DREAMING OF A GREEN CHRISTMAS
01.01.70
The refrigerator's still full of turkey leftovers and pumpkin pie, and yet it's already the start of the Christmas season. If you're concerned about the impact of your holiday season on the environment, then it's time to start doing a little planning.
According to the website Earth911.org , household waste increases 25 percent each year between Thanksgiving and New Year's Day. When it comes to decoration, the Christmas tree, and the way you package your gifts, there are a wide variety of ways to reduce, reuse and recycle.
With just a little forethought, it's possible to have a holiday without filling up the garbage can, doubling your electric bill, or taking up even more space in the attic.
Here are some thoughts on having a "green" Christmas this year:
· Of course it's fun to buy the latest and greatest Christmas decorations every year, but here's an alternative: You can often find inexpensive and interesting décor at thrift stores.
And of course, if you have
Source: Monterey County Herald
COP 17 venue shows off its 'green' side
01.01.70
25 November 2011
Durban's International Convention Centre (ICC), venue for the UN climate summit kicking off on Monday, has a strong environmental vision and policy - it recently obtained its ISO14001 certification - and already boasts a number of "green" features.
The ISO14001 certification recognises the building's world-class, high-tech design, which has incorporated "green" elements such as large glass facades for natural lighting, energy-efficient light fittings and air conditioning systems, and indigenous landscaping.
Indigenous gardening
The centre's gardens are populated predominantly with indigenous plant species local to KwaZulu-Natal, resulting in limited need for irrigation. The exception is the three Baobab trees, which were planted as cultural icons to represent the three major cultural groups in the province.
Culinary herbs are grown on the premises for usage in the kitchen, which serves the majority
of catering needs at the ICC. A wider variety of herbs and vegetables are expected to be planted soon.
Source: South Africa.info