Save Money, Cut Waste and Live Better: Maroubra’s Eco Living Festival Returns This November

if living more sustainably could actually save you money? That’s the idea behind Randwick City Council’s Eco Living Festival 2026, returning to Maroubra Beach on Sunday 1 November for a free day of practical advice, inspiring workshops, live entertainment and innovative ideas for a more affordable, environmentally friendly lifestyle.

Now celebrating its 21st year, the award-winning festival has become the Eastern Suburbs’ longest-running sustainability event, bringing the community together to explore smarter ways of living.

This year’s focus couldn’t be more relevant as households continue to navigate rising everyday expenses.

Sustainability That Makes Financial Sense

The theme for 2026 is straightforward: Save Money, Cut Waste, Live Better.

For many households, the biggest motivation to change everyday habits isn’t necessarily environmental. It’s financial.

Rising electricity bills, grocery expenses and the cost of replacing household items have encouraged more people to reconsider how they consume, repair and reuse.

The Eco Living Festival aims to demonstrate that sustainable choices and financial savings can go hand in hand.

From reducing household energy consumption to repairing rather than replacing, visitors will discover practical approaches that can make a difference to both their budgets and the environment.

Discover Ways to Reduce Your Energy Bills

One of the festival’s major focuses will be household energy efficiency.

Visitors can explore electric vehicle displays, learn about energy-saving options and discover how household electrification could help reduce ongoing expenses.

At 10:40am, the main stage will feature a discussion on electrifying your home and reducing power bills.

For homeowners and renters interested in more efficient living, the festival offers an opportunity to explore ideas and ask questions before making decisions.

Repair, Reuse and Rethink What We Throw Away

In a world where replacing something is often easier than repairing it, the festival encourages a different approach.

Visitors can explore a range of practical activities, including upcycling workshops, sewing, reuse initiatives and repair demonstrations.

The festival’s Repair Café will offer expert advice on small household items that may be repairable.

At 2:10pm, a main-stage discussion will explore the benefits of repairing rather than replacing and buying second-hand.

It’s a timely reminder that extending the life of everyday possessions can reduce waste and help keep money in our pockets.

Sustainable Food, Gardening and Everyday Living

Food and household habits are another major focus of the festival.

Visitors can enjoy a sustainable seafood cooking demonstration at 11:50am, exploring ways to make better use of seafood.

At 1pm, the programme turns to natural cleaning at home, offering ideas for rethinking everyday household cleaning practices.

Gardening enthusiasts can also explore workshops, plants and expert advice, including ways to incorporate more greenery into their surroundings.

Whether you have a backyard, courtyard or apartment balcony, the festival offers inspiration for bringing sustainable practices into daily life.

Celebrating First Nations Knowledge and Caring for Country

Sustainability is also about understanding and respecting the environment around us.

The festival’s Caring for Country Space will highlight First Nations knowledge, cultural practices and relationships with the natural world.

Throughout the day, visitors can participate in drop-in weaving, shellwork and jewellery activities, while IndigiGrow will share native plant knowledge.

Scheduled workshops include Johnny Cake making, native plants and bush soap, bark rope making and a Gamay Dancers workshop.

These experiences offer an opportunity to connect environmental awareness with the cultural heritage of the region.

An Inspiring Line-Up of Speakers and Demonstrations

Award-winning science journalist, author and sustainability advocate Zoe Kean OAM will host the main stage.

The programme will cover topics ranging from household energy costs and ocean conservation to sustainable fashion and community fishing practices.

The programme brings together practical advice, environmental awareness and ideas visitors can incorporate into their everyday routines.

More Than Just an Environmental Event

While sustainability is at the heart of the festival, the day is also designed as a community celebration.

Visitors can enjoy local food stalls, live entertainment and activities for all ages.

Families will find children’s crafts and a toy swap, while cyclists can take advantage of free bike valet parking and bike tune-ups.

The coastal setting at Broadarrow Reserve, close to Maroubra Beach, adds to the appeal of spending a Sunday outdoors.

Event Details

Event: Eco Living Festival 2026

Date: Sunday 1 November 2026

Time: 10am – 3pm

Location: Broadarrow Reserve, 292–310 Fitzgerald Avenue, Maroubra

Admission: FREE

Organiser: Randwick City Council

Website: Eco Living Festival 2026 – Full Programme

Small Changes Can Make a Big Difference

Living sustainably doesn’t have to mean making expensive purchases or completely changing your lifestyle.

Sometimes, the most effective changes are surprisingly simple: repairing a broken appliance, reducing electricity consumption, buying second-hand or finding new uses for items we already own.

That’s what makes the Eco Living Festival such a valuable community event. It brings together practical knowledge, local expertise and opportunities to discover how environmentally responsible choices can also make financial sense.

Whether you’re interested in saving on household bills, reducing waste or discovering a more sustainable way of living, head to Maroubra on Sunday 1 November and see what ideas you can take home.

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