8 Environmentally Friendly Workshops in Sydney and Beyond

Climate change, resource depletion and species extinction are very real – and the consequences of these environmental issues are being seen (and felt) across the world now more than ever before.

Sustainable living is all about minimising damage to the environment, reducing your carbon footprint and intentionally living in a way that will protect the planet for generations to come. It's about getting back to basics and making simple changes to your life, and although these tweaks may seem insignificant at first, they can make all the difference in minimising your environmental impact over the long term.

To make your journey to a more sustainable life less daunting, we've put together a list of some of the best classes in Sydney and workshops in Melbourne to help you get started living your best green life!

Sydney 

Make Reusable Kitchen Cloths

It’s time to ditch single-use plastics and BYOC (bring your own cloth) to the kitchen. With this traditional Japanese craft kit, you'll learn how to make your own kitchen cloths using Sarashi cloth, a soft material made using 100% cotton  This green-inspired class will teach you the basics of sewing allowing you to create your own custom kit, using some pre-loved fabric. Enjoy learning new skills and take home the perfect sustainable accessory for any office lunch, picnic or weekend BBQ. 
 

Sustainable Jewellery Workshop

Don't buy your own silver jewellery – make it yourself! Perfect for people who love to accessorise, this hands-on workshop in the beautiful Southern Highlands, just south of Sydney, is the perfect place to spark your creative side with the art of jewellery making. Over the course of three hours, you'll learn how to saw, heat, shape, solder, file and polish your very own silver rings using recycled materials! You don't need any prior experience to enjoy this intimate jewellery-making experience, as your teacher, Corinne, will guide you through the process step by step. Empower yourself with an incredible new skill and walk away from the workshop with two to three rings made of Sterling Silver. Using different profiles and textures of your choice, your rings will stack together perfectly for everyday wear. This is one of the best things to do in the Southern Highlands and makes the perfect day trip from Sydney!

Make a DIY wormfarm

Give two green thumbs up at this worm farming workshop! Grab your mates and head along to Stanmore in Sydney's Inner West to learn about how to make your own nutrient-rich fertiliser from scratch. Perfect if you're searching for sustainable Sydney activities, this hands-on workshop will teach you how to make a worm farm that's suitable for apartment living, workplaces and family homes. After this workshop, you and your wonderful wormy friends will be able to turn unwanted food waste into a fantastic fertiliser to help your indoor (and outdoor) plants thrive!

DIY Vegetable Garden Class

Sydney Community College is a social enterprise with a mission to offer innovative adult education programmes that support individual efforts and facilitate sustainable and social change. If you're on a mission to reconnect with the food you eat and increase your sense of self-sufficiency, this workshop will teach you everything you need to know about growing veggies at home!  At the end of the class, you'll be confident growing, designing and eating produce from your very own vegetable garden. Get ready to grow!

Melbourne

Sustainable Papercraft Making Class

Ever wanted to turn your paper into art? Find out at this Melbourne workshop! In this class, you’ll discover how to take your unwanted paper waste and turn it into ornamental paper sculptures. Reduce, reuse and recycle in this class and turn your junk mail into your own unique handmade creation!

Healthy Vegan Cooking Class

Just starting out on a plant-based diet? Or thinking about making the transition? Whether trying to grasp the basics or learn something new, this online vegan cooking class is perfect for any plant-based person. Discover a new way of eating on a plant-based diet, discover easy vegan recipes you can incorporate into your repertoire and leave with some interesting cooking techniques. You'll make an array of colourful plant-based meals and meet some like-minded people (via Zoom) along the way. You’ll walk away with the confidence you need to recreate mouth-watering vegan dishes and feel inspired to continue on your plant-based journey! 

Textiles Mending Workshop

Don't give up on your favourite pair of jeans or comfy jumper when you find a tear – learn how to repair and revamp your most beloved clothes! In this relaxing and fun Melbourne workshop, you’ll learn how to repair and embellish your clothing to make it last. Stitching is a great skill that will not only save you money but also help you reduce your impact on the environment. Make your grandparents proud and add some personal flair to worn-out garments! 

Soy Candle Making Workshop

The secret to finding the perfect scented candle? Make your own! Candles are a great way to add some atmospheric light and calming fragrance to a room. In this workshop, you’ll learn how to make soy candles from scratch for a fraction of the price. You'll the workshop begin with a thorough explanation of the equipment and materials required, plus, where to buy them so that you can confidently set them up at home and continue making beautiful eco-friendly candles in your own time! Whether already a pro or just getting started, this candle making course offers something for everyone interested in the craft of candle making.