Annual Report for 2017-2018
Green Activities
Rita Hettiararachchi, IPASD-Green Activities
1. Preamble/Challenges:
Climate change is one of the most significant challenges we have faced. Changes in climate will impact the environment and economy in many ways; including health, water supplies, food, ecosystems and damages from extreme weather, such as flooding, drought etc.
Adapting to climate change has become one of the critical problems that not only a part but the entire world has faced today. It sounds like a time bomb that will explode sooner or later if we do not focus ourselves to take proper action.
The International Green team was formed in 2010 and Asia Pacific alliance of YMCAs Green Team too was inaugurated. Ever since, We have been educating & training YMCAs and now every year training takes place in various parts in in Asia. We give them opportunities to work in the vicinity, in any practical way to reduce the impact of global warming and we have awarded such projects.
2. Achievement of Specific Objectives during this reporting period
Educating the neighbour, the children & the entire society of the urgent need to combat Global Warming and save the nature.
Plant trees that help keep our air clean, removing carbon dioxide.
Options to reduce greenhouse gas emissions,
Perspectives on Solar Energy and the Environment.
3. Activities undertaken during this reporting period
Australia Region :-
No report.
Japan East Region:-
Not yet. Plans ahead.
Japan West Region:-
Regarding tree planting activities, the Nasu club conducts twice each year.
Philippines Region:-
The Region has embarked on various green activities, foremost if which are:
- planting of various trees, endemic or otherwise to provide a clean atmosphere for the community;
- planting of mangroves along the coastline to preserve and protect from erosion as well as provide shelter among the avian species, especially the migrant ones;
- cleaning of canals, and drainage to provide clean sanitation to the community.
Sri Lanka region:-
- Tree planting campaign inauguration coupled with a presentation on climate change mitigation by Proffessor Sarath Kotagama of the SL Colombo University .This event was organised by the green team at the Moratuwa YMCA and RSD Green Activities of Colombo Club. Some photos are shown below.
- Colombo Club ICME young member Thoumiyan Thacis took the initiative and worked hard to bring in funds on the “Green Activities YMCA National Training Centre in Paranthan” and it has been approved on 20.11.2017 to grant a sum of 250,000 LKR (1,621.48 USD) to be used for restoration works with the proposed actions at the Paranthan site. ICME young member requested the Cheque to be directly handed over to NCYSL. Below are the actions that have been proposed and requested assistance for and Colombo club will work jointly with NCYSL in fulfilling the purpose by utilizing club’s efforts and funds available to get the maximum green benefits for the YMCA National Training Centre in Paranthan.
Following regarding the above after discussion by ICME and NGS (Both are members of Colombo Club) will be implemented as below.
- Land leveling and landscaping
- Plant trees such as Teak, Coconut, Neem & Cashew with perimeter fencing and provide maintenance and care
- Repair the existing water sources for usage.
Taiwan Region:-
Focus on Recycling -
- In cooperation with YMCA to hold second hand goods Bazaar activity with the topic – “ let's use goods recycled”.
- Donate Lunch boxes for elementary school students, to reduce use disposable tableware.
South East Asia Region: HongKong district:-
The Green Team in HongKong district work enthusiastically towards building a Green World. RD Alex Chan and his team often visit Caritas Macau who make every effort to educate the older and the young to help combat global warming.
- This is my pamphlet I shared with all ASP regions as well as all other regions prior to Earth Day.
“Reminding you that Earth Day is on Sunday, April 22 2018! Choose to do something this weekend to bring attention to the global warming crisis.
Know about your environment
This Earth Day, why not take a hike or go for a walk or bike ride? Get outdoors, breathe the air, feel the sun on your cheeks and absorb some vitamin D. Even if you live in the city and don’t have easy access to a lot of green space, you’d be amazed how even spending a short amount of time in an urban park will rejuvenate your soul.
Gardening is a wonderful way to reflect on how much we depend on the earth for our survival. If you don’t have your own garden or you live in a city, don’t worry. At least one communal garden or rooftop garden ? You’ll get to meet new people who love the planet as much as you.
Do a Home Energy Audit
Do a home energy audit and tell the planet “I love you”. Avoid switching on too many bulbs, if energy is pouring out of it because of poor construction, you are inadvertently releasing unnecessary greenhouse gases into our atmosphere. You can make a difference by calling up a certified auditing company to audit your home. They will tell you exactly what steps you need to take in order to tighten up your energy efficiency, like sealing windows and unplugging appliances.
Avoid using extra water.
LET’S HELP END THE PLASTIC POLLUTION
Go plastic free day by day!
Organise a tidy-up in your community
Join hands to get away from the tyranny of plastic and on Earth Day, plant a tree to put some carbon back in the ground, where it belongs.
Clean Out Your Closet and Donate to a Charity
It may not always be so obvious, but manufacturing new clothing requires both energy and water, and there are many people who don’t have money to buy their own. So this Earth Day, why not clean out your overstuffed closet and then donate those t-shirts and shorts you haven’t worn in years to a local charity. Not only will this make you feel good about lightening your load, but the people who receive your lightly used clothing will so be thankful. Be active on this Earth Day!
Plant a Tree
Planting trees is by far one of the most important gifts we can give back to the planet and to ourselves. Global warming is caused by a buildup of greenhouse gases in our atmosphere (such as carbon dioxide and methane), which traps heat on the planet but trees have the ability to suck up carbon dioxide, which is why the Amazon and other forests are so important. If every person on the planet plants one tree, that amounts to nearly 7 billion new carbon sponges. You can plant a tree in your own backyard, or join a group.
Volunteer for an Environmental Charity
Earth Day is an excellent day to volunteer. There are countless charities all over the planet that are raising money, cleaning up rivers, lakes, beaches, teaching classes, and in general engaging in the kind of earth-friendly work that will not only last today, but that will continue throughout the rest of the year. Share your valuable resources on this Earth Day!.
Throw a Green Party
Being part of a GREEN community is one of the most important aspects of eco-conscious living that not only benefits the planet, but you as well.
Have a happy Earth Day everyone!”