Environmentalist strives for a greener Bedfordview

With environmental sustainability being one of her passions, Carol Payne has for years been driving an initiative towards a greener suburb for Bedfordview.

As a self-taught gardener and environmentalist, she believes with the information that is out there everyone can learn about sustainable practices.

Whether it is learning through observation, research, or experience, being active can lead to impactful environmental actions. She is the head of environment for Better Bedfordview and continues to play a pivotal role in the organisation.

In an interview with Bedfordview Edenvale News, Payne reflected on her journey, her passion for environmental sustainability, and the challenges the community faces in maintaining a healthy and thriving neighbourhood.

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“I started with Better Bedfordview from the beginning when we first got together in 2017.

“A group of us gathered at the bowling club because we were concerned about how things were looking. Marina Constas took the bull by the horns and turned it into a proper organisation,” said Payne.

A lifelong gardening enthusiast, Payne’s passion for the environment stems from her childhood.

“I’ve always been interested in gardening since I was a little girl. As I grew older I became more involved in the environment. For me, the environment is one of the most important things we need to address,” she explained.

She stated that organic gardening is healthier for plants, soil, and the broader environment.

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Avoiding toxic chemicals helps preserve ecosystems and reduces potential harm to humans and animals.

“People often say they’re going out into nature, but we are nature. We try to see ourselves as separate from it but if you break us down we are ashes to ashes and dust to dust. It’s all interconnected.”

One of her biggest pleas is to leave the leaves, which is aimed at encouraging residents to embrace natural composting.

Payne explained the environmental benefits of fallen leaves. “Those leaves form a whole biome that feeds the trees.

“We sweep them off pathways and gutters and place them along the walls of houses. They eventually break down into compost.”

However, her eco-friendly initiatives sometimes meet resistance.

“Some residents don’t even want leaves against their walls. It’s frustrating because it helps create a healthy environment for everything to grow and thrive.

“The environment is important to me and part of the gardening thing is not only to keep the suburb neat but it’s for people to embrace the environment.”

Payne emphasises using water-wise, drought-resistant plants.

“As a water-restricted country, we need plants that can survive frost, drought, and long dry spells without constant watering.”

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Better Bedfordview also focuses on fighting invasive plant species and promoting safer weed control methods.

“We never use poison in my garden. Instead, we use coarse salt to kill weeds. It’s safer than glyphosate, which is linked to cancer and still used in many places here.”

She also addressed the challenges posed by abandoned properties in Bedfordview.

“These properties are often occupied by squatters or criminals, and invasive species take over, making them eyesores. It’s costly for us to clean these areas,” she said.

In addition to her work with Better Bedfordview, Payne serves on Ward 20’s environmental committee alongside ward councillor Jill Humphreys.

Their friendship began when Payne opened her garden for charity events.

“Jill was chair of the garden society and convinced me to open my garden to the public for Gardens of the Golden City. We’ve worked closely ever since.”

Despite the challenges, Payne remains optimistic about Bedfordview’s environmental future.

“It’s all about working with nature, not against it. When we care for our environment, it benefits everyone.”