Flats glad to go green
Running a lawnmower using fermented fruit ethanol and shrink- wrapping windows were among winning ideas in the University of Canterburys Eco-My-Flat competition.
It was developed by three summer scholarship students and encouraged students to become eco- friendly in their flats.
Weekly workshops taught the students techniques that made them more aware of their actions and how they affected the planet.
The winning flats came up with several unique ways to help the environment, and help their flats save on expenses.
At the Bunker in Sockburn, which was awarded most improved flat, the five flatmates used the fruit on their apple and peach trees to ferment and distill ethanol, which they then tested on a $30 lawnmower.
Engineering student Luke Driscoll said the second-hand mower they bought for the trial worked for a while, before starting to belch oil.
The flat also built a wind turbine from an old washing machine and scrap metal, complete with a pedal generator which they are refining, and hope to power some household appliances.
Flatmate Campbell Eastern said the competition had been a good experience. We were not very eco before but we took a lot of steps.
Overall winner was a Bryndwr flat, nicknamed the Castle, which performed well across the board.
Natural resources engineering student Claire Shuker managed to entice her flatmates into entering the competition just a week after she had moved in.
Those living in the flat composted, bought in bulk, grew vegetables, biked to university, made curtains and defrosted their fridge.
They also shrink-wrapped the windows, something they would not have thought of if it were not for the workshops that focused on waste, shopping, transport and energy.
The university has received interest in the competition from other tertiary institutions.
Prizes for the winning flats included insulation, and a trip to a lodge in the Catlins.
Canterbury University sustainability advocate Kate Hewson said students involved in the competition certainly made some substantial behaviour changes and we will hope they will carry those on.
A lot of small behaviour changes have been made and they are very powerful when added up.
Competition organiser Anthony Field said students were a good group to work with because being on a tight budget meant they were conscious of saving money.
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Monday, April 7th, 2008 at 5:16 pm under