We talk with local residents who have embraced environmentally friendly lifestyles and practices, and invited them to give their tips on how you can do the same!

Eastern Emergency Relief Network – the great recyclers using renewable energy

Green Living Champion, Eastern Emergency Relief Network (EERN) started from humble beginnings by the actions of Keith Rooney, a former Councillor and Mayor from Nunawading Council more than 30 years ago. 

Keith used to rescue usable furniture from hard rubbish and store them in his garage for people in need. EERN has grown substantially and now operates out of two large factories and services a significant network of 115 partner agencies’ around Melbourne’s East. It is run by a large group of dedicated volunteers that collect good quality unwanted household goods and non-perishable food to help their clients that need emergency assistance. Quite often the clients are victims of domestic violence and/or have significant financial issues due to homelessness, refugee status, or long-term unemployment.

The not-for-profit organisation ticks a lot of boxes when it comes to being sustainable. Their core service keeps usable items out of landfill by rehoming items back into the community by gifting to people in need, and “Pass on any surplus to local op shops and to Helping Hands in the West”, says Gabby EERN’s Secretary.

“We recently partnered with Pinchapoo in Bayswater and pass on any small toiletries to them along with other hygiene products we don't use/need”.   

They also find organisations for other items that aren’t “fit” for human use.  “Any second-hand doonas/blankets we can't use we pass onto the RSPCA/Animal Aid for their animals,” says Gabby. 

“We recycle everything we can - for example all metal waste is recycled through approved recyclers. We recycle all cardboard/paper products. We disassemble mattresses and take out all the metal and wood for recycling,” says Gabby. 

“All the items may otherwise end up in landfill. For items we don't accept like clothing, we encourage the public to donate to their local op shops or places like the Generosity Collective around the corner from us”.   

EERN has made a huge effort to reduce their reliance on fossil fuels. With the assistance of Rotary Club of Nunawading, they have installed solar panels on both factories which supplies a lot of their power. They also have ditched gas heating, “Our heating in both warehouses was predominantly gas bottle reliant. The heaters were very outdated and potentially dangerous, not to mention the greenhouse gas emissions. We’ve replaced all gas reliant heating with infra-red heaters that hang from the ceiling.  They are much safer, more fuel efficient and generate a lot more heat for our needs. We were very fortunate to get funding from a Whitehorse City Council Community Grant and local Lions Clubs to help install the new heating”, says Gabby. In summer they use industrial sized fans to keep the air moving and a little bit cooler.

Gabby’s tips for other organisations and individuals: 

• Develop a mindset that almost anything can be repurposed.
• Sustainability is not just about repurposing, it is also economic, so help the community by giving away what you don't need. This also includes having too much food and it's possible wastage. 

This year, Council’s HomeCycle program is partnering with EERN to donate the collected second-hand furniture and other household goods for re-distribution through their partnering agencies. This is one way Council is working towards keeping items in circulation, promoting reuse and diverting waste from landfill.

Visit Homecycle to book your pickup and for more information.

For more information about EERN visit www.easternemergency.org.au