1. A tree for the garden (carbon positive)
2. Make it a fruit tree (plus reduce your food miles!)
3. A compost bin and /or a second compost bin (so you can rotate them)
4. A powermate to measure your energy use http://www.power-mate.com.au/
5. Tickets to music, plays or dance
6. Local handmade art or craft or those from developing countries (hardest hit by climate change)
7. Buy a bicycle – or if you’ve already got one then how about buying a lock/lights/panniers (so s/he can make the jump into commuting or shopping by bike)
8. A gift certificate to support environmental groups such as: Bush Heritage – http://www.bushheritage.org.au/, Rainforest Rescue, www.rainforestrescue.org.au/ , Oxfam http://www.oxfam.org.au/ as some suggestions.
9. Volunteer your time and labour to help prepare a veggie garden for a relative or friend.
10. try to avoid anything with a plug!
11. … and eating? Think low food miles- Mudgee wine not Malborough Sound. Local treats, not imported.
12. Thinking about a holiday in the new year? well check out: http://www2.acfonline.org.au/category/clean-travel/blog/happy-sustainable-holiday-season?eid=7472552
13. Other tips for a Sustainable Christmas can be found at: http://www.sydneychristmas.com.au/community-information/a-sustainable-sydney-christmas/

Send us your Christmas successes and we will share them in our next newsletter.

In the meantime, stay happy, safe and cool (but easy on the air conditioning)

Post GFC emissions higher

According to a SMH article, global emissions levels have increased dramatically since the Global Financial Crisis. During the crisis, emissions had decreased. To see the article in full, go to:

http://www.smh.com.au/environment/climate-change/emissions-hit-record-as-effect-of-financial-crisis-eases-20111205-1oege.html

Murray Darling Report

The report on how best to save the Murray Darling River has not been received well by most interested groups. There is an opportunity for anyone to make a submission to the Murray Darling Basin plan by 16 April 2012. For the full report and how to make a submission, go to

http://environment.gov.au/water/basin-plan/index.html

Durban International Climate Conference

The latest International Climate Conference hosted by the United Nations is being held in Durban and will finish 9 December. The United Nations Environment Program (unep) is an international body that discusses the environment and the effects of climate change on communities throughout the world. Have a look at their website:

http://www.unep.org/climatechange/ClimateChangeConferences/COP17/tabid/55429/Default.aspx

Coal Seam Gas mining by the numbers

Want to know more about coal seam gas mining and the extent of the area companies are wanting to exploit? Go to the following website which will give you information about this destructive practice:

http://www.abc.net.au/news/specials/coal-seam-gas-by-the-numbers/

Community purchase of solar panels

Two years ago, our group organised a bulk community purchase of solar panel systems for residents in the Gladesville area. We are now talking to the same company to offer another bulk community purchase next year. When we have more details we will let you know. In the meantime, we would love to hear from anyone who participated in our last bulk purchase who has feedback on how they found the installation process and the panels.

Ryde Gladesville Climate Change Action Group

The Ryde Gladesville Climate Change Action Group is made up of a small dedicated group of core members and a larger group of supporters. Currently there are lots of exciting things happening in the climate change arena and we welcome others to join the core group. Contact us here or phone Jo on 0414-375-149.

Next meeting:

Monday 6 February 2011 at 7.30 pm. Call Pamela on 0422 532 586 or Jo on 0414 375 149 for details.

It was wonderful to see the Carbon Tax legislation finally pass the Senate on 8 November. This will now mean that Australia can finally take measures to reduce its carbon footprint. The 100% renewable campaign was successful in having money from taxing the 500 biggest polluters to be put towards Renewables.

Environmentalist of the Year

Lindsay Soutar, who quit her job last year to establish the 100% renewable campaign, has been recognised for her efforts by being awarded the Environment Minister’s Young Environmentalist of the Year award. For more information about her and the ongoing campaign for renewable energy, go to

www.100percent.org.au

Earth Relay

Some of our members joined those from the Ryde Hunters Hill Flora and Fauna Preservation Society to participate in the Earth Relay where a giant inflatable Earth travelled around the country to finish up at Canberra in time for the passing of the Carbon Tax legislation. To see the article go to

http://northern-district-times.whereilive.com.au/news/story/having-a-ball-with-earth/

Thin Green Line

This foundation was set up by Sean Willmore, who was an Australian park ranger. The aim of the foundation is to support rangers on the frontline, including the International Ranger Dependency Fund which supports the families of committed rangers who have lost their lives, or rangers who have been severely injured in the line of duty. For more information go to:

www.thingreenline.info/

Ryde Council and Recycling

Ryde Council has a service for old computers and their peripherals, TV’s and stereos which can be collected on the day of your garbage collection and taken away to be recycled. You need to ring the Council to organise pickup and limits do apply. For more information, go to:

Ryde Council’s Electronic Waste Collection page

Planet Green

Planet Green is a company the can recycle old TV’s, VHS and cassette tapes, plastics, computer equipment and more. They are located at the corner of Wicks Road and Epping Road, North Ryde. For more information on their services, go to

www.planetgreenrecycling.net.au/

Ryde Gladesville Climate Change Action Group

The Ryde Gladesville Climate Change Action Group is made up of a small dedicated group of core members and a larger group of supporters. Currently there are lots of exciting things happening in the climate change arena and we welcome others to join the core group. Contact us here or phone Jo on 0414-375-149.

Next meeting:

Monday 5 December 2011 at 6.30 pm. Call Pamela on 0422 532 586 or Jo on 0414 375 149 for details.

On 350 day we joined with Bike North to raise awareness of Moving Planet Day. We were featured in the Northern District Times. To see the article, go to

http://northern-district-times.whereilive.com.au/news/story/on-the-move-to-help-the-planet/

Earth Relay Day

To show support for the federal government’s clean energy legislation, environmental groups from across Australia are relaying inflatable globes to Canberra to meet the house-sized globe, the Climate Action Station, on the lawns of Parliament House.

On Friday 21 October the inflatable globe will be in the Field of Mars Reserve at 3pm and we would love to see you there and be part of the photograph to be sent to Canberra as a symbolic representation of public support for climate action.

For more information go to:

http://www.nccnsw.org.au/nsw-earth-relay

ReNew Magazine

This magazine is put out by the Alternative Technology Association a non-profit organisation which promotes energy saving and conservation to households and is published quarterly. It has a wealth of information on how you can be more efficient in your energy consumption and DIY projects such as a enviro friendly kennel.

www.renew.org.au

Eco Garden and Kimbriki Tour

Kimbriki is the resource recovery centre for the Northern Beaches area. They are running an Eco Garden and tour of the centre on Thursday 20 October 9.30am -12.30 pm. Bookings are essential. For information call 9942 2732. Their website is worth a look

www.kimbriki.com

Next meeting:

Monday 7 November 2011 at 7.30 pm. Call Pamela on 0422 532 586 or Jo on 0414 375 149 for details.

We would like to thank all our friends & supporters for your continued support.

This year as in the past 2 years we are joining likeminded groups in 115 countries around the world in a 350 event, marking the number of parts per million of CO2 that is safe for the planet. http://www.moving-planet.org/

Last year we made paper windmills. The year before we made candle lanterns. This year the theme is “Moving Planet.” We will be partnering with Bike North on their calendar ride around Homebush Bay. During the ride we will make a giant number 350 out of bicycles (and people if necessary) laid on the ground. The ride is a 25km easy ride suitable for people 12 years and over with their own bike. Ride starts at Meadowbank Wharf at 8.30am and finishes approximately 12.30. For more information go to:

http://bikenorth.org.au/calendar/eventeditor.php?submit=view&id=2807&type=ride_bn

Hope to see you there.

Meeting with John Alexander

A delegation from Ryde Gladesville Climate Change Action Group met the Member for Bennelong on 2 September. This was the first meeting we had been able to secure with Mr Alexander since his election. The purpose of the meeting was to introduce ourselves, ask about his position on climate change and report to him the results of our surveys of Bennelong residents as part of the 100% Renewable energy campaign. For more detailed notes on the meeting, go to our website:

www.climatechangerg.org/backup/meeting-with-john-alexander/

Ryde gets community garden

The Habitat Network is working with City of Ryde to create a community run native plant propagation area and community food garden at Santa Rosa Park on Quarry Road in Ryde. For more information, go to

http://www.habitatnetwork.org/CommunityNursery.htm

Say Yes campaign

For more information on what you can do in the “SayYes” campaign to cutting pollution and events that will be held, go to the website:

www.Sayyesaustralia.org.au

Community Radio

Two of our members were recently interviewed on 2RRR radio about climate change. We will let you know when it will be broadcast. Go to their website:

www.2rrr.org.au

Ryde Gladesville Climate Change Action Group

The Ryde Gladesville Climate Change Action Group is made up of a small dedicated group of core members and a larger group of supporters. Currently there are lots of exciting things happening in the climate change arena and we welcome others to join the core group. Email us or phone Jo on 0414-375-149.

Next meeting:

Monday 3 October 2011 at 7.30 pm. Call Pamela on 0422 532 586 or Jo on 0414 375 149 for details.

We would like to thank all our friends & supporters for your continued support.

Moocooboola

We had a very successful and well-supported day last Sunday. We spoke to lots of people many of whom wrote letters supporting the Carbon Tax and renewable energy to their local Federal member. See photos www.climatechangerg.org/events/moocooboola-2011/.

Trek for Timor

The aim of this 50km trek on 24 September is to raise money to buy solar panels for remote communities in Timor to replace kerosene powered generators. For information and donations, go to http://www.kvrp.org.au/page1/page10/page10.html

100% Renewables Campaign

The surveys we have conducted recently in the local community show an overwhelming support for a price on carbon (75%), belief the Government should stand up to big polluters and invest in clean energy (82%), support for the development of a plan for 100% renewable energy (83%) and a desire to increase the amount of renewable energy used in electricity generation (88%). For full survey results, see: www.climatechangerg.org/backup/renewables-survey-results/

Must see Youtube video

A powerful video with a timely message.

Bike North Rides

To find out about bicycle rides of varying degrees of difficulty for individuals and families, see the calendar on their website: http://www.bikenorth.org.au/

International Conference for Environment Centres and Community Activists

The Manly Environment Centre is celebrating 20 years and is holding a conference at North Head Sanctuary on 8-11 September featuring international speakers including Prof. Janet Richardson from Totnes Transition Town; Polly Higgins lawyer and author of the book “Ecocide” and Prof. Brian Walker from CSIRO and Stockholm Resilience Centre. For more information, go to: www.mec.org.au/conference

Date claimer

24th September Buffalo Creek Reserve, Pittwater Rd for the annual 350 day. This year’s theme is Moving Planet. Come with your bike to join in Moving Planet activities to celebrate climate action on the move. Further details in our next newsletter.

Meeting with John Alexander

We have finally managed to secure a meeting with John Alexander on 2 September and we will be presenting the results of the 100% renewables surveys at that meeting. We will report back in our next newsletter.

Next meeting:

Monday 5 September 2011 at 7.30 pm. Call Pamela on 0422 532 586 or Jo on 0414 375 149 for details.

We would like to thank all our friends & supporters for your continued support.

The Australian Conservation Foundation says that if this agreement is passed in August or September it will be the most significant legislative victory for the environment in Australia’s history, laying the foundations for a clean energy future.

But we can’t celebrate yet.

The next week is critical as the vested interests that oppose action will be going to work to undermine the agreement. They’ll continue to say this package will send households broke. They’ll say we shouldn’t act before the rest of the world, even though, without this package, Australia lags way behind the curve. They’ll say it will cost jobs, even though study after study has shown action on climate change will create hundreds of thousands of new jobs and the deal has the support of unions and workers.

IN FACT.. AMONGST OTHER MEASURES THE CARBON PRICE AGREEMENT WILL….

• Lift Australia’s 2050 emissions target to 80%
• Lay the foundation for science-based climate action in the coming years and supports the effort to reach an ambitious global climate agreement
• Invest $10 billion in renewable energy, establish the Australian Renewable Energy Agency, supports energy efficiency and start planning for a 100% renewable energy future
• Help the most vulnerable Australians
• Begin to close coal-fired power stations and prevent the building of new commercial coal-fired power stations
• Begin to shift transport onto a cleaner base
• Invest $1.7 billion in protecting bio-diversity and supporting farmers.

We have heard that the work our climate group – along with 60 other climate groups – did in surveying households about renewable energy (14,000 households surveyed in all) played a critical role in the negotiations.

Your voice is needed now more than ever to get us over the line.

Please spend five minutes doing one of the following:

1. Send an email to or call your local Federal MP
2. Call talk back radio/TV eg. Sunrise
3. Write to a newspaper…

to tell them you welcome the action on climate.

Here’s how

John Alexander – Member for Bennelong ( Gladesville/ Ryde/ Epping/ Eastwood)
John.Alexander.MP@aph.gov.au or 9869 4288

Joe Hockey – Member for North Sydney (Gladesville East/ East Ryde/ Hunters Hill/ Lane Cove/ North Sydney)
J.Hockey.MP@aph.gov.au or 9929 9833

Suggested points to make:

• You are really pleased to see this plan finalised and want it to be passed through Parliament without delay.
• You don’t think that a sustainable future should continue to be a political football
• You believe this plan will mean new jobs (including in regional areas) and investment.
• You hope they will actively support these measures to see Australia move to a safe and sustainable future.

Consider ccing your email to the following:

Prime Minister Julia Gillard
Email: ‐ http://www.pm.gov.au/contact‐your‐pm

Tony Windsor MP (Independent)
Tony.Windsor.MP@aph.gov.au

Rob Oakeshott MP (Independent)
robert.oakeshott.mp@aph.gov.au

MEDIA TO CONTACT

Northern District Times
editor@northerndistricttimes.com.au OR

Sydney Morning Herald
letters@smh.com.au OR

Sunrise Show on Channel 7
http://au.tv.yahoo.com/sunrise/contact-us/the-sunrise-team/

Mornings on 702 with Deb Cameron
1300 222 702

What else?

Watch the ACF’s 2 minute animated video that explains the carbon price and share it with your friends.
http://www.acfonline.org.au/default.asp?section_id=391

Read the plan in full or summary
http://www.cleanenergyfuture.gov.au/clean-energy-future/our-plan/

We will be meeting with John Alexander this month to take our views on this to him and also the results of the over 200 surveys on climate action we conducted at local shops, Riverside Markets and door knocking in Gladesville in May.

We would love your feedback on this issue as usual. If you’d like to get more involved our next meeting is 8 August. Contact Jo on 0414 375 149.

Hitting the streets for renewables

Ryde Gladesville Climate Change Action Group has joined the 100% renewable campaign organized by climate groups around Australia to build momentum for transitioning to renewable energy. http://www.100percent.org.au/. Credible research has established we can be 100% renewable in 10 -20 years.

We aim to survey 500 community members about this using a brief survey developed for the campaign and present the results to John Alexander in June. Our results will also be compiled with those of the other participating groups and tabled by Rob Oakshott in Parliament. So far we have completed about 170 at shopping centres and markets. Based on the positive experiences of other climate groups we are taking the step of door knocking locally to ask the survey questions. Check out Jenny Curtis and the Balmain group’s experiences http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VeY8GdtatXM or those of the Newtown group http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FWIDdVpifFw.

We are looking for supporters to join us this Saturday 14 May 1-3pm in Gladesville. If you have been wanting to express support for action on climate change, please join us. Jenny Curtis – experienced campaigner and door knocker will be briefing and debriefing us and a sumptuous afternoon tea will be provided along with a buddy, materials and back up. We will be meeting at 8 Nelson St Gladesville. To find out more or register call Jo on 0414 375 149 or reply to this email.

Tell Julia – to stay true!

Pressure is growing on all sides against the carbon tax. There is a significant risk of the government caving or introducing weak ineffective policy. Let the PM know today you want to see a meaningful price on carbon. http://www.pm.gov.au/contact-your-pm

Most effective emissions reduction?

The Grattan Institute has released a report analysing four types of carbon emissions reduction schemes and found that based on current Australian experience, pricing carbon (ie a carbon tax or emissions trading scheme) delivers the most CO2 emissions for the least money. http://www.grattan.edu.au//pub_page/077_report_energy_learning_the_hard_way.html

Sustainability Drive

Origin Energy has launched a competition where you can nominate your street to win up to $1 million dollars of sustainable energy technology – solar energy systems, energy audits, energy efficient hot water systems. All you have to do is tell them why your street should win. Entries close 15 May. www.originenergy.com.au

Onya!!

Tired of using plastic bags for your fruit and vegies from the supermarket or greengrocer? Now, no more guilt! You can buy the drawstring bags on the net or at markets throughout Australia. They are made out of parachute material, are very light and are reusable. www.onyabags.com.au

WHAT’S ON

Growers for Greenspace Planting Day at Riverglade Reserve, Gladesville – May 14th 9am – 1pm

Hunter’s Hill Council is running a planting day at Riverglade Reserve, End of Waruda Place, Huntleys Cove – May 14th 9am -1pm to support habitat and looking for volunteers. Contact Michele Greenfield Bushcare Volunteer Coordinator on greenfieldm@huntershill.nsw.gov.au

Tim Flannery speaks

Prof. Tim Flannery will be speaking Dee Why RSL on 9 June 2011 from 7 -9pm. Free event but book 9942 2111 or www.warringah.nsw.gov.au/environment/HilltoptoHeadland.aspx

Next meeting: Monday 13 June 2011 at 7.30 pm. Call Jill 0423 984 969 or Jo 0414 375 149. For further information and past newsletters go to our website http://climatechangerg.org/

Printing paper

The Wilderness Society has launched a new campaign to change people’s purchasing behaviour.  Instead of buying Reflex brand paper printing paper, which is made from pulp from trees logged in native forests, the organisation is encouraging people to buy recycled paper which is labelled “100% recycled post-consumer waste”. It is hoped that by people taking this action, the company will be forced to change it source of pulp to 100% plantation or recycled fibre. To find out more, please visit:

www.ethicalpaper.com.au

Global Issues:  

There is now a proven link between climate change and human impact. Scientists from universities in Canada and Scotland have made the link between increased heavy rainfall and greenhouse gas emissions.  The study was published recently in the journal Nature. A report from the ABC can be seen at:

http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2011/02/17/3141472.htm

Australian Issues: 

Floods

The recent floods and cyclone in Queensland has highlighted the need for State and Federal governments to be more assertive in tackling climate change and adjusting their current funding policies to bring about real action.

One of the biggest contributors to climate change is the burning of fossil fuels. However, instead of cutting emissions, Anna Bligh is rushing to repair coal industry infrastructure so that Xstata and BHP can continue business as usual.

Julia Gillard could easily use the $9 billion of annual government subsidies to the fossil fuel industry to cover the costs of flood relief.  Instead, she has announced cuts to programmes that would reduce greenhouse gas emissions such as the ‘Solar Flagships’ that supports investment into large-scale solar power generators and the green car initiatives.

If you would like to support this call to action, you can sign an on-line petition at:

http://www.thepetitionsite.com/1/tax-polluters-for-climate-disasters/

Climate Commission

Tim Flannery, the 2007 Australian of the Year, will be heading the Climate Commission which the Federal Government has established.  The commission will be looking at the effects of climate change on the Australian community.  Greg Combet, the Federal Minister for Climate Change made the announcement recently.

The Commission will look at the recent natural disasters and the role of climate change as well as increasing information to the public about climate change.

For more information, go to:

http://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/climate/flannery-vow-on-climate-change-debate/story-e6frg6xf-1226003975457

http://news.smh.com.au/breaking-news-national/climate-commission-ploy-to-sell-tax-hunt-20110210-1aont.html

More on Tim Flannery

Tim Flannery and Paul Collins, a Catholic theologian, recently featured on Radio National on 30 January 2011 talking about the ethical and religious aspects of a changing climate. Read the transcript at:

http://www.abc.net.au/rn/encounter/stories/2011/3120525.htm#transcript

“You ain’t seen nothing yet”

Professor Ross Garnaut is warning that unless Australia takes immediate and decisive action on climate change, we can expect more extreme weather events such as experienced in Queensland into the future.

He further said that a World Bank study concluded that Australia was a world champion by a large amount in the amount of carbon emissions per head. Read more:

http://www.news.com.au/national/governments-global-warming-adviser-ross-garnaut-warns-of-worse-natural-disasters-to-come/story-e6frfkvr-1225999699355

Local Issues

Clean up Australia Day will be held on Sunday 6 March. For more information go to:

http://www.cleanup.org.au/au/

Dates for your diary:

Saturday 5 March. 1pm Boronia Grove Function Centre, 49 Rawson St, Epping.

Movie “Gaslands” will be shown, which highlights the dangers of coal seam gas. Guest speaker will be Cate Faehrmann MLC.

Saturday 12 March. 2-pm Shepherds Bay Community Centre, 3A Bay Drive, Meadowbank.

Movie “Future Makers” will be shown. Guest speaker will be Dr Mark Diesendorf, Dep. Director Environmental Studies, UNSW.

Next meeting:

Monday 14 March, 2011  at  7.30 pm.  Call Pamela on 9816 5672 or

 Jo on 0414 375 149 for details.

We would like to thank all our friends & supporters for your continued support.

Sustainable fish

The good fish Fish has much lower emissions than beef or lamb (if it’s locally caught) but we need to protect our fish stocks and the ocean they are in. The Australian Marine Conservation Society has launched Australia’s first online sustainability guide for seafood. www.sustainableseafood.org.au

Global Issues: CARBON CAPTURE & STORAGE

Reports are saying that a CCS project for enhanced oil recovery project in Canada is seeing leakage of CO2 through the cap rock to the surface. This may well be the first incident of a CCS leak caused from an actual project. In 2009 Greenpeace raised concerns about how CO2 behaves once stored. This could be a huge blow for the proponents of CCS, raising issues once again of safety, reliability and liability.

See the link at:

http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/greenpage/environment/carbon-injected-underground-now-leaking-saskatchewan-farmers-study-says-113276449.html

There was a story on the ABC’s AM program on 21 January which said that 2010 was one of 3 hottest years on record & the wettest year on record. Particular mention was made of the recent Pakistan floods. For more details check the ABC website : abc.net.au

Australian Issues: No New Coal

The coal industry is the largest contributor to greenhouse gases in Australia. ANZ Bank is the biggest investor in this industry for both coal mining & energy production. There is a current national campaign to highlight these issues & we have recently picketed outside the Gladesville & Top Ryde branches of the ANZ Bank.

Here’s the link to the YouTube video which shows the power of local community advocates (once you know that this guy basically single-handedly shifted US$110m out of Bank of America and into local banks & credit unions).

Floods:

Recent scientific advice to the Queensland Government warned that the state would be threatened by higher flood levels from intense torrential downpours brought on by climate change. In 2010 the Scientific Advisory Group to the Queensland Government’s Inland Flooding Study advised that “an increase in rainfall intensity is likely” and “the available scientific literature indicates this increased rainfall intensity to be in the range of 3–10 per cent per degree of global warming”.

http://www.acfonline.org.au/uploads/res/Flooding_fact_sheet_12-1-11.pdf

There is also an article in Crikey which relates to the Queensland floods.

http://www.crikey.com.au/2011/01/18/climate-change-where-it-fits-into-the-queensland-disaster/

To view this whole article you will need to be a subscriber to Crikey.

Local Issues

A local chemical engineer Yash Divekar was selected from hundreds of applicants to attend Al Gore’s annual Climate Project in Jakarta 8-10 January. It is encouraging to see a young local resident participating in such a positive way & helping to spread the word. To see the full article in the NDT 5 January, 2011.

On Now:

Wildlife Photographer of the Year Exhibition is now showing at the Australian Museum until 13 March, 2011. This is an annual exhibition of animals in their native environment – a fantastic family day out. See

http://australianmuseum.net.au/event/Wildlife-Photographer-of-the-Year-2010

Next meeting:

Monday 14 February, 2011 at 7.30 pm. Call Pamela on 9816 5672 or Jo on 0414 375 149 for details.

ANZ bank are the largest funder of coal mining and coal fired power in Australia. Despite the fact that coal is the single biggest global contributor to greenhouse gases, Australia has 12 new coal fired power stations planned. ANZ and the three other big banks have been asked by Greenpeace to rule out financing these plants, but have refused.  Westpac, NAB and Commonwealth are also big funders of coal. Ryde Gladesville Climate Change Action Group have been outside ANZ branches in Gladesville and Ryde letting customers know about the bank’s track record and letting them know how they can express an opinion on this to the bank.  More information on how to let your bank know what you think http://www.greenpeace.org.au/climate/TakeAction.html. If you would like to join us next time we visit the banks, call Jo on 0414 375 149

sustainable christmas     stop! Put back the black and decker drill! Think Christmas presents with low embedded energy. Think tickets to plays or music, massages, plants for the garden, antique or second hand items, hand made items. Above all try to avoid anything with a plug. 

Or… give a gift certificate for a contribution to supporting solar panels for Timorese households courtesy the Alternative Technology Association (ATA) ATA’s website.

Ryde Council reports that more waste is produced during summer than at any other time of the year and even they (yes! Ryde Council!) suggest ideas for reducing waste production including re-using or using re-usable wrapping paper ( eg tea towels) and buying presents and food with least packaging. For more  http://www.ryde.nsw.gov.au/WEB/SITE/RESOURCES/DOCUMENTS/PDF/RydeCityViewNewsletter/Newsletter_4_12.pdf

And eating    German shortbread, Scottish shortbread, swiss chocolate. Food miles? If its imported it travelled a long way here by sea or air and has LOTS of embedded energy. Buy local or better still make your own. Here is our killer shortbread recipe.

Adios cancun: G’day climate action   Now that the climate party in Cancun is over, the Australian government needs to drop the small talk and get serious about climate policy, check out the New Matilda piece here.

http://newmatilda.com/2010/12/14/adios-cancun-gday-climate-action

Finally….  Have a safe and joyful festive season. Thank you for your support this year and for turning up at our events. Please don’t hesitate to give feedback on the newsletter or suggestions for activities for 2011.

Best wishes 

Jo Spangaro and Jill Hartley for Ryde Gladesville Climate Change Action Group