Curious about what pollution your bank funds?
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