hero missions

qpsu climate heroes
supported by acf

christmas mission

With so many great achievements for our Climate Heroes already this year December/January will hopefully be a time when everyone has a chance for some rest and recreation.

Even when you're resting however and enjoying the festive cheer there are a few ways we can make sure that this party season is as sustainable as possible. That's what this mission takes you through.

With some great ideas for green gifts, having a sustainable party and remembering our Sustainable Food mission from last month we can all reduce our carbon footprint for Christmas.

If you have any other great green christmas ideas or want to let us know about your favourite climate achievement in 2008 send us an email to climate@qpsu.org.au.

Christmas is traditionally a time of huge spending, on presents, food, alcohol, parties, and holidays. In 2007, the pre-Christmas spend hit a record $36.5 billion, as estimated by the Australian Retailers’ Association. They also estimated that post-Christmas sales were recordtoppers, estimating shoppers spent up to $2.3 billion for household and entertainment products, and $938 million for clothing and footwear, from Boxing Day through to mid-January 2008.

All of this festive consumption results in significant environmental damage. The Australian Conservation Foundation (ACF) produced a report in 2005, The Hidden Cost of Christmas, which outlined the impact of Christmas spending in terms of greenhouse pollution, water use, land disturbance and materials used. But you don’t have to be a scrooge to reduce your carbon footprint this Christmas.

Imagine if, in 2008, Australians chose to direct their incredible Christmas purchasing power towards climate-freindly and eco-friendly products and services. This way, we can not only give gifts to our loved ones, but also to the earth. Givng sustainable gifts also helps to raise awareness of environmental issues within your family and friends.

Don’t forget, if you ever want to contact us about the campaign, or if you have any questions, email us at climate@qpsu.org.au, or call 1800 177 244.

Step 1: Give a present to the earth this Christmas

See the tips included in this kit for how to make your Christmas an eco-friendly one – from the gifts we buy, to the food we eat, and even the way that we decorate our homes, your choices this Christmas can make a big difference.

Share these tips with your colleagues as th festive season approaches.

Step 2: At work – Sustainable Christmas Party

Most workplaces will be organising a Christmas party. By talking with the organiser for your workplace, or with the venue where the Christmas function is to be held, you have the chance to make your Christmas party an eco-friendly one.

See the attached sheet for some important questions to consider with the organiser.

Step 3: In your community – Walk Against Warming

Brisbane, 15 November

The Walk Against Warming is an annual event organised by the conservation councils across Australia, and this year, it’s happening again on November 15.

The first Walk, in 2006, was attended by 40,000 people in each of Sydney and Melbourne, and with torrential rain in Brisbane, still attracted 1500.

In 2007, nearly 150,000 people joined the Walk nationwide, but again in Brisbane the event proved itself to be a drought-breaker, with a turnout of about 3000, in the rain. Fingers crossed that this year the weather is fine.

Come along and bring your family, friends and a bright-coloured umbrella. It is a colourful and familyfriendly day, complete with food and entertainment at the final destination. This year Brisbane Walkers will be highlighting what we need to do to Save the Reef from the ravages of dangerous Climate Change.

We will also emphasise what’s needed to Save the Region by helping to shelter our neighbours in the Torres Strait and the Asia Pacific from the sea level rise and wild weather that’s already locked in to the warming climate system for the next few decades.

12:30pm Sat 15 November Queens Park, marching Roma Street Parklands Ampitheatre See http://www.walkagainstwarming.org/?page=qld. php&s=3 for more details.

Step 4: Check in on your eco-footprint

Earlier in the year we all asssessed our eco-footprints using the ACF’s Greenhome Calculator. Now, approaching the end of the year, it’s time to see how we’ve done in improving our eco-footprints.

Visit www.acfonline.org.au/greenhome and click the link to the eco-calculator on the right, under ‘Take Action for a better world at home.’

Contact

Email us at climate@qpsu.org.au, or call 1800 177 244 if you have any questions.

Good luck!