Remember the Guy Dauncey thing? The Climate Change Action Workshop in October? Since then an informal group has been discussing the challenges of addressing climate change issues facing us and our grandchildren.
We are continuing our discussions under the name Island Climate Action Network (ICAN), and we invite others to watch for further info in The Gumboot. Join us by sharing your ideas and your energy. Call Allen at 2302, Annette at 2673, Guy at 2781 or Ken at 2580.
As Quadra prepares for the holidays, ICAN would like to ask everyone to honour the spirit of the season by using resources wisely. Please consider new approaches to old traditions.
Sending e-cards, for example, saves time, gas and postage. They are colourful, inventive and often free. Using reusable cloth bags and plastic bins when you shop also helps. And why not fill those bags and bins with goods made by Island artists and craftspersons?
You might also consider shopping at second hand stores. If you buy electronic items, you could include rechargeable batteries, and maybe a charger as well.
When wrapping gifts, think of all the paper you already have around your home. Sunday comics, old posters, outdated maps and paper bags decorated by kids work well. The ReStore (1725 Willow in Campbell River) has a wide array of wallpaper rolls from $1 up.
Consider presents like event tickets, gift certificates and charity donation cards that only take an envelope, or can simply be handed to a loved one. Or wrap a gift in an offbeat way. Placing a small present in that plaid toque Uncle Melvin gave you finally puts it to use.
Selecting a Christmas tree is a toss-up, environmentally. Real trees are renewable and can be recycled in many ways. The Campbell River landfill mulches them to spread on the trash. Artificial trees, though made with petro-based materials, can eventually offset that by saving you trips to buy and dispose of live trees.
When it comes to lighting, however, the choice is clear. LED lights are far superior to incandescent bulbs. They last much longer, put out far less heat and use only a tenth of the energy. They are less breakable and won't black out an entire string if one burns out. Also, please be judicious in how long you use your tree and outside lighting. Timers are available.
If you're having a holiday party, please ask you guests to carpool and to bring their own tableware to avoid using disposables. You can turn down your thermostat because the extra people in your home will compensate. And putting cold drinks outside or in a tub of ice will save electricity and your refrigerator door hinges.
Above all, enjoy the blessings of the season and the joy of being with family and friends. May we always have that in abundance on Quadra.