A visit to the Barwon Waste Wise Education Centre is a journey into sustainability...
The Gathering PlaceThe Gathering Place
The journey into the world of sustainability begins in the Gathering Place where visitors are welcomed in the language of the Wathaurong community. A mural depicts the lifestyle of a sustainable indigenous culture over 30,000 years prior to white settlement.
Landfill ExperienceLandfill Experience Explore a Landfill - from the inside! The ceiling and walls of the Landfill Room are lined with materials disposed of by the community over the last 200 years and fascinating interactive displays highlight the importance of waste minimization.
Compost CrittersCompost Critters
The giant walk-in compost bin hosts gigantic size compost bugs busily munching on organic waste. It provides information on the why and how of composting and vermiculture.
Recycling RoomRecycling Room
Upstairs, the Recycling Room overlooks the Geelong Resource Recovery Centre located next door. Kerbside recycling and issues such as contamination and the importance of keeping products "in the loop" are highlighted. Play the product match game and see if you can match the recycled products with the items they were made from. Try the green shopping challenge to find out how buying recyclable products and avoiding excess packaging can result in an improved environment.
Down the DrainDown the Drain
Visitors then go down our model drain and enter the Stormwater Pipe. Images of human behaviour adversely affecting our waterways are depicted, accompanied by messages advising alternative choices that assist the environment.
WaterwaysWaterways
In the Waterways Room there are displays and Waterwatch activities that highlight the importance of our catchments.
Sustainable Energy HouseSustainable Energy House
The Sustainable Energy House provides examples of materials and methods to construct well designed sustainable buildings. It's easy to live in an environmentally sustainable home that is comfortable year round, cheap to run and uses less resources (like energy, water and materials).
Community Action RoomCommunity Action Room
The Community Room is a mosaic of the contributions of the community towards a sustainable future. We can all make a big difference and this room helps to empower and motivate visitors to play their part too.
Futures RoomFutures Room
The Futures Room provides a framework for sustainability. Computers with Internet access allow visitors to investigate environmental web sites. The concept of the Ecological Footprint is also explored.
GardensGardens
Outside the Centre boasts indigenous and vegetable gardens enriched with compost from the wormeries and compost bins.
