We often think of Christmas as a time of giving and celebrations. For the Christian world, there is so much reason for its people to celebrate. Yet, time and again, there is a reminder for everyone to dwell into the meaning of the season.
Can we truly reduce our carbon emission this Christmas? Is it possible to have a green Christmas?
Top Tips for a Green Christmas…
1. Shop locally
Supporting our local businesses helps maintain a healthy local economy. It also helps to reduce the need to travel long distances in our cars and cuts back on greenhouse gas emissions.
2. Buy Fair Trade Products
Fair Trade is an international certification scheme which ensures producers are paid a fair price for the goods they grow or make. The certification typically covers agricultural products, such as coffee, cocoa and sugar, but is expanding all the time to include manufactured products such as sports goods. Look for the logo on products you buy.
3. Buy sustainable gifts
Think sustainability in gift giving and you’ll discover some interesting new ideas. There are many unusual and useful products available that have been designed with the benefit of modern technology and a desire to reduce our impacts on the planet.
4. Give gifts which keep on giving
Many charities and environmental organisations offer gift services that not only solve the problem of buying for the person who has everything, but also help others, or the environment, for years to come.
5. Wrap with recycled paper
Use wrapping paper that is made from recycled paper, or else use paper that can easily be recycled. Avoid foil papers, plastic ribbons and other materials that can’t be reused or put in your recycling bins.
6. Turn lights off overnight
One of the delights of Christmas is the light decorations cheering our streets and homes. Turning lights off overnight reduces greenhouse gas emissions because of the reduced energy use – it’s also a great habit to get the family into.
Why not try out the new LED lights that are available. These lights are much more energy efficient than traditional bud lights and will last much longer too!
7. Spend time with people
Sustainability is not just about the environment – it’s also about the well being of people. With time being such a precious commodity why not set some aside to catch up with family and friends. It’s a chance to relax and enjoy each other’s company.
8. Buy locally-grown or organic food
Buying locally-grown produce supports the local economy and is better for the environment because it doesn’t need to be transported long distances in planes, trains, trucks and ships to get to you.
Certified organic food (look for the logo) is free of chemicals and pesticides and is grown naturally. It tastes great and is safer for both you and the environment.
9. Give charity or e-cards
Giving charity cards is giving twice because it supports a good cause while sending a festive message. E-cards are also a great idea as there is no paper, ink and transport involved – not to mention they are cheap to boot!
10. Donate to a good cause
Christmas is a time for giving and there are many people locally, and globally, that could do with our help. Give a donation to a charity this Christmas and help others in need.
11. Buy Green Power
Green Power is electricity guaranteed to be sourced from renewable sources, like solar, wind and hydro. This electricity produces no greenhouse gas emissions. Everyone can choose to source some or all of their electricity from Green Power all year round. Contact your electricity supplier for more information and support our Australian renewable energy industry.
12. Use less shopping bags
Remember to take your reusable bags with you this Christmas and avoid plastic bags altogether. If you forget then try to consolidate your shopping into fewer bags and say no to extra bags at the checkout. In doing so, you will reduce the impacts on the environment from the manufacture and disposal of plastic bags.
Showing posts with label TIPS. Show all posts
Showing posts with label TIPS. Show all posts
Wednesday, 19 December 2007
Murrindindi Climate Network
Here's an interesting local environmental group based in Murrindindi Victoria that seems to have a lot of practical ideas for action.
Check out a few of their suggestions here.
Meanwhile, over in the Philippines there is big news about the Australian owned Lafayette Mining company which operates on the island of Rapu Rapu.
The Age reports that Lafayette yesterday entered administration after a series of financial difficulties.
Local people on the island had long campaigned against the mine alleging that the company's operations had caused spillages and fish kills.
Check out a few of their suggestions here.
Meanwhile, over in the Philippines there is big news about the Australian owned Lafayette Mining company which operates on the island of Rapu Rapu.
The Age reports that Lafayette yesterday entered administration after a series of financial difficulties.
Local people on the island had long campaigned against the mine alleging that the company's operations had caused spillages and fish kills.
Tuesday, 18 December 2007
Fundraising Tips - have fun and raise money
Australia is a long way from home for all of us and not to mention quite an expensive place to visit so we've all been busy with various fundraising activities. Here are a few of our ideas:
1. We had a fete where we sold bbq sausages, ice-cream and drinks, had a kick-a-goal where the kids pay and if they score a goal against the professional goal-keeper they win a small prize. People donated items they no longer wanted and we sold them (trash and treasure this is called over here as one persons trash may be another persons treasure). We also took this opportunity to try and inform the local people about YPD and Green WYD.
2. The local people here held a concert in the school hall. They charged the public an entrance fee and had bands playing, choirs, Tamil dancers performing, break dancing and all sorts of entertainment. A great night of fun and also a brilliant fundraiser!
3. We had a 'walk to church day'. All the parishioners were informed in the newsletter and by Father Peter in the mass the previous week that if they drive to church on that Sunday they will have to pay a fine of $1. We stood outside the masses with a tin and everyone who drove contributed (usually more than $1). An excellent initiative to get people to be more environmentally friendly and raise money. We definitely noticed fewer cars in the car park that Sunday- excellent.
4. A sweep-stake was held here for a big horse racing event in Melbourne. People paid money to buy a raffle ticket, there were 16 horses taking part in the race. Out of all the raffle tickets 16 were chosen at random. 1 horse was then matched to 1 ticket and the ticket with the name of the winning horse wins. There were also 2nd and 3rd place prizes. Of course this concept can be used for all sorts of events, cricket games, football just use your imaginations.
Another idea that we are still working on at the moment is a bike-ride, we are hoping to get a big group of people to get sponsorship to do a bike-ride to raise awareness for our Green WYD campaign as well as raise funds, get fit and have fun. Also a possible event that we will be holding is a ball on St Valentines day, a night of eating and dancing for which we will be selling tickets.
Good luck with your fundraising. If we all work on it together we can achieve a lot.
1. We had a fete where we sold bbq sausages, ice-cream and drinks, had a kick-a-goal where the kids pay and if they score a goal against the professional goal-keeper they win a small prize. People donated items they no longer wanted and we sold them (trash and treasure this is called over here as one persons trash may be another persons treasure). We also took this opportunity to try and inform the local people about YPD and Green WYD.
2. The local people here held a concert in the school hall. They charged the public an entrance fee and had bands playing, choirs, Tamil dancers performing, break dancing and all sorts of entertainment. A great night of fun and also a brilliant fundraiser!
3. We had a 'walk to church day'. All the parishioners were informed in the newsletter and by Father Peter in the mass the previous week that if they drive to church on that Sunday they will have to pay a fine of $1. We stood outside the masses with a tin and everyone who drove contributed (usually more than $1). An excellent initiative to get people to be more environmentally friendly and raise money. We definitely noticed fewer cars in the car park that Sunday- excellent.
4. A sweep-stake was held here for a big horse racing event in Melbourne. People paid money to buy a raffle ticket, there were 16 horses taking part in the race. Out of all the raffle tickets 16 were chosen at random. 1 horse was then matched to 1 ticket and the ticket with the name of the winning horse wins. There were also 2nd and 3rd place prizes. Of course this concept can be used for all sorts of events, cricket games, football just use your imaginations.
Another idea that we are still working on at the moment is a bike-ride, we are hoping to get a big group of people to get sponsorship to do a bike-ride to raise awareness for our Green WYD campaign as well as raise funds, get fit and have fun. Also a possible event that we will be holding is a ball on St Valentines day, a night of eating and dancing for which we will be selling tickets.
Good luck with your fundraising. If we all work on it together we can achieve a lot.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
