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15/06/2008
Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
The processes used to make plastic, paper and glass all produce carbon emissions. And when these things are thrown away, they sit and fester in dumps or are burned which releases carbon into the atmosphere.  Therefore:
 

	Reduce your paper and plastic usage
	Pressure local retailers to use less packaging
	Instead of throwing things away, reuse them or give them to a cause that can use them
	Recycle everything you can!

22/06/2008
Get some plants!
Plants on your desk or around your home not only brighten up the decor, they are natural air conditioners and have been shown to remove up to 87% of indoor pollution in 24 hours! So don't bother with air freshener - get a plant or two instead!

29/06/2008
Keeping Warm
Infrared heaters are more electricity efficient than other space heating systems. These types of heaters can be used both for spot heating and area heating. They transfer energy directly by radiation, creating heat and comfort instantly without the use of air-circulation fans. An infrared heater will warm the people in the room rather than the space. Infra-red heaters often use metal-sheeted infrared radiation elements, reflector lamps or quartz tubes

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06/07/2008
Precious Petrol
Only fill up your vehicle in the early morning when the ground temperature is still cold.

All service stations have their storage tanks buried below ground.  The colder the ground the more dense the fuel, when it gets warmer, petrol expands, so if you fill up in the afternoon or in the evening, your litre is not exactly a litre

13/07/2008
ALIENS !
Check your garden to see that you are not harbouring any alien weeds and invasive plants!   Bug Weed, Queen of the Night cactus and Sesbania are prime suspects!  REMOVE THEM!

Visit http://www.agis.agric.za for more information.

A handy book to  have is “Alien Weeds and Invasive Plants”  by Lesley Henderson, Published by the Plant Protection and Research Institute (ISBN 1-86849-192-7).  Another handy resource is “CARA Legislation made easy” which should be available from the Gauteng Department of Conservation and Environment. 

The Eco-Team will try to obtain copies of these publications for St Mike’s Library.

27/07/2008
This lil’ light of mine …
To help your candles last longer, pop them into the freezer for a few hours before you use them. Look out for locally-produced candles made from renewable sources such as vegetable or bees wax, rather than paraffin wax ones from the supermarket. Then relax and enjoy the romantic glow!

03/08/2008
Increase storage of carbon in forests
Trees absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and store it in wood in a process called "carbon sequestration."  Waste prevention and recycling paper products allows more trees to remain standing in the forest, where they can continue to remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.

10/08/2008
Heating and Cooling:
The first rule is to turn your heating / cooling off when the space is unoccupied.  If you can afford air-con in your home then you can probably afford a timing switch as well.

The second rule – don’t heat or cool storage and unoccupied areas such as garages!

17/08/2008
Use an electric kettle to boil water, not a saucepan or a microwave oven, and only boil the water you need.  There’s no point in using power to heat water that’s just going to cool down again

24/08/2008
Feeling “sluggish”?
The fight against slugs and snails in the garden doesn't have to mean resorting to pellets, which can poison other wildlife.  Encourage slug-munchers like birds, by leaving out bird boxes and seeds, or frogs, who'll happily hang around if you have a wildlife pond.

31/08/2008
Sparkling floor tiles
Avoid unnecessary cleaning products and try mopping tiled floors with a cup of white vinegar diluted in a 4 litres of warm water, then rinse.

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07/09/2008
Used Printer Cartridges and Plastic Shopping Bags
Situated in Melville, Hotel Hope will open its doors on the 1^st December.  It is a charity which will be dedicated to rescuing orphaned and abandoned children, infected or affected by HIV / Aids where LOVE flows in abundance and where excellence is experienced on all levels: Spiritually, Physically, Mentally, Emotionally, Educationally and Financially.

As a form of income, Hotel Hope is requesting used printer cartridges for recycling, and used plastic bags will help in the Charity Shop and in the home when disposing of soiled nappies, etc. (a box is provided in the Church foyer).  Items are also needed for the Charity Shop which is being created to ensure the sustainability of Hotel Hope.  Please contact Oliver Quambusch for information on what is needed on 073 809 3600 or email hotelhope@gmail.com

14/09/2008
Recycle more
Did you know that you can save 1089kg of CO2 per year recycling just half your household waste?

21/09/2008
Going Bananas!
Storing fruit with a bit of care can make it last longer and reduce waste.  For example, bananas emit ethylene, which encourages fruit to ripen quicker. So store them separately if you don't want your plums to go mushy, but put them next to an unripe avocado if you plan to make guacamole soon.

28/09/2008
Greener shopping
To avoid impulse buys and unnecessary waste, make a menu plan and write a list before you go food shopping. But be prepared to buy items not on your list if you spot something that's a good buy

05/10/2008
Gardening made easy
Use indigenous water-wise and drought resistant plants and grasses for gardens and lawns.  These plants really look after themselves and will also save water and of course money! 

Ask your local Nursery or visit Random Harvest Nursery (either at the Walter Sizulu Botanical Gardens or at their venue in Muldersdrift).
Contact them: Tel. 0861 476 9464   /  email: anne@rhn.co.za   /  Website: www.rhn.co.za

12/10/2008
Soda water - not just a mixer:
Soda water is ideal for removing stains without harmful chemicals.  Pour it onto a stain as soon a possible and the fizziness will bubble the staining substance to the surface, where you can blot it away.

19/10/2008
Recycle your old specs: 
Each year, many pairs of perfectly usable spectacles are discarded.  So rather than just discarding your old specs, or leaving them in a drawer, check to see if your local Optometrist is a collection point for the Lions Operation Brightsight project.  Operation Brightsight provides corrective spectacles to the underprivileged people throughout South Africa as well as the neighbouring states. 

Since its inception in July 1978 thousands of spectacles have been distributed to people, bringing smiles to the faces of senior citizens and children and indigents. Without the help of Operation Brightsight they would have gone through life with impaired vision.

 Eye-Zone at the Rock Cottage Centre is a collection point for Operation Brightsight.

26/10/2008
Sparkling Windows: 
Make your own window cleaner by mixing ¼ cup of white vinegar, 2 cups water and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice together in a spray bottle, spritz onto windows and clean off with old newspaper or a soft, fibre-free cloth

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02/11/2008
Greasy stains: 
To remove grease stains on fabric, it may be enough to sprinkle the spot with flour, leave it for a while to absorb the grease, shake the flour off and wash as usual. Alternatively, run very hot water through the stain, apply eucalyptus oil to absorb the grease, and wash as usual

09/11/2008
Child's play
If you and your friends have children of a similar age, why not consider swapping a selection of your kids' toys with one of their friends, for a month or more?  It will give your children a whole new range of things to play with, at no extra cost to you or the planet.  An added bonus is they'll probably enjoy their own toys much more when they get them back

16/11/2008
Waste engine oil
If you're changing the oil in your car, dispose of it with care - it's illegal to pour it down the drain, where it can pollute waterways and kill wildlife. The Pikitup depot in Weltevreden Park (behind Rebel Farmers) accepts old oil for recycling.  Alternatively, check with your local petrol station / waste disposal site to find a drop-off depot.  Also visit  usedoil@iafrica.com / www.rosefoundation.org.za

23/11/2008
Gastro Gifts
If you're talented in the kitchen, how about making chutneys, cakes, or chocolate truffles as Christmas presents, and avoid the seasonal shopping madness? Or you could make your own flavored organic olive oil, by adding dried chillies or herbs to a pretty bottle and filling it up with oil.

30/11/2008
Braai time
After you've had a braai, sprinkle the hot grate liberally with salt to absorb grease. Once it's dry, clean with a brush.
To clean an already dirty grate, scrub with salty water and a soft brush. Dry and apply a coating of vegetable or linseed oil to stop it rusting.

11/12/2008
If you’re going away these holidays, save electricity – and money – by switching off your hot water geyser.

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2009

11/01/2009
Recycling old appliances
If you received a new appliance for Christmas to replace that old one that doesn’t work anymore – recycle the old appliance at Makro Stores who have an E-waste recycling depot in partnership with Siemens and Fuji,

18/01/2009
The gifts that keep on giving
If you have unwanted Christmas gifts and you can't exchange them, don't throw them away or store them at the back of the cupboard – donate them to your local charity shop. (Hotel Hope in Melville would be more than willing to accept them; contact details: 073 809 3600 or email hotelhope@gmail.com)

25/01/2009
Make the most of residual heat
When using your oven, consider whether you can switch it off just before the full cooking time – the residual heat can finish cooking your dish.

Residual heat is also good for meringues, and toasting home-made breadcrumbs or croutons

01/02/2009
Grass Cuttings
Use grass cuttings as a mulch around shrubs and trees in the garden to help them conserve water - and to stop weeds growing.

07/02/2009
A clear winner !
To clean windows and mirrors, use a mix of half white vinegar and half water instead of shop-bought products.  Sponge on (or put in a spray bottle) then rub off using scrunched-up newspaper.

15/02/2009
Go indigenous
Autumn is just around the corner – and if you are still wanting to do some gardening – it's a good time to start thinking about which local plant species you could add to your garden.  These will encourage wildlife, and will be best suited to local conditions, frost resistant, economical on the water bill and will need less maintenance than exotic species.

Random Harvest Nursery is a good place to start - http://www.random-harvest-nursery.co.za

22/02/2009
Check your tyre pressure!
The softer your tyres, the greater the friction between the road and the rubber and the harder your engine will have to work to get you where you’re going.  Make sure you inflate to the recommended pressure – representing a good balance between ride, handling and fuel efficiency

28/02/2009
Air Travel
Aircraft give off huge amounts of greenhouse gases, and the more and further you fly the more you are contributing to global warming.  Find out how much your flight will contribute to global warming at www.chooseclimate.org/flying/mapcalc.html - then you can offset the carbon dioxide your flight produces by donating to Food and Trees for Africa at info@tree.org.za to plant trees on your behalf or visit Climate Care at www.co2.org

08/03/2009
Treat your hands
Treat your hands with a home-made sugar scrub. Mix 1 tablespoon of olive oil with 1 teaspoon of sugar and apply to your hands. Gently massage in circular movements for a few minutes, place your hands in warm water for a few seconds while you continue to massage them, then rinse with cool water and pat dry

15&22/03/2009
On Saturday, March 28, at 8:30 pm, the St Mike’s Eco-Team asks you to join them in taking part in Earth Hour—the world’s largest global climate-change event. By simply turning off all non-essential lighting for one hour at our company buildings and in our own homes, we will join tens of millions of concerned citizens throughout the world in calling for action to save our planet for future generations.

Visit www.earthhour.org

29/03/2009
Keeping the fridge cold!
Make sure the seals on the fridge doors are intact.  Try this: close your fridge door on a piece of paper – if you can pull the paper out easily your seals need replacing!

05/04/2009
More fridge savvy!
Remove all heavy wrapping from food before it goes into the fridge – otherwise you will be wasting energy (and money) by cooling heavy packaging that will be thrown out.

12/04/2009
Tea tree oil
Tea tree oil is a powerful essential oil and known anti-bacterial. It's great for cleaning mould and mildew – try a diluted mix of 3-4 drops in 2 litres of water (cold or hot). Soak mildewed items or spray on to trouble spots using a plant mister. Scrub, then rinse off

19/04/2009
Real Nappies!
Real Nappy Week runs from 27 April - 3 May 2009, and this year highlights how parents can save money by using real nappies rather than disposables. Find out about the benefits for your pocket and the planet - Visit http://www.goreal.org.uk

26/04/2009
Going Green!
Simon Gear’s book “Going Green”  gives everyone wonderfully practical and useful Green Tips, like this little nugget:  “Leave your geyser alone!”.  Available from book stores at R140.00.  This useful book should be in all households!

03/05/2009
Electronic waste
Safe disposal of electronic waste is always a problem, but the Electronic Waste Association of SA has made it a tad easier.  Check out http://www.ewasa.org for details. 

10/05/2009
CO2 Emissions
South Africa is guilty of being the worst CO₂ emitter in Africa … visit http://calculator.carbonfootprint.com/calculator.aspx to calculate your footprint and take steps to reduce your carbon footprint today!  Climate change is your problem!

24/05/2009
Sprouting seeds
For a cheap, healthy addition to salads or stir fries, try sprouting seeds – the’re so easy to grow and kids will love them. You can buy sprouters to grow seeds in, or simply put them in a jam jar, cover with muslin or a patch of tights material secured with an elastic band. Store in a warm, dark place, and rinse with water twice a day.  -  Try seeds such as alfalfa, mustard cress, aduki and mung beans from your health food shop.   Yummy!

31/05/2009
Environment Week
Today heralds the beginning of Environment Week;  discuss with your family what YOU will all be doing FOR the Environment this week. 
Please remember to pray for our Environment in crisis - especially climate change and global warming - this week

07/06/2009
Grass cutting
Use grass cuttings as a mulch around shrubs and trees in the garden to help them conserve water and to protect them from the cold weather.  This will also stop weeds growing

14/06/2009
Let's twist again …
Wash glass jars and use them to save small amounts of leftover food in the fridge, or the contents of a tin after it has been opened (and recycled).  A cheap alternative to buying storage containers.

21/06/2009
Home wash
To save money, wash your car at home rather than in the car wash;  and to save water use a bucket and sponge instead of a hosepipe

28/06/2009
Holiday Unplugged
Going on holiday? In order to save electricity, get into the habit of unplugging as many appliances as possible before you leave.
If you only switch them off, appliances can use up energy if they're still plugged in

12/07/2009
Alien Plants
The Department of Water Affairs and Forestry are updating the legislation and the list of alien invaders plants.  Legislation is in place that says a property cannot be sold and transferred if there are any Category 1 plants growing on it.  This law will be enforced and the seller will have to obtain a certificate stating that the property is Category 1 weed-free to submit with the application to the Deeds Office for transfer.

19/07/2009
Hot spots
Fridges are energy-hungry appliances, so why not make their job easier? Try to avoid putting your fridge near cookers or windows that admit lots of sunlight. The fridge will work more efficiently in cooler corners, saving you cash and reducing your carbon footprint.

26/07/2009
Don't get stuck
Loosen sticky zips by applying a little olive oil to the teeth of the zip and then slowly working the zipper up and down until it frees.

02/08/2009
“Global Warming and Religions”
The series “Global Warming and Religions” is to be broadcast in the "Issues of Faith" slot at 9 am on Sunday mornings on SABC 2 on the following dates: 9^th, 16^th, 23^rd and 30^th August.  Each episode will run for 48 minutes.  We suggest that you record these programmes for later viewing.

09/08/2009
An Inconvenient Truth:Humanity is sitting on a ticking time bomb. If the vast majority of the world's scientists are right - and ALL scientific evidence points this way - we have less than ten years to avert a major catastrophe that could send our entire planet into a tail-spin of epic destruction involving extreme weather, floods, droughts, extinctions on a devastating scale, epidemics and killer heat waves beyond anything we have ever experienced.

This DVD, An Inconvenient Truth, is now available from the Church Library and should be PRESCRIBED viewing for EVERYONE at St Mike’s!  If you have not seen this amazing film, please do so as soon as possible!

16/08/2009
Get rid of grass stains
Hurrah!  Summer is just around the corner.  Romps on the lawn will no doubt result in hard-to-remove grass stains on your children’s favourite togs. Loosen grassy marks by mixing egg white with glycerin in equal parts and applying to the stain, then wash as normal

23/08/2009
Stay informed!
Please read the information on the Eco-Info board in the Hall on a regular basis

30/08/2009
Carbon Footprint
Discuss ways of reducing your Carbon Footprint with you family – log on to www.trees.co.za to calculate yours and donate generously to the Bishop’s Tree Fund next week for trees to be planted in Parishes where greening of the environment is essential.

06/09/2009
Have you considered what YOUR Carbon Footprint is?
 We all have a CARBON FOOTPRINT – big or small.  Try to minimise YOURS as much as possible!   Plant trees in an attempt to neutralise or minimise your footprint.  “How many trees should I plant” …  Visit Trees and Food for Africa at www.trees.co.za to calculate your Carbon Footprint accurately

Consider donating generously to Bishop Brian’s Tree  Fund on Arbor Sunday  6^th September.  Each tree planted costs approximately R65

13/09/2009
Take the heat out of oven cleaning
Prepare a mixture of lemon juice and water in a bowl and then heat it in the microwave oven for a few seconds.  Use the hot liquid to wipe clean the inside of your oven.  It'll loosen stubborn stains and leave the interior smelling naturally fresh.

13/09/2009
World Clock
Ever wondered how many people there are on this planet of ours. Or cars, and why all the boohoo about climate change? And then of course PCs and that sort of stuff, like crude oil.  Visit this thought provoking  link!  http://www.peterrussell.dreamhosters.com/Odds/WorldClock.php 

20/09/2009
Help your garden to hatch out
Just boiled an egg?  Don't throw the water away: simply wait for it to cool and then pour it on your plant beds – it'll be rich in calcium from the egg and help your plants to be blooming marvellous!

27/09/2009
Hot or not?
Try to leave warm leftovers on the side to cool down before storing them in the fridge. Putting them inside while still hot will raise the interior temperature – which means the fridge will have to use extra energy cooling everything down again.

04/10/2009
Perfect printing
We've all done it: you run off 20 copies of a document, but as soon as it comes out of the printer you notice a howling mistake that was somehow invisible on screen.  Avoid wasting paper and time by always running the spell-check before you print.  Also, try printing a single hard copy (on scrap paper of course) before the rest of a batch - blunders  are far easier to spot on paper

11/10/2009
Clever computing
Screensavers prevent long-term damage to your computer screen when it's idle but they use a fair amount of energy. Switch your monitor off when you're likely to be away from your desk for more than a few moments. It's just as safe and uses less energy

17/10/2009
Ashes to flashes
Summer time is the time for the traditional Sunday Braai!  Keep some of the ashes from your wood fire.  Dip a damp polishing cloth into the leftover ash to bring a natural gleam to glass, silverware and brass.

21/10/2009
Bag and Bin it!
When you flush anything other than human waste and toilet paper down the loo, it blocks sewers and can lead to flooding.  Wildlife suffers too – seabirds have been found with all sorts of rubbish in their stomachs.  The solution is easy – bag and bin your waste.

28/10/2009
Oil and painting
Get rid of paint marks on skin and hair by rubbing a little olive oil onto the affected areas. It should help to dissolve the paint, making it easier to wash off

08/11/2009
Smart car
Wash your car with a bucket of soapy water, rather than with a hosepipe. Running a hose for just 30 minutes uses more water than an average family consumes in a whole day.

15/11/2009
Cook in bulk
 To make more efficient use of your oven's energy, cook meals in large quantities, and set aside extra portions for another day. Reheating uses
less energy than preparing a new meal - and will save you time too

22/11/2009
Get perfect nails
Rub olive oil into your nails before and after manicuring for smoother, neater results

28/11/2009

A cool saving
Save water by storing your drinking water in a jug or bottle in the fridge, rather than waiting for the tap to run cold.  Add 2 lemons (whole) and a generous sprig of mint to the jug to make a delicious refreshing drink when ever you want it!

05/12/2009
Click for climate
Help to put pressure on negotiators for fair, effective climate agreements at the Copenhagen talks this month.
Go to http://www.foe.co.uk/campaigns/climate/press_for_change/copenhagen_alerts_21904.html   to sign up for Copenhagen Action Alerts for suggestions on up-to-the-minute actions that you can take part in during the course of the Copenhagen Climate Change Summit (which begins on 7 December).

12/12/200
3R’s
Christmas time is a time when landfill sites become more used than ever – please remember to Recycle, Reduce and Re-use whenever you can during the Festive Season