Ecological Footprint

Firstly, you may ask, what even is an ecological footprint??? Your ecological footprint is the area of land needed to produce and maintain your lifestyle, as well as enough space to absorb the waste you produce.

The average ecological footprint for an Australian is 7.7ha (massive), compared to the average in the whole world which is only 2.2ha.

Try out the Bigfoot challenge at Powerhouse Museum to discover your own ecological footprint. If yours is over 7ha, I suggest you try to cut back!

Water vs Waste

Why don't you check out this Water vs Waste fun game provided to you by Water Corporation? This is a good way to polish your water saving knowledge!

Some more eco-tips...

There are some very easy tips you can follow as an individual to make your contribution to helping our environment.

Recycling is one of the easiest ways you can help but make sure you always remember to take the tops and lids off bottles and jars. Rinse food scraps off all jars, bottles and containers before placing them into the bin, this will help the recycling stations use more of the materials that are collected.

For recycling to realistically succeed, recyclable materials must be processed into new products and those products must be purchased and used. By selecting items such as Earth Choice or Safe toilet tissue that are made from recycled material or contain a recycled content you are helping to ensure that recycling programs work.

Reduce the amount of Toxic or hazardous products that you use around the home. Avoid using pesticides by planting Tea Tree or Marigolds in your garden to help expel certain insects. Choose cleaning products that use less chemicals. Earth Choice cleaning products are an environmentally responsible alternative to conventional cleaning products. Less chemicals means savings to both the consumer and the environment.

Backyard composting can significantly reduce the amount of waste that we throw away into landfill. Good composting can be of great benefit to your garden and reduce the need for commercial artificial soil additives.

Take used car batteries, motor oil, antifreeze and old paint to places that collect these items for recycling, check with your local council.

Donate Goods instead of throwing them out. "One mans trash is another mans treasure". Items such as towels, clothing, tools, appliances, blankets, and toys can quite often be put to good use by those in need. Donating or reselling your unwanted goods to community organisations is a better option than simply throwing these items away.

Many everyday items in your house can be reused. By reusing before recycling items such as paper, plastic bags, envelopes, gift boxes, ribbons, bubble wrap, egg cartons, clean glass jars or bottles etc. we are extending their life and keeping them out of the solid waste stream longer. This also slows down the pace at which we need to buy new consumer items.



Talk to others, friends and family about what they can do to help. For all of our sakes, we need more education and commitment from each individual so that we can help turn the bleak future of our Planet into one that has a brighter outcome.

Source: Natures Organics

Organic Shampoo

We usually shop at Coles or Woolworths, and why can't you find an environmentally friendly shampoo? Why? Why do they have to add SLS to all the shampoos in the shop! After a long look we finally found an Organic Care shampoo. This shampoo has:

• no sles, sls, als, ales
• no parabens
• no petrochemical cleansers

Why don't they encourage more shampoos free of SLS???

The fabulous shampoo that looks after your hair...

New Polls

There are two new polls that we would please like you to enter. Also, not exactly following an environmental issue, you must check the following blogs out. They have been made by our classmates and would really appreciate it if you visited them:
Black Hole Theories
Foody Fun Critics
Random Facts and Chats!
Thanks a heap!

Captain Clean-Up!

Also known as... Australia's Environmental Superhero! I wish to thank whichever teacher decided to invite Captain Clean-Up to Darkan DHS last week, he is excellent!
Captain Clean-Up is a well known environmental SUPER HERO who visits up to 100 schools and 20,000 students each year. Captain Clean-Up is entertaining for all... from Kindy to High School. For example, what would you do if you found a needle on the ground? Captain Clean-Up shows us how! I may be quite expensive - $5 per child, but it's worth every cent of it! Plus he's even got a cool car! It is the only one of it's type... Book to see Captain Clean- Up now!!!

National Tree Day ... is today!!!

As is my sister's b'day...

Looking for something to do today? Why not get outdoors and plant a native tree for National Tree Day! As well as being lots of fun, you'll be helping to make a positive environmental difference and what better excuse is there to let the kids play in the dirt!

More than 300,000 volunteers are expected to turn out for tree-planting and maintenance activities at more than 3,000 sites nationwide and this year we're hoping one of our participants will plant the 15 millionth native seedling since the event began in 1996.

Source: Tree Day @ Planet Ark

Vote Earth!!!

with Earth Hour!

1. Why should I Vote Earth? Watch the video!
2. How can I show my support? Download the Vote Earth symbol (above).
3. How can I spread the word? Show the world on MySpace, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube or Flickr.
4. What else could people do to show their Vote for Earth? The answer for this one is up to you!
   

LifeArt

Have you ever thought of what type of coffin you want? LifeArt can personalise your casket, while also being environmentally friendly. How awesome is that??? The coffins are made from up to 90% recycled cardboard and are ensured to be strong enough to carry 200kg+. LifeArt coffins are ideal for cremation as they don't require as much fuel as a standard timber coffin. Although the coffins are competitively priced, it is really worth it, especially seen as you can decorate the coffins with images that befit the deceased and how they lived their life. Images available include forests, oceans, flowers, the Aussie flag or a motorbike to name a few. For an extra fee, a personal photo or farewell messages can adorn the coffin.
For more info check out LifeArt Australia.

Lucious Locks - Eco Beauty Tip

Want to repair your dry and damaged hair? Then try this hair mask...

1. Mash up a few fruits that you have in the kitchen like bananas, avacado, melon and berries.
2. Mix it all up with some olive oil.
3. Now spread evenly on your hair and wrap it all up in a warm towel.
4. Hang out for half an hour, then wash like normal.

Haven't tried this, so I'm not positive it works.

Source: Barbie Thumbelina, Total Girl

Discussion Point

How much genuine change do you believe is taking place and how much is media greenwashing?

Women Leading Change - 2009 Women's Day

Click here to see a brochure for Women Leading Change - 2009 Women's Day. There is a workshop at Boyup Brook Town Hall on the 26 June. Click above for more details.

A focus on local solutions to global issues.

How to Make Your Own Baby Powder

If you still believe in the usefulness of baby powder, then you should at least opt for a formulation that avoids the dangers of inhaling talc. As you can see in the recipe below, the homemade baby powder presented here is based on corn flour, not talcum powder. Corn flour is doctor-approved because its much bigger particles are more difficult to inhale. To make your own baby powder, gather the following ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons crumbled, dried chamomile flowers
• 4 tablespoons corn flour
• 1 tablespoon orris root
• ½ teaspoon potassium alum

Method

Of course corn flour is available from your grocer. Chamomile flowers and orris root can be found at local herbal shops or online. Potassium Alum is a mineral stone and can be found online in powder form. You may find it online where other natural ingredients are sold.

Once you've collected your ingredients, mix them all together in a small bowl. Then transfer this mixture into an appropriate container. You can then proceed to use it as you would any normal baby powder. However, you should not use this recipe on your baby's nappy rash.

So there you have it, a look at the concerns about baby powder and a natural alternative. Of course, babies aren't the only ones who use powder. You may find the above recipe very helpful and pleasing to use yourself to keep your skin soft and dry.

Source: Eco-Friendly Kids

Discussion Point

Finished reading the last post??? Sorry if it was too long, but it's worth a read! After you've eventually finished reading those tips try our discussion point...
What can we all do to help combat climate change?

World Environment Day

World Enivronment Day is held once a year and this years WED is today! This years theme is Your Planet Needs You! Here are some tips to help green your routine!

IN GENERAL:

• Plant a tree! Help achieve UNEP’s Billion Tree Campaign target of planting seven billion trees – one for every person on the planet – by the end of this year! Three billion are planted. Five billion are pledged. On every continent in the world trees can be planted in June, so start your efforts on WED.
• Find needy homes or charitable organizations for things that you no longer need or want rather than throwing it away.

DAILY ROUTINE:

AT HOME…

• It would seem to go without saying, but many of us forget that we can save water in simple ways like not letting the tap run while shaving, washing your face, or brushing your teeth.
• Insulating your water heater will help save valuable energy, and you can go the extra mile by installing showerheads with a low flow in your bathrooms for bathing purposes to help save water. You can also put a timer on your heaters to save power.
• Using an electric razor or hand razor with replaceable blades instead of disposable razors goes a long way to cutting back on waste. And plant a tree.
• Use towels for drying your face and hands instead of tissues that are used and thrown away. Also, hang your towels to dry so that they can be reused several times. You are after all clean when you use them!
• Juice or yoghurt lovers can do their bit by buying juice in concentrates and yoghurt in reusable containers instead of single serving packages.
• Many of us like to leaf through the paper as we munch on breakfast, but consider reading the dailies in communal spaces like the office or coffee shops. However, if you prefer to have your own copy, make sure you recycle!
• When packing your lunch, opt for reusable containers for food storage instead of wrapping the food with aluminum foil or plastic wrap.
• As you leave the house, don’t forget to switch off all the lights and appliances at the wall unit (if you have this feature) and unplug chargers as they continue to consume even if they are not charging; saving energy helps reduce air pollution.

GETTING TO WORK:

• Don’t go anywhere without your cloth bag so you can just say no to plastic whenever you shop.
• Radical as it may seem, in today’s “the easier the better” society, the easiest way to reduce your carbon footprint is by avoiding driving altogether. Power down and Instead try biking, walking, carpooling, public transport or an occasional telecommute.
• If you have no other choice than to drive to work, look for the most fuel- efficient car model for your next purchase and keep your tyres inflated to the correct pressure.

• If you’re one of the lucky few blessed with clear stretches of road on your way to work, use cruise control, as it saves fuel and also helps you maintain a constant speed.
• If you’re among the majority of drivers who spend their mornings stuck in traffic, consider turning your engine off if you will be idling for long periods of time. And plant a tree.
• For those who suffer from road rage, remember that aggressive driving lowers your mileage, so if you want to save on fuel and save the planet while you’re at it, accelerate gradually-- something to keep that in mind the next time that bad driver cuts you off! Just count to 10 and say the planet needs me!

AT WORK:

• Do you have a morning hot drink routine? Using a washable mug is an environmentally-friendly alternative to non-biodegradable styrofoam or plastic cups.
• Leave a cup and reusable bottle for water at work to eliminate buying drinks, which get served in plastic cups, or bottled water. 80% of plastic bottles are recyclable but only 20% are actually recycled.
• When you need a pad for lists and messages, turn over an old document and write on the back of that instead.
• If there isn’t an office recycling system, start one yourself! Recycling our trash actually contributes to reducing global warming emissions. And it is estimated that 75% of what is thrown in the trash could actually be recycled, though currently only 25% is.
• When you must have a paper copy, make sure you default your printer option to use both sides. This is an easy tree-saver!
• Most computer accessories like ink cartridges and CDs and DVDs are made of materials that could be reused. Computer cords and speakers are fairly standardized, meaning they can be used for a variety of computer models and makes.
• Lower your office’s carbon footprint by seeing computers, monitors, printers, copiers, speakers and other business equipment to their energy saving feature and turning them off at the end of the day. And plant a tree!
• Turning off all unnecessary lights, especially in unused offices and conference rooms is an easy way to save energy.
• If you’re in search of something to personalize your workspace, look no further than the humble houseplant. Houseplants are good for the environment because they remove quantities of pollutants present in the air.

AFTER A LONG DAY:

• In the summer/warmer months, consider using an interior fan in conjunction with your window air-conditioner to spread the cooled air more effectively through your home. While you’re at it, in winter, lower your thermostat and put on a jumper. In summer, increase it and wear lighter clothes, you will also save money!
• Don’t place lamps or TV sets near your air-conditioning thermostat as it senses heat from these appliances, which can cause the air-conditioner to run longer than necessary.
• When cooking dinner, match the size of the pan to the size of the heating element to lower energy wastage.
• When you are feeling at your laziest, don’t throw clean clothes in the hamper to avoid hanging them up! Wear jeans more than once…
• When you wash, use only eco-friendly products in your home. It’s best for you and the environment! And did we mention plant a tree!

Source: UNEP

Discussion Point

The Earth Hour website comes up with a new "talking point" or "discussion point" each week and I thought Save the Earth could have a go at it. This weeks question:
Which is worse? The global financial crisis or climate change?
Have a go and post a comment on your decision!

Everything!!!

The first thing I'd like to mention is the Astronomy Picture of the Day (placed in the sidebar), I really think these photos are truly impressive, don't you?
Secondly, S.Lloyd replied to our logo comp, thanks Sam! Unfortunately I'm unable to show the designs Sam took from the internet, but well done.
Click here to see a logo for Earth Hour, that was held in March. Earth Hour is when everyone in the world tries to turns off their lights for an hour at a specific time. Sadly, I forgot to participate!!!

Well Done Save The Earth!

Well done to Save the Earth, because today both authors received a Certificate of Merit for being a great environmental advocate with their online journalism and blogging.
Thanks a heap to Miss A. Painter and Miss P. Hooper!

Also, did you know that polar bears could become completely extinct within 75 years?
If you're wanting a good game to play head to Mission H2O, or stay with Sea Secrets.

National Walk to School Day

...was today!
Did your kids or you (if you're a kid) walk to school today?
In fact, I didn't, not many of my friends did either because my school is based in the country, where not may people have the chance to walk to school. Instead, after the siren, the whole school did a 2km walk around town.
Click on the National Walk to School Day link to fill in a survey form or click here to print out a colouring picture.
If your a parent and think Walk to School Day is a good idea than check out Walk to Work Day! Though, it is a long way off (October 2ND).

Trees in the Bin...

Okay, you're wanting to get the sketch of the tree right, but you just can't, you're about to throw away the 6th piece of high-quality sketching paper when you stop. Right there, you think back, "What am I doing?" you might say to yourself, and you know well what you're doing...you're throwing a tree like that that you're drawing in the bin. Instead of continuing to bin these trees you can always erase the bad parts or even realise that it's not so bad after all.
Did you know that each day, around 270 000 trees around the world are flushed down the toilet in form of toilet paper.
Stop and think!!!
Why waste trees???
And don't forget if you do cut down a tree, plant a new one - it will help.
This year's National Tree Day in on August 2ND and Schools Tree Day is on July 31ST

Which cleaning product do you use?

Scroll down to the bottom of our site to vote on which cleaning product you use. Quick! There's only 4 more days left to vote.

Top Tips for a More Eco-Friendly Wardrobe

• Buy fewer clothes - but spend more on quality. Well-made clothes will not only stand the test of time, they will usually have a higher resale for charity shops. It also makes a statement to retailers that you are not in the market for cheap clothes.
• Buy second-hand -Charity shops have borne the brunt of cheap clothing, with sales falling year on year. Buying from them extends the life of clothes and supports this worthy sector.
• Give away clothes - This is particularly relevant for baby clothes which are outgrown very quickly. Or why not try hosting a clothes-swapping party where you invite friends over to exchange clothes.
• Buy fairtrade clothing - Although the Fairtrade Foundation does not currently cover all stages in the production line, investing in Fairtrade cotton clothes will ensure that at least the growers are guaranteed a fair deal.
• Try alternative materials - Hemp, bamboo and soy all make great products.
• Read around the glossies - Fashion mags may tell you all you need to know about what's hot and what's not, but gathering information from other sources such as Labour Behind the Label and No Sweat will give you the fuller picture.
• Wash clothes when dirty - Washing clothes uses a lot of water and energy; underwear might require a wash after every use, but think twice about whether a jumper really needs washing after 2 days.
• Don't iron when unnecessary and never tumble dry - A washing line or clothes horse is perfectly adequate and allows
• Buy organic cotton clothing - There are plenty of companies sourcing organic cotton clothing for their ranges.
• Avoid clothes which need to be dry-cleaned - Most dry-cleaners use a fluid called tetrachloroethylene, which causes long-term pollution if it escapes into the waterways. Many articles whose tags ask for the dry clean treatment can actually be hand-washed, especially sik, wool and linen. As an alternative to conventional dry-cleaning, an increasing number of dry-cleaners are now using Green Earth Cleaning solution, which is made from liquid silicone and is non-toxic. Visit www.greenearthcleaning.com for more information.

Ok, if you want you don't have to go so eco-friendly. I got this from a magazine and even I don't think some ideas are the best!!!
How about you take the How Green is you Wardrobe Quiz?

A Few Ways...

Here are just a few ways to contribute in the fight for earth!

1. Plant more trees

2. People make their own supplies/grow their own fruit and veges.

3. Depend less on electricity

4. Stop pollution (put you rubbish in a rubbish bin and not in our environment!)

5. NO HOMEWORK. SAVE THE TREES!

6. Limit time spent on the computer, instead play a game of footy or cricket or something completely different.

7. Use environmentally friendly approved things such a Enjo

8. Don't kill nature, animals OR humans.

9. Just because you're being environmentally friendly does not mean no showers or anything.You still have to smell fresh, but have a shower rather than a bath, beacuse showers only approximately use up to 35 litres if you have a 5 minute shower. Baths take up to or over 80 litres!

10. Say no to chemicals.

11. Use eco-friendly materials, liquids, substances.

Go Green Logos

Here are a few Go Green logos. How about you make your own and send it to sophietelfer@westnet.com.au, then our favourites will be able to get published!

Go Green!

Go green now with some of these websites!
Greenway Energy
Quiz: How Green is your Wardrobe?
Ten Ways to Go Green and Save Green
Going Green

Earth Day - a poem for everyone

I am the Earth
And the Earth is me.
Each blade of grass,
Each honey tree,
Each bit of mud,
And stick and stone
Is blood and muscle,
Skin and bone.

And just as I
Need every bit
Of me to make
My body fit,
So Earth needs
Grass and stone and tree
And things that grow here
Naturally.

That's why we
Celebrate this day.
That's why across
The world we say:
As long as life,
As dear, as free,
I am the Earth
And the Earth is me.

By Jane Yolan

What is Global Warming?

Many people consider climate change and global warming the greatest environmental challenges facing the world today. These issues affect everyone in the world but the good news is that everyone in the world can be a part of the solution if they so desire. Make sure that you do your part by swotting up on climate change and global warming, and committing yourself to a lifestyle that reduces these concerns.

What are Climate Change and Global Warming?

Climate change and global warming are pretty much exactly what they say. Climate change is literally a change in the climate of a given area, including changes in its average temperatures, wind patterns and amounts of rainfall. One of the results of climate change is that temperatures are rising all over the world, which is known as global warming. In fact, the ten hottest years ever recorded have all occurred since 1990, and experts predict that in the next century average temperatures around the world could rise as much as an average of 5.8oC.

What Causes Climate Change and Global Warming?

While politicians around the world wrangle about the causes of climate change and global warming, scientists know that when greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide and methane are released into the atmosphere they contribute to the problem. The United Nations has attempted to limit these harmful gases with the Kyoto Protocol, a set of guidelines that asks countries to meet a target of reduce greenhouse gases to a level that will not interfere with the climate or cause further change. Since signing the Kyoto Protocol, the UK’s greenhouse gas emissions have indeed been reduced, but there is still a long way to go.

What Can We Do to Limit Climate Change and Global Warming?

At home turn off lights and unplug electrical equipment went not in use. Reduce the number of spray products you use for personal care, and recycle as many items as you can every day. When you travel try to use trains, boats or efficient cars and fly as rarely as possible to limit the carbon emissions from planes. If you find a little more time on your hands fund-raiser for charities and organizations fighting climate change and global warming. With a little creativity there will be no stopping you

Climate change and global warming are serious issues affecting everyone on Earth. Educate yourself about climate change and global warming, and the ways in which you can reduce your own contributions, and then pass along all that you property learned. The world are literally depending upon it.

When Do You Send Greenhouse Gases into the Air?

Whenever you...

• Watch TV
• Play a video game
• Use the air-con
• Listen to the stereo
• Turn on a light
  
• Wash or dry clothes
• Use a hair-dryer
  
• Microwave a meal
• Ride in the car
  
• Use a dishwasher

... you are helping to send greenhouse gas into the air.

To perform many of these functions, you need to use electricity. Electricity comes from power plants. Most power plants use coal and oil to make electricity. Burning coal and oil produces greenhouse gases.

Enviromentally friendly kids!

Are you eco-friendly? Want your kid to be too, but don't know where to start?
Secrets at Sea is the place! Here your kids can play a game, while learning about caring for our ocean animals!
Or even hop onto Eco-Friendly Kids! or EPA Climate Change Kids Site!
Your kids will want to start respecting the enviroment in a dash!

Protecting Sea Turtles

Thousands of sea turtles drown each year in shrimp nets. United States law requires shrimp fishermen to use a Turtle Excluder Device (TED) on all shrimp nets, which is a trap door inside the shrimp net that allows sea turtles to escape. TEDs have saved lives of many sea turtles. However, some shrimp fisherman do not follow the law. Shrimp nets without TEDs continue to be a danger to sea turtles.

Click here to view a diagram of a shrimp net with an installed TED.

Miracle Wash Laundry Balls

Ever heard of Laundry Balls??? No! Well you have now! Laundry balls are:

	Environmentally Safe
	Contain No Harsh Chemicals
	Economical
	Easy to use
	Convenient

so they're just fabulous for your washing machine!
Look up Dana's site here! or Buy them straight away here!

Drop! By Paco Jaanson

Ever heard of Paco Jaanson? Well they've come up with a really smart shower! Plus it's eco-friendly! Check it out here!

Dust

Dust is a general name for minute solid particles with diameters less than 20 thou (500 micrometres). Particles in the atmosphere arise from various sources such as soil dust lifted up by wind, volcanic eruptions and pollution. Dust in homes, offices and other human environments consists of human skin cells, plant pollen, human and animal hairs, textile fibres, paper fibres, minerals from outdoor soil, and many other materials which may be found in the local environment.

Source: Wikipedia

The environment would be better off without dust, but dust is one of those things that we can't stop. We couldn't possibly stop shredding our skins could we? Only if somehow scientists could change our human genes... which won't be happening in the near future! Plant pollen, minerals and hair are also things we are unable to stop. This means dust will continue to be a big part of the environment...