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More on Community
More on Community
Oct 11, 2026
As we approach the holiday season it is time to reflect on the importance of community in relation to environmental advocacy. At this time of year we gather with our families and the wider community to celebrate the passage of the seasons.
As we come together we need to reflect on the effect our lifestyle choices have on the environment. For example: there is a lot of evidence that a primarily plant based diet is good for the planet.
We need to seriously address the effect city heat and pollution have on the environment and in particular on climate change. Where people gather in large numbers the effects of our individual choices are magnified. Choices we make as individual families and members of city and urban communities directly affect the environment.
Many people love urban living. If we choose to be members of urban communities we need to address our lifestyles. We need to walk to work, walk to the shops and to other engagements rather than drive. This is possible where we don’t need to travel great distances to work or to go to the shops.
We need to get cars out of the city and reduce their use in other urban areas. This is possible, though unpopular. This is a first and necessary step towards combating pollution and climate change.
We need to design buildings to take advantage of the weather. When I lived in Vancouver city I lived in a building that was designed to work with the environment. I didn’t have air conditioning or even a fan and I only used the heaters 3 days in ten years.
Where people congregate in large numbers it is even more important to be aware of and act to achieve a sustainable environment. Too much pavement, insufficient garden space, hard and radiant surfaces contribute to an escalated effect on the environment.
In the Sydney metropolitan area the tip is nearly full. We urgently need a solution to the problem of landfill. As I understand it, local councils are looking at collecting vegetable scraps in the future for various usages. These are a significant contributor to urban landfill. This community action starts with individual households and impacts not only their neighbourhood but the wider community as well.
When you come together as families and communities this holiday season we encourage you to make a commitment to being stakeholders in the health of your communities.
Be aware of your environment. Commit to sprucing. Pick up one piece of rubbish when you are out in your daily walk. Plant a tree every year in celebration of International Spruce Day. Be a good neighbour.
Clean and green is our strategy. Remember one piece a day sends the rubbish away. Don’t just clean, let’s Spruce.
Cheers,
Felicity
Clean and green is our strategy. Remember: one piece a day sends the rubbish away! Don’t just clean let’s Spruce.
www.thespruceinitiative.info
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