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ALEC Update
Thursday January 15, 2009
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Happy New Year and best wishes to all of you for 2009.
I hope you managed to get some time off or time away this summer but if not, may it come soon enough.
ALEC is going to be busy again this year with a number of projects/campaigns coming up including:
- working with council towards a community garden
- stopping the drilling at the Angela/Pamela uranium deposit
- organising workshops on community resilience and climate change adaptation
- working towards the implementation of the Water Efficiency Program for Alice Springs
- organising Clean Up days at Ilparpa Claypans
- support for those working on country in opposition to uranium exploration/mining and nuclear waste dumps in the Territory
- engaging the public on waste management issues including recycling, the tip shop (or more accurately, severe lack of) and use of recycled water.
- engaging with stakeholders and Government on Caring for our Country.
- re-activating the GreenBusiness network
That’s a good start anyway....
If anyone is interested in being involved in any of these activities or have any suggestions for projects they’d like to get going, please call me on 08 8952 2497 or email info@alec.org.au .
Also, I’ll be away from January 20 – February 1. The ALEC office will be closed during this time and ALEC Updates will resume on Wed Feb 4.
Looking forward to working with you in 2009
Peace and respect
Jimmy
Check this useful website: http://learningforsustainability.net/
‘Creating the world we want is a much more subtle but powerful mode of operation than destroying the one we don’t want’
– Marianne Williamson
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Keep Australia Beautiful on Australia Day (and every other day)
TOP TEN TIPS TO REDUCE YOUR ECO-FOOTPRINT
ON AUSTRALIA DAY
1. Reduce the amount of litter you generate - use recycling bins provided at beaches or in parks, or take it home for kerbside recycling (call Russ Driver 8952 1087)
2. Bag it & Bin It -place non-recyclable litter securely into a rubbish bin.
3. 'Please butt it, then bin it' - dispose of your cigarette butts carefully: butt it in a bin or carry a pocket ashtray.
4. Pack your own lunch & drinks in reusable containers to reduce take-away packaging waste.
5. Take food scraps home for composting.
6. Say no to plastic bags - use reusable bags when food shopping for your celebrations.
7. Avoid driving to events - catch public transport, ride a bicycle or walk instead.
8. Before leaving home turn off lights, computers & appliances at the powerpoint. Even on standby they still use energy.
9. Respect aquatic flora and fauna when celebrating on the coast.
10. Purchase & wear a 100% organic cotton Keep Australia Beautiful slogan t-shirt to help remind others of the need to do the right thing.
Contact
NT, Heimo Schober, 08 8981 5535, 0407 186 461
ON AUSTRALIA DAY
1. Reduce the amount of litter you generate - use recycling bins provided at beaches or in parks, or take it home for kerbside recycling (call Russ Driver 8952 1087)
2. Bag it & Bin It -place non-recyclable litter securely into a rubbish bin.
3. 'Please butt it, then bin it' - dispose of your cigarette butts carefully: butt it in a bin or carry a pocket ashtray.
4. Pack your own lunch & drinks in reusable containers to reduce take-away packaging waste.
5. Take food scraps home for composting.
6. Say no to plastic bags - use reusable bags when food shopping for your celebrations.
7. Avoid driving to events - catch public transport, ride a bicycle or walk instead.
8. Before leaving home turn off lights, computers & appliances at the powerpoint. Even on standby they still use energy.
9. Respect aquatic flora and fauna when celebrating on the coast.
10. Purchase & wear a 100% organic cotton Keep Australia Beautiful slogan t-shirt to help remind others of the need to do the right thing.
Contact
NT, Heimo Schober, 08 8981 5535, 0407 186 461
Beyond Nuclear Initative News - Make a submission
Make a submission to the Inquiry into Nuclear Non-Proliferation and Disarmament!
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In October 2008, the Prime Minister requested the Joint Standing Committee on Treaties to conduct an Inquiry into Nuclear Non-proliferation and Disarmament – see: http://www.aph.gov.au/house/committee/jsct/nuclearnon_proliferation/index.htm
The Committee is to inquire into and report on:
The international treaties involving Australia which relate to nuclear non-proliferation and disarmament.
How these treaties advance Australia's objectives in this field.
How the treaties might be made more comprehensive or effective.
How inter-parliamentary action can assist in strengthening treaty-based aspects of the nuclear non-proliferation and disarmament regime.
How the Committee and the Parliament can contribute to the work of the International Commission on Nuclear Non-proliferation and Disarmament.
This is a key opportunity for civil society to comment on Australia's performance, positions and potential future role in international disarmament and nuclear diplomacy, and in Australia’s uranium exports bi-lateral agreements and the need for strengthened nuclear safeguards in Australia being the world’s second largest uranium exporter and the present system being at best seriously inadequate.
Submissions are due by 30 January (extensions are being granted until 15 February by calling 026277 4642 or e-mailing: jsct@aph.gov.au). The Committee will report on 18 June 2009.
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In October 2008, the Prime Minister requested the Joint Standing Committee on Treaties to conduct an Inquiry into Nuclear Non-proliferation and Disarmament – see: http://www.aph.gov.au/house/committee/jsct/nuclearnon_proliferation/index.htm
The Committee is to inquire into and report on:
The international treaties involving Australia which relate to nuclear non-proliferation and disarmament.
How these treaties advance Australia's objectives in this field.
How the treaties might be made more comprehensive or effective.
How inter-parliamentary action can assist in strengthening treaty-based aspects of the nuclear non-proliferation and disarmament regime.
How the Committee and the Parliament can contribute to the work of the International Commission on Nuclear Non-proliferation and Disarmament.
This is a key opportunity for civil society to comment on Australia's performance, positions and potential future role in international disarmament and nuclear diplomacy, and in Australia’s uranium exports bi-lateral agreements and the need for strengthened nuclear safeguards in Australia being the world’s second largest uranium exporter and the present system being at best seriously inadequate.
Submissions are due by 30 January (extensions are being granted until 15 February by calling 026277 4642 or e-mailing: jsct@aph.gov.au). The Committee will report on 18 June 2009.
COOL NEWS from DKACOOLmob
Summer Opening Hours
There will be no Project Manager in the office until February when our new Project Manager, Robbie Henderson starts in early February. You can still book a water audit by emailing or ringing DKA COOLmob. Milyika is keeping things ticking over on casual basis. Energy audits will not be available again until February. Please talk to Alice Solar City about any energy efficiency queries.
If any matter is urgent, please ring Jimmy Cocking, Arid Lands Environment Centre Co-ordinator, (08) 8952 2497.
Merry Christmas, Joyful Summer Solstice and Happy New Year!
Ready, Set, Garden
Monday December 1st was the inaugural workshop for the Gardens Challenge. We heard about the waterwise garden plans put together by Anne, Dave and Francis. There was a lot of discussion with Peter Yates about the best manures to treat soil with and how to remove couch grass. The Gardens Challenge will really ramp up in 2009 with loads of free, hands on workshops about: eradicating couch, greywater, native plants for bush blocks, raised bed gardens, irrigation and more. Congratulations to Anne, Dave, Francis and the other members of their homes for being selected to be our garden champs.
Send us your solar cooker recipes
For inclusion in the new booklet, Solar Cooking in Central Australia. Email your recipes and cooking hints to Kat at : solarbakeoff@dkacoolmob.org
Plastic Bag Free Businesses
Centre Newsagency (4&5 Coles Shopping Centre, Bath St) has gone plastic bag free! DKA COOLmob's reusable orange loaner bags are used for large purchases. Kudos to our other Loaner Bag retailers: Afghan Traders, Polkadot, Alice Springs Pharmacy, Home Hardware, Country Health, Alice Springs Public Library, Dymocks, Penny Farthing, The Paper Shoppe and Bookmarkit
Water in Alice Springs DVD
Desert Knowledge Australia COOLmob has 100 copies of the Water in Alice Springs DVD to give away. To get your hands on this fun local documentary, book a water audit. Your auditor will bring a copy.
Online sign up now functioning
The online sign up form has been out of action but is now fixed. If you have signed up to DKA COOLmob and not received your membership card, please email dka.coolmob@coolmob.org with your details. Cheers.
There will be no Project Manager in the office until February when our new Project Manager, Robbie Henderson starts in early February. You can still book a water audit by emailing or ringing DKA COOLmob. Milyika is keeping things ticking over on casual basis. Energy audits will not be available again until February. Please talk to Alice Solar City about any energy efficiency queries.
If any matter is urgent, please ring Jimmy Cocking, Arid Lands Environment Centre Co-ordinator, (08) 8952 2497.
Merry Christmas, Joyful Summer Solstice and Happy New Year!
Ready, Set, Garden
Monday December 1st was the inaugural workshop for the Gardens Challenge. We heard about the waterwise garden plans put together by Anne, Dave and Francis. There was a lot of discussion with Peter Yates about the best manures to treat soil with and how to remove couch grass. The Gardens Challenge will really ramp up in 2009 with loads of free, hands on workshops about: eradicating couch, greywater, native plants for bush blocks, raised bed gardens, irrigation and more. Congratulations to Anne, Dave, Francis and the other members of their homes for being selected to be our garden champs.
Send us your solar cooker recipes
For inclusion in the new booklet, Solar Cooking in Central Australia. Email your recipes and cooking hints to Kat at : solarbakeoff@dkacoolmob.org
Plastic Bag Free Businesses
Centre Newsagency (4&5 Coles Shopping Centre, Bath St) has gone plastic bag free! DKA COOLmob's reusable orange loaner bags are used for large purchases. Kudos to our other Loaner Bag retailers: Afghan Traders, Polkadot, Alice Springs Pharmacy, Home Hardware, Country Health, Alice Springs Public Library, Dymocks, Penny Farthing, The Paper Shoppe and Bookmarkit
Water in Alice Springs DVD
Desert Knowledge Australia COOLmob has 100 copies of the Water in Alice Springs DVD to give away. To get your hands on this fun local documentary, book a water audit. Your auditor will bring a copy.
Online sign up now functioning
The online sign up form has been out of action but is now fixed. If you have signed up to DKA COOLmob and not received your membership card, please email dka.coolmob@coolmob.org with your details. Cheers.
Climate Action Group Doings
The Climate Action Group (CAG) had an active 2008 and we look forward to more activity in 2009. This year is a critical one for the environment and it is now that pressure needs to be applied to the government to introduce realistic emissions targets (see Emperor Rudd has NO clothes).
Water is a big issue for Alice not only because it is a finite resource and we live in a desert, but pumping it from the bore fields to our homes is a major user of electricity – and that makes it a major carbon emitter. Implementation of the Alice Springs Water Efficiency Study was a major focus last year. The CAG produced a brief film to introduce the ideas around water conservation to the public, our public servants and politicians. ALEC has a place on the Alice Water Advisory Council and we seek to use our position to advance the cause further.
Our other success last year was getting input to the NT Climate Change Issues Paper which the Chief Minister launched in the lead up to the election. Unfortunately there has been much silence on this since. So one of the campaigns for 2009 will be to get the government moving on this.
A third focus for this year will be efficient building design. This will link in with the broader ALEC theme of resilience and sustainability.
So another active year awaits us. If you are interested come and join our dynamic group. The first meeting will be in February, date yet to be announced. Meetings are usually in the evenings about monthly with activity going on lots of the time. Watch this communication.
Water is a big issue for Alice not only because it is a finite resource and we live in a desert, but pumping it from the bore fields to our homes is a major user of electricity – and that makes it a major carbon emitter. Implementation of the Alice Springs Water Efficiency Study was a major focus last year. The CAG produced a brief film to introduce the ideas around water conservation to the public, our public servants and politicians. ALEC has a place on the Alice Water Advisory Council and we seek to use our position to advance the cause further.
Our other success last year was getting input to the NT Climate Change Issues Paper which the Chief Minister launched in the lead up to the election. Unfortunately there has been much silence on this since. So one of the campaigns for 2009 will be to get the government moving on this.
A third focus for this year will be efficient building design. This will link in with the broader ALEC theme of resilience and sustainability.
So another active year awaits us. If you are interested come and join our dynamic group. The first meeting will be in February, date yet to be announced. Meetings are usually in the evenings about monthly with activity going on lots of the time. Watch this communication.
Emperor Rudd has NO Clothes
We need to act quickly to tell our local member Warren Snowden that we are not happy with the government’s disappointing emission reduction targets. Members need to act quickly to try for a better set of targets before the final laws are sent to parliament in May.
Kevin Rudd announced his Carbon Pollution Reduction (CPRS) Targets in the lead up to Christmas. While based in the Garnaut Reports recommendations, scientists and environment groups have by and large been dismayed by the weakness of the 5% reduction on 2000 levels by 2020. The science is telling us that we need about a 25% reduction on 1990 GHG emission levels by 2020 to help us achieve the 80 to 90% reductions in emissions needed to minimise the risk of global warming exceeding 2 degree by the end of this century.
The science is also beginning to show that global warming is running along the upper edge of the IPCC model scenarios. There was more arctic ice loss last northern summer than expected and methane may be beginning to leach from the permafrost at increasing rates. All of this suggests that the situation is more serious than previously thought.
Australia Institute analysis warns that the current CPRS will in fact do nothing to actually reduce emissions. The trading regimen will allow carbon credits bought from low emitters to be used by high emitters with no overall change in emissions.
Various other strategies are required. The cap on emissions must be rapidly reduced. Caps have to have enforceable sanctions for failure to achieve them. Incentives to reduce emissions and develop green energy options need to deployed.
One proposed mechanism is “tax and 100% dividend” where carbon emissions are taxed and the money derived rebated equally to all citizens. Thus big users pay more and everyone benefits, with more benefit going to low emitters.
We have only a very narrow window of opportunity to limit dangerous environmental damage.
In Australia the current priority is to get Rudd to reconsider his position before the CPRS is legislated in the May sittings. It may or may not be possible to get much change but for the sake of the environment we have to try.
Kevin Rudd announced his Carbon Pollution Reduction (CPRS) Targets in the lead up to Christmas. While based in the Garnaut Reports recommendations, scientists and environment groups have by and large been dismayed by the weakness of the 5% reduction on 2000 levels by 2020. The science is telling us that we need about a 25% reduction on 1990 GHG emission levels by 2020 to help us achieve the 80 to 90% reductions in emissions needed to minimise the risk of global warming exceeding 2 degree by the end of this century.
The science is also beginning to show that global warming is running along the upper edge of the IPCC model scenarios. There was more arctic ice loss last northern summer than expected and methane may be beginning to leach from the permafrost at increasing rates. All of this suggests that the situation is more serious than previously thought.
Australia Institute analysis warns that the current CPRS will in fact do nothing to actually reduce emissions. The trading regimen will allow carbon credits bought from low emitters to be used by high emitters with no overall change in emissions.
Various other strategies are required. The cap on emissions must be rapidly reduced. Caps have to have enforceable sanctions for failure to achieve them. Incentives to reduce emissions and develop green energy options need to deployed.
One proposed mechanism is “tax and 100% dividend” where carbon emissions are taxed and the money derived rebated equally to all citizens. Thus big users pay more and everyone benefits, with more benefit going to low emitters.
We have only a very narrow window of opportunity to limit dangerous environmental damage.
In Australia the current priority is to get Rudd to reconsider his position before the CPRS is legislated in the May sittings. It may or may not be possible to get much change but for the sake of the environment we have to try.
Radioactive Show in Alice Springs
Tune into 8CCC Drive (102.1FM) on Tuesdays after the 4.30pm news and weather for the Radioactive Show, see http://www.3cr.org.au/podcasts/
Sustenance - *8CCC
Tune into Sustenance to hear the latest on the sustainability and
environmental frontline.
Hosted by Kat Taylor, Mary Keaney, Lucy Snedden and friends, listen to inspiring interviews, groovy music and stimulating conversation from 7-8:30pm every Wednesday night on 8CCC 102.1FM
environmental frontline.
Hosted by Kat Taylor, Mary Keaney, Lucy Snedden and friends, listen to inspiring interviews, groovy music and stimulating conversation from 7-8:30pm every Wednesday night on 8CCC 102.1FM
Food Not Bombs
Are you for food and social justice?
Are you against bombs and other items of military spending?
Then come along on Sundays and become part of central Australia's newest Food Not Bombs group. Each Sunday afternoon they cook up a delicious meal with donated food and then serve it that evening. Everyone is welcome for a feed at sunset (~6pm) on Sunday on the lawn across the road from the court building (cnr Hartley and Parsons St).
To be involved in Alice Food not Bombs, email:
fnbalicesprings@gmail.com
To find out more about Food Not Bombs in general, see http://www.foodnotbombs.net/
Are you against bombs and other items of military spending?
Then come along on Sundays and become part of central Australia's newest Food Not Bombs group. Each Sunday afternoon they cook up a delicious meal with donated food and then serve it that evening. Everyone is welcome for a feed at sunset (~6pm) on Sunday on the lawn across the road from the court building (cnr Hartley and Parsons St).
To be involved in Alice Food not Bombs, email:
fnbalicesprings@gmail.com
To find out more about Food Not Bombs in general, see http://www.foodnotbombs.net/
Alice Solar City
ALEC is a proud member of the Alice Solar City Consortium Alice Solar City is very much aligned to our objective of creating healthy futures for arid lands and people. The $37 million, six year program is part of the Australian Government's Solar Cities initiative and aims to explore how technology, behaviour change and new approaches to electricity pricing can combine to provide a sustainable energy future for Australia. Elements include residential, commercial and large scale solar trials.
Alice Solar City provides the residents and business operators of Alice Springs with free energy surveys, financial incentives to save energy, and advice on solar energy and energy efficiency.
The Alice Solar City project has continued to attract a high level of interest from the Alice Springs community. As of mid November, 500 householders had formally joined the program, with over 400 home energy surveys now completed. Over 20 solar photovoltaic systems and over 50 solar hot water systems have been installed witha the help of an Alice Solar City incentive. There has also been an increased interest from the business community, with 24 local businesses, both large and small, now participating. Work is well underway on the first of the Alice Solar City iconic solar energy projects - a 300kW solar photovoltaic installation (the biggest roof mounted system in
Australia) on Crowne Plaza. The project received national recognition in September, when it was awarded Best Energy Initiative, at the national Keep Australia Beautiful Awards.
Congratulations Alice Springs!
To find out more or to sign up just drop into the Smart Living Centre at 82 Todd Street (next to Bojangles) and have a chat with their friendly staff or visit the website www.alicesolarcity.com.au or call
Alice Solar City provides the residents and business operators of Alice Springs with free energy surveys, financial incentives to save energy, and advice on solar energy and energy efficiency.
The Alice Solar City project has continued to attract a high level of interest from the Alice Springs community. As of mid November, 500 householders had formally joined the program, with over 400 home energy surveys now completed. Over 20 solar photovoltaic systems and over 50 solar hot water systems have been installed witha the help of an Alice Solar City incentive. There has also been an increased interest from the business community, with 24 local businesses, both large and small, now participating. Work is well underway on the first of the Alice Solar City iconic solar energy projects - a 300kW solar photovoltaic installation (the biggest roof mounted system in
Australia) on Crowne Plaza. The project received national recognition in September, when it was awarded Best Energy Initiative, at the national Keep Australia Beautiful Awards.
Congratulations Alice Springs!
To find out more or to sign up just drop into the Smart Living Centre at 82 Todd Street (next to Bojangles) and have a chat with their friendly staff or visit the website www.alicesolarcity.com.au or call
Cartridge World
THE environment is on everyone's minds, but some aspects of modern technology conflict with it. Locally owned Cartridge World Alice Springs is dedicated to the three R's -- reduce, reuse and recycle.
Millions of printer cartridges are thrown away across Australia each year, but reusing and recycling them is an alternative. Laser print cartridges account for more than 90 per cent of all throw-away cartridges and each one can take 450 years to decompose. With increased use of office printers, the demand for print cartridges has grown enormously.
About 3.4 litres of fuel is used to produce one new laser cartridge.
Recycling cartridges can save about 10 million litres of oil in Australia.
To reduce the production of these mass-produced cartridges overseas, it is essential that cartridges are reused as many times as possible. The plastic and metal components within the cartridges can be reused many times -- the plastic alone has a lifespan of 400 years.
Even if you do not reuse, others do.
Cartridge World Alice Springs always requires cartridges for reuse, and when they can't be reused any more they will be recycled.
By reusing and recycling, we can reduce the importation of cartridges while creating jobs for Australian remanufacturer's.
Refilling and remanufacturing, not only helps the environment but creates employment for local people, as this we produce locally.
We can refill & remanufacture most ink and laser cartridges in store. It produces a top quality, reliable product and there is a 100 per cent money-back guarantee.
Cartridge World in Alice Springs is one of more than 1300 Cartridge World stores world-wide.
The Alice Springs store services the region including Yulara, Tennant Creek and each of the surrounding borders, with a free local delivery and pick-up service within Alice Springs.
Using a recycled cartridge helps save the environment and makes a saving for the consumer.
Contact Cartridge World, in Elder Street, on 8953 8700.
Millions of printer cartridges are thrown away across Australia each year, but reusing and recycling them is an alternative. Laser print cartridges account for more than 90 per cent of all throw-away cartridges and each one can take 450 years to decompose. With increased use of office printers, the demand for print cartridges has grown enormously.
About 3.4 litres of fuel is used to produce one new laser cartridge.
Recycling cartridges can save about 10 million litres of oil in Australia.
To reduce the production of these mass-produced cartridges overseas, it is essential that cartridges are reused as many times as possible. The plastic and metal components within the cartridges can be reused many times -- the plastic alone has a lifespan of 400 years.
Even if you do not reuse, others do.
Cartridge World Alice Springs always requires cartridges for reuse, and when they can't be reused any more they will be recycled.
By reusing and recycling, we can reduce the importation of cartridges while creating jobs for Australian remanufacturer's.
Refilling and remanufacturing, not only helps the environment but creates employment for local people, as this we produce locally.
We can refill & remanufacture most ink and laser cartridges in store. It produces a top quality, reliable product and there is a 100 per cent money-back guarantee.
Cartridge World in Alice Springs is one of more than 1300 Cartridge World stores world-wide.
The Alice Springs store services the region including Yulara, Tennant Creek and each of the surrounding borders, with a free local delivery and pick-up service within Alice Springs.
Using a recycled cartridge helps save the environment and makes a saving for the consumer.
Contact Cartridge World, in Elder Street, on 8953 8700.
Friday, January 9, 2009
Desert Knowledge Cooperative Research Centre - Monitoring and Evaluation Program Manager
Desert Knowledge Cooperative Research Centre
Monitoring and Evaluation Program Manager
The Alice Springs Solar Cities Consortium is seeking to appoint a Monitoring and Evaluation Manager through the Desert Knowledge Cooperative Research Centre.
Information about the ASC can be found at http://www.alicesolarcity.com.au. The successful applicant will be based in Alice Springs in the Smart Living Centre, which is the public shopfront of the ASC project.
The M&E Manager will be responsible for the implementation and management of the monitoring, reporting and evaluation of the ASC project, and delivery of that information to the consortium, the Alice Springs community and the Federal Government.
This is a full-time position with a salary range of $75–90K depending on experience.
The successful applicant will have practical experience with qualitative and quantitative monitoring approaches, excellent writing and computer skills and be able to work effectively in a small team.
For more information about the position contact Craig James on 0408 838194, or Eleanor Dennis 0437 427 015.
For a job description, selection criteria and application procedures, contact Sara Hogg on (08) 8959 6000 sara.hogg@desertknowledgecrc.com.au or www.desertknowledgecrc.com.au/aboutus/jobs.html.
Please submit applications, addressing the selection criteria and providing referees by COB Friday January 30, 2009.
Monitoring and Evaluation Program Manager
The Alice Springs Solar Cities Consortium is seeking to appoint a Monitoring and Evaluation Manager through the Desert Knowledge Cooperative Research Centre.
Information about the ASC can be found at http://www.alicesolarcity.com.au. The successful applicant will be based in Alice Springs in the Smart Living Centre, which is the public shopfront of the ASC project.
The M&E Manager will be responsible for the implementation and management of the monitoring, reporting and evaluation of the ASC project, and delivery of that information to the consortium, the Alice Springs community and the Federal Government.
This is a full-time position with a salary range of $75–90K depending on experience.
The successful applicant will have practical experience with qualitative and quantitative monitoring approaches, excellent writing and computer skills and be able to work effectively in a small team.
For more information about the position contact Craig James on 0408 838194, or Eleanor Dennis 0437 427 015.
For a job description, selection criteria and application procedures, contact Sara Hogg on (08) 8959 6000 sara.hogg@desertknowledgecrc.com.au or www.desertknowledgecrc.com.au/aboutus/jobs.html.
Please submit applications, addressing the selection criteria and providing referees by COB Friday January 30, 2009.
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