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.

THE Earth whizzed through Gladesville on Friday on its light-speed mission to remind earthlings how precious this planet is and why they should protect and preserve it.

The huge inflatable Earth is being relayed by environmental groups across Australia to rendezvous with a bigger house-sized Earth, the Climate Action Station, on the lawns of parliament House. On Friday it was the turn of Ryde Hunters Hills Flora and Fauna Preservation Society and the Ryde Gladesville Climate Change Action Group. After an hour at the Field of Mars in Gladesville it hurtled off to Hornsby and Newcastle.

Story from the Northern District Times, 26 Oct 11.

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.

350 is the number of parts per million of CO2 that scientists and the UN agree is safe level for the planet. There are currently 392 parts per million.

Read our media release.  Check out the coverage of our event in the Northern District Times, 28^th September edition.

See more images from events from Burundi to Tuvalu from the same day http://moving-planet.org/

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.

Mr Alexander made it clear from early in the meeting that he sees the importance of reducing CO2 emissions and talked about his experience in the USA in the 1970s when home energy consumption suddenly received attention during the oil price shocks.

We asked the following questions and received these answers (paraphrased).

Q: What is your understanding of climate change and its causes?

A: There is no challenge to the science that climate change is being induced or accelerated by humans.

Q: Will you be supporting the government’s proposed legislation to reduce emissions?

The Opposition does not support the governments plan as we think that innovation and cultural change are what is needed to bring about the changes needed.

Q: How will the Liberal policy of direct abatement of emissions be funded?

The Liberal policy costings will be released closer to the next election.

Q: What are you doing in the electorate to support renewable energy?

I am intensively involved in the Opposition’s Sustainable Cities Committee and have a strong interest in energy generation from the perspective of both reducing costs and reducing CO2 emissions. I am arguing to build the Epping to Parramatta and Epping to Rouse Hill rail lines.

Residents’ Support Renewable Energy

We also fed back to Mr Alexander the results of the 291 Bennelong resident surveys we conducted between June 2010 and May 2011 at the markets, shopping centres and door knocking. These results indicate that 88% of respondents think we should be increasing the proportion of renewable energy, and 75% think we should put a price on carbon. We also asked respondents what message they would like to pass on to their local member. These comments were provided to Mr Alexander.

In summary the key message from respondents was that the government should just get on and take the necessary steps immediately to reduce Australia’s emissions. We asked Mr Alexander to also:-

1. Write to Tony Abbott and Greg Hunt (Shadow spokes person on climate) and tell them about the work that we have been doing in the electorate and the results we have found.
2. Participate in the parliamentarians survey as part of 100% Renewable energy campaign.

He agreed to undertake both these requests.

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.

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.

Putney shopping centre, 12 June 2010;
North Ryde Rotary Club, 25  June 2010;
Gladesville Public School, 25 June 2010;
Eastwood Mall 24 July 2010;
Riverside markets, 9 April 2011 & 28 May 2011;
Gladesville household door knock, 14 May 2011 & 28 May 2011;
North Ryde shopping centre 28 May 2011.

291 residents completed the survey.

Survey Questions

1. Is the government is doing enough to promote the development of clean renewable energy, like wind, wave and solar, in Australia?

3. Do you think the Government should be supporting the creation of renewable energy jobs by implementing strong policy that will drive investment in this sector?

4. With electricity prices rising and the cost of renewable energy becoming cheaper, do you think we should be increasing the percentage of renewable energy?

5. Research now shows that Australia could generate all of its power from renewable energy like wind and solar, 24 hours a day. Do you think Australia should develop a plan to move to 100% renewable energy?

6. Our economy is quite dependent on energy sources that cause pollution. Should Australia put a price tag on pollution, so that businesses that continue to pollute are made responsible, and those that don’t pollute are encouraged to continue using clean energy?

7. Polluting companies are trying to scare our governments by saying that renewable energy is not a viable option. Should the government stand up to these big companies and invest in clean energy anyway?