Sarhn McArthur’s day job is a photographer, but in her spare time she’s a woman on a mission to find new ways to green her inner-city home and business. For four-and-a-half years, Sarhn has documented her eco-journey on her Greener Me blog. Sarhn was recently chosen to take part in our Green Square Green Champions program. Running over four months, the program was designed to empower and support locals to get their green ideas off the ground. From that, Green Square Growers was born. Sarhn tells us more.
So, what led you along life’s green path?
As a teenager I was a wide-eyed, optimistic environmentalist, determined to make a difference. But over time, my green flame was buried under a mountain of study, career and family commitments. About six years ago, for my own happiness and balance, I knew that flame needed to be roused and I haven’t looked back since.
How did you get involved in the Green Champions program?
It was on World Environment Day in June this year. I heard about the program at a sustainability event the City was running at the Green Square Library and Customer Service Centre @ the Tote and knew instantly that I had to be involved.
What did you get out of it?
At first, I had no real expectations other than to meet some like-minded locals. But during the four months, we were inspired to dream up what we wanted for our Green Square community. We were then given the support to turn those dreams into sustainable community projects. It was incredibly rewarding.
Tell us about your project, Green Square Growers.
We’re basically a group of locals sharing what we know about growing plants, especially edible ones. It’s a lot of fun. We meet on the second Sunday of every month to learn what we can from each other and work out how we can share what we know with the greater Green Square community. But we’re not just brainstorming; there are seeds and tools to swap – and worm wee, as well. We’re also passionate about growing food in places that are underused, like local parks and nature strips.
Who can join?
You, me, anyone – from novice gardeners to green thumbs! Even if every plant you’ve ever tried to grow has died, please get in touch via our Facebook page.
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