Ethnic communities
Shared responsibility and involvement of the community is essential if we are to protect and improve our environment now and in the future. However, language and cultural barriers can sometimes make it difficult for community members to learn about the environment and to participate in environmental programs.
Nearly 1.2 million people in New South Wales are from non-English speaking backgrounds. The most common languages spoken, other than English, are Chinese, Arabic, Italian, Greek, Vietnamese, Spanish, Hindi and Korean (source: 2006 ABS Census). In some local communities the proportion of people from backgrounds other than English speaking is more than 40% (Fairfield, Auburn, Canterbury, Botany and Ashfield).
The Environment and Ethnic Communities in 2004 presents research on the knowledge, attitudes and behaviours of NSW residents from eight of NSW largest ethnic communities in relation to environmental issues and water use.
Resources for ethnic communities
More environmental information for ethnic communities is available on the Ethnic Communities Sustainable Living Program (ECSLP) website.
OEH has a number of publications and programs about the environment in several languages, including:
Easy guides to recycling, natural cleaning, composting, worm farming and mulching.
Stormwater pollution is one of the most important environmental issues in urban areas of NSW. Find out what you can do to help stop water pollution in our creeks, rivers, harbours and beaches. Remember: The Drain is Just for Rain.
Waste has a double impact on our environment. First, because it represents a massive waste of our natural resources. Second, because we throw out so much garbage that the cost of transporting the waste and finding a place to put it is becoming increasingly higher. In addition, not many people want to live near a landfill site and using up precious land space to bury garbage just doesn't make sense. We all need to join the waste challenge and aim for zero.
Find out where and how you can clean out your household chemical clutter to safely dispose of old paint, pool chemicals, garden pesticides and other specified household materials.
Page last updated: 04 August 2011
