Earth Carers is a community education program which aims to improve community knowledge and skills in waste minimisation at local government level. The program trains volunteers in the community to build their knowledge of waste management issues, learn practical ways of how to reduce waste at home and to promote waste minimisation in their local communities.

The Earth Carers training program was developed in the Eastern States under the Earth Works banner. It was brought to Western Australia several years ago, and after a successful trial in Cottesloe, was implemented in the Western Metropolitan Regional Council, where it continues with active volunteers. In 2008 Mindarie Regional Council commenced an Earth Carers program where volunteer numbers and activities are steadily growing.

Earth Carers is a partnership between participating Earth Carer volunteers, local Councils and EMRC.

What is included in the training course?

The free training course consists of five sessions over three weeks with a range of guest speakers and covers topics such as: 

• Composting, wormfarming and sheet mulching
• 'Green cleaning' and safe disposal of Household Hazardous Waste
• Recycling in the community
• Tours of waste management and recycling facilities
• The 'big picture' of waste management
• Tips and hints for waste reduction
• Ways to encourage others to reduce waste

To find out when the next course is running or for more information about the Earth Carers training course visit the R Gang website.