The founding member of satirical group The Chaser won a Logie Award earlier this month for last year’s ground-breaking three-part War on Waste series, which prompted nationwide action to reduce reliance on plastic bags, disposable coffee cups and other single-use items.

Reucassel will give two presentations at the festival on Saturday, September 22, at Speers Point Park.

“I would love people to leave with ideas about how they can reduce their waste and further protect the Lake Macquarie environment,” Reucassel said.

“It's always inspirational to find out what people are doing to solve problems like waste in their area. So many of us are starting to realise the effect that our lifestyles have on the planet and want to find solutions.”

Lake Macquarie City Council planning and sustainability manager, Alice Howe, said securing Reucassel was a coup for the festival.

“The message that Craig is getting out there to millions of Australians is the same one behind our Living Smart Festival – to live smarter, more sustainably, and less wastefully,” Dr Howe said.

The second series of War on Waste, which premiered this week, will target the nationwide overuse of plastic water bottles and drinking straws.

Fittingly, stallholders at this year’s Living Smart Festival will not sell bottled water or supply plastic straws and bags – a first for a major event in Lake Macquarie.

“This event is committed to walking the walk when it comes to waste and sustainability,” Dr Howe said.

“We aim to demonstrate sustainability in every aspect of the event and will be encouraging stallholders and event partners to be sustainable in their practices.”

Last year’s festival attracted more than 20,000 people and 200-plus stallholders.

This year’s event will include eco workshops and a farmers market.

Pictures and videos from 2016 Living Smart Festival

Living Smart Festival in photos (2017)