Media Release: East Gippsland Climate Action Group
Last week the members of the East Gippsland Climate Action Network met to explore ways to deal with the issue of climate change and to raise public awareness of the potential destruction of so much of our environment, both regionally, nationally and globally.
The Network members were delighted to welcome members of the Bairnsdale Scouts to their meeting. The scouts are working towards their environment badges.
The work being undertaken by young people at a local level gave inspiration to the group. Sarah Lamble, Scout Leader and teacher at the Bairnsdale Secondary College, described some of the initiatives of her students. These included the planting of 3500 tree seedlings over the past seven years, VCAL students installing bird nesting boxes made from recycled timber, food waste studies, assisting with cooking meals at the neighbourhood house, and studies on ethical clothing.
The scouts were enthusiastic in providing positive actions they can be involved in, to make a difference to climate change. They were concerned about the threat of extinction of many of our native animals and plants, and were keen to explore the options of renewable energy rather than carbon based energy generation.
Some of the quotes from members of the Bairnsdale Scouts were:
“I love animal, so I care about the environment.”
“We have to look after this planet as it’s the only one we’ve got.”
‘We need to protect the water.”
The scouts talked about ways they already reduce their impact on the environment. They mentioned planting seedlings as part of national tree day, riding or walking to school (instead of emissions from driving), recycling and avoiding single use plastic (inefficient use of energy and raw materials).
The scouts have offered to work with members of the Climate Action Network to develop posters depicting issues about climate change, and to be involved in public education.
One of the things members stressed was to be aware of the “food miles” travelled by much of the food we purchase. If food and produce can be sourced locally and in season, it is fresher, supports local producers, and lessens the impact of carbon production. And the group stressed that people should look towards energy efficiency and low emissions first, before relying on solar power.
More information on EGCAN can be found on their facebook page.