Sustainable Living Tasmania began in 1972 as the Tasmanian Environment Centre following the flooding of Lake Pedder in the late 60s.
This event triggered a flood of public concern for the environment. Many of the key people involved in the campaign to save Lake Pedder decided that Tasmania needed a permanent environment centre where people could meet, have access to environmental resources, produce environmental information, submissions and other material, and communicate with the world at large. Ten sponsors pledged their support, each agreeing to pay 50c a week for the first year to sign a two-year lease on premises at 281 Elizabeth Street, North Hobart – hence the Tasmanian Environment Centre (known as the TEC) was born on 7 December 1972.
From the very beginning TEC was a non-political focusing firmly on providing practical assistance to individuals and groups who wanted to learn more about the environment. Volunteers carried out a great deal of office, library research and information work. During the Whitlam era, the Centre received grants from the federal Government, enabling the establishment of the Environmental Resource Library and the production of books, and other media for sale and distribution. In January 1975 the Centre moved to the first floor of 102 Bathurst Street where it remained for 33 years.
Today SLT consists of dedicated members and committed staff and board members located throughout Tasmania. Collectively they work to connect people with groups, organisations and businesses working to improve the sustainable outcomes of the state.
