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The UN on Climate Change states that the Paris Agreement is a binding international treaty forged in 2015 which amongst other things seeks to limit global warming to less than 2 degrees above preindustrial levels.  In addition it proposes a preferable goal of 1.5 degrees above preindustrial levels.  A rise of 1.5 degrees Celcius being the temperature above which the oceanic currents and climate change reach critical and irreversible change.

In order to achieve these climate change goals we need to globally and swiftly combat global warming with a goal of net zero carbon emissions.  Planting trees and reforestation is a start and a way must be found to do this quickly.  If enough people were prepared to plant a tree ...

Offsetting our carbon emissions is a last resort to reducing or eliminating our use of greenhouse producing  fuels, energy or manufacturing.  Greenhouse gases are gases which responsible for global warming.  Examples of these are carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide.  Our carbon footprint is the total of our greenhouse gas emissions.

Offsets do not actually reduce carbon emissions at the source however they seek to offset carbon emissions by reforestation and investment in renewable energy production. Trees remove greenhouse gases from the air and produce oxygen and provide wildlife habitat.  Purchasing offsets is a way of compensating for our greenhouse gases from emissions.

Recycling paper, plastics, glass and metal is a good way of reusing valuable resources and reducing landfill.  One of the funniest recycling jokes at which I had to laugh was 100% recycled toilet paper!  Another material which I thought interesting was some 100% recycled rayon ladies blouse fabric.  Of course natural fibres are preferable from an environmental view point, however recycling artificial fibres saves landfill and resources.

It Is a good idea to look out for packaging that is made from recycled materials.   Where you can’t reduce or reuse items, recycling is the next best thing.  Recycling artificial materials does use more energy and produces more pollution than reducing or reusing, however it is...

It’s a good idea to pare down on what you use. One of the ways you can do this is to reduce the number of possessions you own.  Live frugally. Clear your clutter.  Hand down old clothes, jewellery, books and furniture.  Take unwanted items to your local op shop.  Or do the opposite.  Buy your clothes and other items from an op shop.
 

There are two ways to reuse items. Reuse them for the same purpose like shopping bags or repurpose items and use them for a different purpose. Repurpose items like plastic bags and jars.  Use old clothes and sheets that are not good enough to pass on as cleaning rags or painting drop cloths.  Give old furniture a new coat of paint, varnish or wax. &......

The most effective way to cut down on waste and pollution is to reduce our use of resources.  Non renewable natural resources that are not used are there for future generations. Reduction of use of non renewable resources must be our first priority so that we preserve resources for future generations.  I’m sure this is something you already know.  Reducing consumption of consumer goods leads to less waste.  Reduction of use of plastics in favour of paper, bamboo and glass reduces both waste and pollution.  Reducing our use of resources saves money.  Preserving wildlife habitat and protecting our old growth forests is essential to preserve species and biodiversity. Why not take your reusable cup to the ...

The 3 R’s of waste management came into common usage in the 1970’s. This was around the time that Earth Day was founded. The 3 R’s are Reduce, Reuse and Recycle. Our first principal of waste management needs to be to reduce and conserve use of natural resources for future generations. We in the world need to be aware of conserving resources for future generations. Our next priority is to Reuse products where possible. For instance we can reuse clothes, glass and plastic containers and furniture saving them from landfill. The third R is Recycle. We can recycle many plastic, synthetic, glass and paper waste reducing landfill and conserving resources. The 3 useR’s lead to sustainable use of resources.

Friends, in 2009 Vancouver City named January 5 th International Spruce Day.  As we approach the holiday season we invite you to join us in the planting of a tree for International Spruce Day.  You can plant a tree yourself or have an organisation plant it for you.  Personally we like to restore wildlife habitat however you may choose to plant a tree in your own garden.  Please plant a tree and help end global warming and climate change.  If we all agree pd to plant one tree a year just think of the difference that would make to our world.

Hi all, this month our guest editor Carmen Columbo introduced the concept of Sprucing at home.  Thank you Carmen.  I'm sure many of our practitioners will apply this principle to their home or office.  What a valuable tool for organising your personal spaces.  Our philosophy is clean and green.  Please see our August 2022 newsletter for more details.  Go Carmen!

Tracey Dillon organised a clean up of the boat ramp on Woy Woy road and the surrounding area for Clean Up Australia Day.  It was a lot of fun and we picked up quite a bit of rubbish - mainly cigarette butts.  Tracey was of the opinion that there was significantly less trash than last year which is a good sign.  Tracey found a car bumper bar under the railway bridge.  Do you know that bumper bars are filled with styrofoam?  All in all it was a good day.  Thanks Tracey.