Suggested by MEGAN H
We all know that plastic shopping bags are evil, but if we don’t get them sometimes, what do we put our rubbish or recycling in? Perhaps the answer is corn syrup bags, or maybe we need to redesign our recycling bins so that they have compartments and a lid. Would be great to see an article or project related to this.
'I bags not' – badge
December 30th, 2008'Mr/Mrs Greenfingers' – badge
December 30th, 2008Suggested by TRUDIE M
Grow your own – It’s rewarding and healthy and you don’t need a big garden to cultivate your favourite fruit and vegetables.
With worsening economic conditions and increased interest in organic and sustainable living, many people are turning to vegetable gardening as a supplement to their family’s diet. Food grown in your own backyard, uses up little if any fuel for shipping, and the grower can be sure of what exactly was used to grow it. Organic gardening, has become increasingly popular for the modern home gardener.
A world more badgy
December 16th, 2008
Have your say in electing today’s ‘brownie’ badges. And if you have a cool idea that’s not listed here yet, just send us your suggestions.
Cheers!
Thomas
'Opshopper Extraordinaire' – badge
December 7th, 2008Suggested by ELIZA K
Less demand for new clothes, meaning less factories, less transport, less fossil fuels, smaller climate change.
'Vege (or Vegan) to the Core' – badge
December 7th, 2008Suggested by ELIZA K
Here are a number of reasons:
- Inefficiency: “In order to produce 1 lb. of protein in the form of beef, we must feed 21 lbs. of protein to the animal… the average ratio in the US is 1:8. It has been estimated that the amount of protein lost to humans in this way is equivalent to 90% of the annual world protein deficit.” – Peter Singer essay – A Utilitarian Defense of Animal Liberation.
- High emissions: New Zealand’s dairy industry is responsible for over half of NZ’s climate-changing emissions, more than that of the entire transport sector.
- Reducing carbon sinks: The dairy industry in NZ is also deforesting MASSIVE areas of pine to make way for corporate dairy farms, a double-whammy for the climate in the way it removes a carbon sink and replaces it with the most greenhouse gas-intensive industry ever!
- Cuteness: Lambs are freakin’ cute.
'Quick & Social Showerer' – badge
December 7th, 2008Suggested by ELIZA K
A good half of the average home’s energy usage is water heating. Shower under 10 minutes (and/or with a friend – musn’t get too steamy and go overtime :)).
'Renewable Energy Fiend' – badge
December 7th, 2008Suggested by ELIZA K
Badge earner to switch to clean energy supplier (cleanenergyguide.org.nz)
'Careful Cook' – badge
December 7th, 2008Suggested by JOHANNA KNOX
Ovens and stoves use a large proportion of household electricity. Many bought, packaged foods used a lot of energy in production. Cook as much as you can from scratch, using homegrown, organic and/or locally grown, and minimally packaged ingredients. Also use environmentally friendly cooking methods like solar cooking, residual heat cooking, woodstove cooking, earth ovens, and some types of barbeques. (Or just go raw!)
'Rethink & Recycle' – badge
December 4th, 2008Suggested by DANIT PELEG
Just stop for a moment and really think about whether you could reuse any of the stuff you’d else just throw out. Make something new out of old, and get creative!
'Carbon Free Fun' – badge
December 1st, 2008Any carbon-reduced passtime goes under this activity, ie lying under a tree in the sun instead of on a sunbed, going for a bicycle instead of a motorcycle ride, using a solar cooker instead of the local McDonald’s.