Category: Green

Sustainable Development Goals (SDG’s) – Act Local, Think Global!

No Comments
Citizen-science-poster

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDG’s) cover the three dimensions of sustainable development: economic growth, social inclusion and the protection of the environment. There are 17 SDG’s, with each goal having a number of sub-targets whereby Tidy Towns groups can align their projects or initiatives to one or more specific goals.

About Sustainable Development Goals

In September 2015, UN Member States adopted the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development (“Transforming our World”). The 2030 Agenda is a plan of action for people, planet and prosperity and applies to both developed and developing countries. Government, Local Authorities, Businesses, organisations and individuals across Ireland are mobilising efforts to work towards achieving the UN Sustainable Development Agenda. Universal and inclusive, this far reaching plan calls for action by all countries to improve the lives of people everywhere.

Central to the Sustainable Development Agenda are the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDG’s). They cover everything from poverty and climate change to infrastructure and industry. The Goals cover policy areas such as:

  • ending poverty
  • economic development
  • protection of the environment
  • access to health and education services
  • gender equality
  • peaceful societies
  • human rights

Ireland has published a Sustainable Development Goals National Implementation Plan 2018-2020 to provide a whole of government approach to implementing these goals.

Going forward Ferns Tidy Towns will reference whatever goals its various projects or initiatives aim to deliver. One or more of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals will appear alongside any and all future blogs and in the weekly newsletter.

Nations United: Urgent Solutions for Urgent Times | Presented by Thandie Newton

Nations United is a special, first of its kind film, created by the United Nations on its 75th Anniversary and to mark five years since the adoption of the Sustainable Development Goals.

In the midst of a pandemic radically transforming our world, Nations United tells the story of the world as it is, as it was, and as it could be. It focuses on the solutions and action we need to tackle poverty, inequality, injustice and climate change.

Categories: Green Tags: Tags: , ,

Green Your Picnic

No Comments
having a green picnic

Heading outdoors this summer, check our top tips:

This summer we’re all looking forward to spending more time in the great outdoors, whether it’s the local park, beach or further afield. Here are some tips to help you make the most of your picnic experience without unduly impacting on the environment. Inspire Picnic Envy – Bring your own cup/water bottle, cutlery & reusable straw etc. Reusable cups and straws for take-away drinks and self-services helps waste. Takeaway cups, cutlery and condiments are all a cost to businesses, so remember only take what you need. Be sure to check out www.refill.ie to see where you closest water refill spot is and see if you can find a cafe where they will accept your reusable beverage cup by checking www.consciouscup.ie

Make it simple – Some picnic spots are isolated with a long walk to reach them. A great tip to lighten the load is to let your tubs and boxes double up as serving dishes. Lots of school supplies also work well for picnics such as lunch-boxes and water bottles.

Portion size matters – Be realistic about how much food will be eaten, it means less to carry and avoids food waste. Pack the food you like and know you will eat. Also – remember to leave room for ice-cream!

Make your drinks double as ice packs – Freeze water in a container or bottles and it’ll keep your drink chilled. Packed in a picnic, it’ll also help keep your food cool. A good tip is not overfill the bottle before freezing.

Any bag will do – Any bag, backpack or basket is perfect. Pack it with mismatched plates and cutlery, old cushions and blankets etc. and don’t forget your food!

Love Ireland & Don’t Litter – Always use litter bins. Inevitably during busy weekends litter bins will fill up quickly. If this happens, please bring your waste home with you.

love Ireland don't litter

Additional Tips:

  • Bring an old tea towel which can have multiple uses;
  • Avoid sachets and a bring a bottle of your favourite condiment or seasoning with you;
  • Avoid single use items;
  • Avoid anything that you don’t really need, it means less to carry;
  • If planning on barbequing be sure you are in a designated area.

Most importantly……have fun!

Source: My Waste.ie