It's possible to slow down technology - in a good way. Phones, computers and (their love child) Blackberries were designed to give us more leisure time. And there are a number of people out there leisurely using theirs to record their days, and sharing the results. Like Jason Evans' Daily Nice and David Horvitz (work pictured) who will, among other things, send you a photo of the sky every day this year.

Make the day-to-day deliberate by setting a task. It could be a daily phone-photo or a train ticket torn (a la Mintie wrapper) into one long unbroken streamer.

Who doesn’t love a market? Especially one selling locally made art and design goods. More than ever if it also supports projects working for Sydney’s homeless. This weekend the Hope Street Markets are on at the Paddington Town Hall, profits from which go to Hope Street. As well as stalls aplenty laden with jewellery, paintings, accessories and things for around home, there’ll be live music and food. Hope to see you there.

We can train pigeons to 'home', so maybe...

They’re illegal, carry out their deeds at night to avoid detection and are active in a growing number of cities around the world. They’re Guerrilla Gardeners. Their crime? Attacking ugly patches of public land with hand-trowels and flowering annuals in covert greening campaigns. Typical targets include roundabouts, verges and other neglected areas, which are beautified with plants. Richard Reynolds’ website has a global noticeboard of activities plus a how-to guide for beginners.

From Monday it’s National Volunteer Week (12-18 May), which honours volunteers. Der, you might say. But previously it operated as a kind of recruitment drive. Volunteers are now so prevalent that the week's focus has shifted to say 'thanks'.

Those matchmakers at Good Company - who introduce professionals to short-term projects with charities - are hosting an Exchange of Ideas and Inspiration forum. Helen Dalley (from Sky Business Channel) will be telling stories of successful volunteering outcomes.

Upstairs at the Establishment, 248-252 George St
15 May, 6-8pm
RSVP