averaging a surface area of about 1200-foot were achieved. That is over 1000 new roofs per week. Add to that about 400 industrial roofs - per week- and wonder a moment what the figure for replacement roofs might be. Insulation, bituminum and plastic underlays, gutterings, soakaways, lead strips and concrete are all part of the above. It took a lot of fossil fuel and effort to manifest these including the time these various materials were mined or schlurped out of the ground, processed, transported and applied. They are (virtually) all imported, with very little added on value processing happening on this island. They incurred multiple profits and taxes and duty and vat during their magical financial journey to the roof.

3 Royal Pde, Killaloe, Co. Clare | 061 622751 | info@satmya.com | www.satmya.com

Origins & Philosophy of Ayurveda

Wednesday November 19th | 7.30 - 9pm | €10

Chai & Indian Sweets will be served after the talk

Vegetarian Cooking - Traditional Indian style

Saturday November 22nd | 10am - 2.30pm | €60

Ingredients & Notes Included

Ayurveda Workshop

Saturday December 6th | 10am - 4.30pm | €80

A Vegetarian lunch will be available for all participants

Tuesday 8th December | 7.30pm | Screen 5, Movies at Dundrum, Dundrum Town Centre

In December this year, world leaders will come together in Copenhagen to try to reach an agreement on global carbon reduction targets to help avoid catastrophic climate change.

To highlight the importance of these talks, I am hosting a special screening of the film ‘Our Year Without Oil’ and I would be delighted if you could attend.  This is a thought provoking, entertaining and hopefully inspiring film about climate change, and what it can mean for one family.

Eamon Ryan will introduce the film and hopes to have a live link-up with the director John Webster.

Tickets are on a first come first served basis so please do try to get there early to avoid disappointment. If you need any further information please do not hesitate to get in touch with Claire in Eamon Ryan's office on 6782124.

To find out about other Countdown to Copenhagen events that are happening near you please follow us on facebook or email countdowntocopenhagen@gmail.com 

By Brian O'Brien

Green Building and Ecological Design

Up to about 70 years ago this section would have been an unnecessary exercise. Almost all building was, to a large extent, green; composed of natural materials, built using local skills, assembled to harmonise with the local climate, and requiring little energy to run.

Over the last five or six decades the affect of on Earth has worsened to a catastrophic level. Apart from car use the single biggest impact each of us has on the environment in Ireland is probably attributable to our building(s) and the way we run them. Most buildings behave like the gas guzzling cars of the 70's; consuming energy voraciously to heat, cool, light, secure and maintain themselves and creating waste profusely. In Ireland and the UK building(s) account for 40 - 50% of the energy, water and resources consumed and for a similar amount of the pollution created.

Invitation

Tuesday 29 Jan | 8pm | Cultivate, West Essex St., Temple Bar, Dublin

Three percent a year: How will Ireland cut emissions?

Ireland is committed by the European Union to cut its climage change emissions by three percent a year.  The current government has set the same target.

And yet there is no indication that emissions are actually decreasing much at all.

A three percent a year reduction would require the turning around of our economic and social policies. But arguably no party has put forward a strategy radical enough to put our emissions into decline. 

Traditional Skills and Crafts Training on the shores of Lough Derg

9th & 10th May 2009 | Bealkelly Oak Woods, Tuamgraney, East Clare

16 Traditional Skills & Heritage Crafts including youngsters courses (8yrs +).
Courses include: Herblore / Sugan Chair / Greenwood Furniture / Fishing for Beginners / Dry Stone Walling / Woodcarving / Silversmithing / Felting / Tool Restoration / Natural Building / Basketry / Blacksmithing / Spinning & Weaving / Coppersmithing / Stonecarving / Woodcrafts & Felting & Rustic Art for 8-14yrs

Cost: €150 / €100 concession + €15 annual membership

Next Events: 11/12th July & 19th/20th September

For info & on-line booking: www.celtnet.org | info@celtnet.org | (061) 640765

VOICE, Voice of Irish Concern for the Environment, a national environmental group based in Dublin, is seeking a Co-ordinator/Campaigner.  The Co-ordinator/Campaigner will work primarily on campaigns, but will also work on other tasks as needed.

We are looking for a person with broad knowledge of environmental issues, ideally with experience in lobbying and grass-roots campaigning. The successful applicant will also have excellent organisational and computer skills. This is a full time post initially for one year.

Please send a CV by Friday, 5th October to:

Paula McGovern, VOICE, 9 Upper Mount St, Dublin 2 or email info@voiceireland.org

For a job description please contact VOICE at 01 6425741 or info@voiceireland.org

By Susann Von Mohlmann - the Family Centre, Rialto

Children offer their parents and society one of the greatest opportunities to reflect upon and create the kind of environment which supports each child to develop into its fullest potential. In a quiet way, yet so powerful, a child challenges us to become clearer and more directive in naming and acting upon what we think is important.

A Greener Ireland is on its way and you can now book your tickets online for this years only National Greener Ireland Exhibition in the RDS Main Hall Dublin.

Come and join the thousands of green and sustainable aware visitors on Saturday 19th or Sunday 20th of April. We have many interesting attractions  and exhibits to keep you entertained; there are even seminars to educate you on a more sustainable future for Ireland.

Come along and let us show you how  to save money, and stay green and healthy too!

Best of all, by attending the event a donation to combat climate change will be made in your honor, so by simply arriving at the expo you’ll have decreased your carbon footprint!  So please book your tickets online now.

Saturday 13th October  |  1.30 - 5.30pm  | €25  |  Limited to 15 participants

[NOTE that our catalogue lists this event on the 6th. The 13th is the correct date. Sorry for any inconvenience.]

Damien O’Tuama, cycle advocate and planner, runs this afternoon masterclass in bike maintenance. Participants should wear old clothes, bring your bike, tools & pump if you have them - but not essential.  Practical sessions include: basic tools, mending a puncture, mending brakes/ changing brake-pads and fixing gears.

May 28th - 30th, 2010 | Dromahair, Leitrim.

Women on their path to wisdom are once again gathering in the North Leitrim Glens in the northwest of Ireland to celebrate all things feminine. All events will take place in the lovely village of Dromahair, Co Leitrim in an area immortalised by Yeats and overlooked by the warrior Queen Meabh. In this area of outstanding beauty you will be seduced by the healing power of nature.

“Stepping into your Power” is the theme this year and many of the workshops are aimed at exploring how we can overcome what prevents us from being the power force we are capable of in our personal and community life.

Want to know more about global trade and development justice issues?

Five Wednesday nights starting January 14th, 2009 | 7-9pm | Irish Aid Centre, O'Connell Street, Dublin 1 | €45 Comhlamh members | €65 non-members | €25 Unemployed/Students | €2 Asylum Seekers

International trade rules have a huge impact on people in developing countries, whether they are farmers, workers or families just trying to make a living in the context of globalisation. Yet the rules of the global economy have been set up to serve the interests of big business, not people's needs. A global movement is campaigning for trade rules that put people and the environment before the interests of big business.

This five evening course organized by Comhlámhs Trade Justice Group will introduce you to, and demystify, the world of global trade, asking: How does global trade work? What role do Ireland, the EU, and the WTO play? What impacts are they having? What is the difference between Free Trade and Fair Trade? What alternatives can we propose?

Registration info follows:

Compadrito presents 6th International
ARGENTINIAN TANGO FESTIVAL
Dublin,  28-31 August 2008

Guest teachers: ADRIAN VEREDICE & ALEJANDRA HOBERT
Guest orchestra: TRIO SENSIBLERO
FESTIVAL PROGRAMME: click here

WORKSHOPS with Adrian & Alejandra: Timetable, Registration form

Info: COMPADRITO TANGO | www.tangofever.net | 086 3747958 | tangofever_ireland@yahoo.com

A Public Lecture on Peak Oil, Food, Credit & The End of the Age of Growth

Wednesday 13th July 2011 | 19.00 | The Greenhouse, 17 St Andrew Street, Dublin 2 (map) | €5 (Feasta, Cultivate member, un-waged), otherwise €20 or €10 (depending on ability to pay) | Further information: www.feasta.org or info@feasta.org

David Korowicz of Feasta and Risk-Resilience argues that while we may focus on Ireland's current economic woes, the real risks we face are global and systemic.

Are you an activist, campaigner, development cooperation worker, traveller, casual observer or academic interested in Latin American culture?

Have you travelled, participated in popular movements, worked, studied, etc. in / about Latin America?

If so, Thursday Night Talks offer you an informal, social space to share your experiences and knowledge of Latin America with LASC members, volunteers and the general public. 

If you are motivated by Latin America and are interested in sharing what you have learned from the region, in exploring its links to Ireland, analysing the root causes of injustice and poverty and taking action against those causes, then please contact research@lasc.ie to arrange a Thursday Night Talk with us.

LASC - Latin America Solidarity Centre presents a Day-long Workshop:  Travelling & Volunteering in Latin America

Saturday 21st June | 10:00am – 3:00pm* |  Irish Aid Volunteering & Information Centre - 27-31 Upper O’Connell Street Dublin 1

This workshop is designed for those considering travelling and/or volunteering in Latin America. As well as looking at practical opportunities for getting to Latin America, the session will also explore issues such as responsible tourism, motivations for volunteering, cultural appropriateness and the political climate in Latin America today.

*The workshop will continue after 3pm in a café near the Irish Aid Centre to allow participants to exchange ideas and tips with people who have travelled and volunteered in Latin America.

 Fee: €40 waged / €30 concessions (unemployed, students with ID and LASC members)

 For further information contact LASC on 01 676 0435 or on education@lasc.ie

Tickets: 01 677 2255 | Available from Temple Bar Cultural Information Centre

Dublin’s Slow Food convivium will be hosting the second of its Seasonal Celebrations - A Celebration of Winter - on Sunday December 14th, 6-10pm at Temple Bar's Meeting House Square.

All are welcome to come and celebrate the new season’s bounty with our city’s small producers, artisans and community gardens.

There will be tasting stalls, a little Trad music from Joe Molloy and friends, David Llewellyn’s hot spiced cider, a four course banquet including with organic wine from Febvre and Pat Clarke’s locally bred spit roast pigs stuffed with chestnuts and much, much more that is local, seasonal and delicious.

If you are worried about the chill in the air bring your hot-water bottles and we will fill them with piping hot water for you.

FADA is hosting this 2nd annual event in Newbridge, County Kildare

Beat the world crisis blues and raise your spirits at FADA’s second annual Feile na Sammhna (Halloween Festival) on the 30th and 31st of October around Georges St., Newbridge. The festival will feature children’s activities, live music, markets, craft demonstrations, speakers and films.

The event is organised by FADA (www.fada.ie), a county-wide volunteer organisation that looks for local solutions to global problems. 

Water Saving Shower Heads from Multishower €50

These Swedish manufactured, simple and very effective Water Saving Shower Heads save up to 50% of the water per shower.  This means a 50% reduction in energy costs. The soft pulse water presentation is very pleasing and twice as effective. Another benefit is that limescale build up will never occur as there are no holes to block. Installation is simple, the shower head fits to all standard hoses.  You can note your savings with the water consumption test bag provided.

Traditional and ecological skills training - opportunities to learn a new skill.

Summer in the Woods
28 / 29 / 30 July at Bealkelly Wood, Tuamgraney, Co.Clare
Choice from 15 different courses  (2 day or 3 day options)

Weekend on the Mountain
(in association with Carraig Dulra living skills project)
11 / 12 August at Carraig Dulra, Glenealy, Co. Wicklow
Choose from 5 different courses (more info : see www.dulra.org )

Friday, 20 November 2009 | 9am | European Parliament Office, Molesworth Street, Dublin | RSVP to marie.quinn@europarl.europa.eu

John Gormley TD, Minister for the Environment, and Erik Hammarskjöld of the Swedish Presidency of the EU will be joined by Tom Arnold of Concern, Mary Kelly of the IPA and Cristian Dominguez Noco of the Bolivian Confederation of Working Farmers for a forum on Climate Change entitled 'What is at stake in Copenhagen?' 

This forum is being jointly organised by the European Parliament Office in Ireland, the Swedish Embassy in Ireland and the Institute of International and European Affairs.

Thursday 18th December | 14:00 - 16:00 | Ballymun Council Chamber, 1st floor of the Ballymun Civic Centre, Main Street, Ballymun, Dublin 9

You are invited to attend the seventh of the AVASH Seminars organised by DW EcoCo. The seminars are part of an EU funded research project “Advanced Ventilation Approaches for Social Housing”.

We will present the final results of the research project including:

• Energy surveys carried out among a total sample of 68 social housing units in Ireland, the UK and Denmark;
• Modeling of airtightness, ventilation and insulation measures;
• Lifecycle cost analysis of the retrofitting strategies.

We will also discuss the proposed improvements in regards their potentially positive effect on the Irish construction industry and the economy in general.

This seminar is organised with the support of the Intelligent Energy Europe programme and Ballymun Regeneration Ltd.  Further information is available on the project’s website

Traditional Skills and Crafts Training, 3rd & 4th May 2008

Weekend in the Woods, Bealkelly Woods, Tuamgraney, East Clare |  www.celtnet.org | info[at]celtnet.org | (061) 640765

Learn a Traditional Skill or Craft in the unique and beautiful surroundings of Bealkelly Woods, on the shores of Lough Derg, East Clare.

2 day workshops, including Woodcrafts for Children (8-14yrs). Choose from 17 courses on offer : Spinning and Weaving / Steam-bending Wood / Greenwood Furniture / Coppersmithing / Wood Carving / Sugan Chair making / Stone Carving and Clay Sculpture / Silversmithing / Blacksmithing / Basketry / River Ecology and Management / Herb-lore / Tipi making / Lime-Hemp Plastering / Bow making / Dry-stone and Lime-mortar Walling / Woodcrafts(8 - 14 yrs)

Wednesday 20th October 2010 | 6pm | €Free | Minerva Suite | RDS | For booking and more information please contact RDS Ballsbridge, Dublin 4 | 01 240 7254 | librarydesk@rds.ie | www.rds.ie/speakerseries

The RDS has invited Klaus Laitenberger to give a talk on growing healthy vegetables to complement the launch of their RDS Allotment Awards.

"In the last few decades we perceive ourselves as a separate unit on the earth and think that technology will eventually solve all our poblems.  But I strongly believe that only the care for the earth and soil and expecially the plots we tend will bring us a lot more satisfaction and happiness than the many gadgets which seem all important to us now." - Klaus Laitenberger

Cultivate has copies of Klaus Laitenberger's book Vegetables For the Irish Garden. Buy online.