GS@RMIT's first book: Stories of Sustainability from RMIT University.
by Global Sustainability Institute, RMIT University.
November, 2004.

A parka that is easily transformed into a swag, waste solutions for the Queen Victoria Market and immersing international students in regional sustainability are just some of the stories in a new book that provides practical, everyday examples of sustainability.

This is the first book from the Global Sustainability Institute (GSI) at RMIT University titled: “Protecting the Future: Stories of Sustainability from RMIT University”. Published by CSIRO Publishing, it is an inspiring collection demonstrating how the actions of a diverse group of staff are helping to shape the future of their university, and in turn, the futures of the students, businesses and communities with whom they work.

The editors, Sarah Holdsworth (Research Coordinator at GSI) and Tricia Caswell (former Executive Director of GSI, now CEO of the Victorian Association of Forest Industries) hope that the stories will provide insights into how we can individually and collectively translate knowledge into action in pursuit of sustainability.

Commenting on the book’s release, Hunter Lovins, President of Natural Capitalism Inc. and co-author of Natural Capitalism said that, “the real life examples will inspire and provide readers with the confidence to do what is needed to protect the planet and its people for current and future generations.”

GSI’s Deputy Director, Caroline Bayliss, said the book featured 13 different stories, “which are enlightening, engaging and accessible to diverse audiences, rather than being traditional academic or research papers.”

The Global Sustainability Institute at RMIT University works to forward both the intellectual and practical development of this field of knowledge around sustainability, inside and outside the University. “One way of doing this is to promote examples of sustainability in practice – and Protecting the Future does just that,” she said.

The book was officially launched on Monday November 15th at the Old Melbourne Gaol by Professor Chris Whitaker, Vice-Chancellor of RMIT University.

To buy it online, visit CSIRO Publishing website for more information at
http://www.publish.csiro.au/nid/20/pid/3947.htm

A single washing machine cycle uses up to 100 litres of water (22 gallons) - and the average family uses their washing machine five times a week . That's 26,000 litres (5,720 gallons) in a year. (Source: Southern Water)

Every day 50 to 100 species of plants and animals become extinct as their habitat and human influences destroy them. (Source: Thinkquest.org)