Giving Melbourne a healthy dose of sustainability this September
Thousands of Melbournians, domestic visitors and international tourists will take part in a festival of family-friendly events and activities to promote a healthier and more environmentally friendly planet as part of Sustainable September.
The month-long festival, supported by Bupa as major partner, returns to Melbourne’s iconic Fed Square following a two-year COVID hiatus and will include activations such as a devoted Vegan Market, Zero Waste Festival, clothing swaps and ethical fashion panel discussions, art installations and workshops, while giving people the opportunity to volunteer for a river clean up with Yarra River Keepers.
On Tuesday 20 September, visitors will have the opportunity to take part in Bupa’s ‘Healthier Cities Family Fun Day’ and enjoy a free cup of coffee from edible coffee cup start-up Good-Edi. Fun, educational and engaging activities will be delivered by Bupa Foundation partners, UNICEF Australia, Kids Helpline and Conservations Volunteers Australia.
Bupa Asia Pacific Chief Sustainability & Corporate Affairs Officer, Roger Sharp, said Sustainable September will bring to life the idea that having healthy people relies on having a healthy planet; and that we all have a role to play.
“As a health and care company, whose purpose is to help people live healthier, happier lives and make a better world, we are committed to partnering with organisations and events that share our passion for sustainability, biodiversity and creating healthier cities.
While Bupa has our own Net-Zero ambitions, it’s important to help drive awareness of new innovations and ideas that can inspire positive change amongst people at home, at work and in their communities.
The link between people’s health and the health of our environment, coupled with the urgent need for action, has been reinforced by new research that has revealed over half of all known infectious diseases impacting human health have been worsened by climate change[1].
Melbourne Arts Precinct Corporation Director & CEO, Katrina Sedgwick OAM said the festival aims to empower us to make the right choices so we can do our part to nurture our health, environment and the community.
“There are simple things that we all can do in our daily routines that will make a significant impact to the health and sustainability of the land and waterways of Victoria.
“Sustainable September is an important festival to distil information and resources on sustainability into helpful and practical tools to live a greener life, and we’re proud for Fed Square, in partnership with Bupa, to be providing this platform for discussion and learning,” said Sedgwick.
For more information on Sustainable September and for schedule of events visit here.
