by Carla Caruso
For most of us, the summer holidays are over and the time’s come to properly assess the year ahead.
So, do you have any eco-friendly New Year’s resolutions on your mind?
Environmental organisation Clean Up Australia has asked people to set “reuse-alutions” for 2022.
The amount of plastic waste has been surging due to the pandemic, and there are concerns that plastic waste has serious long-term impacts on our environment.
Could you “Step Up” this year by doing your bit? Whether it’s recycling soft plastics, bringing your own water bottle, rinsing your recyclables, refusing to buy pre-wrapped fruit and veg, or beyond.
Share your pledge on social media and tag @CleanUpAustralia #StepUptoCleanUp.
APA will host a Clean Up event at Helen Mayo Park (Park 27) on March 6. Photo: Clean Up Australia.
Another way to help is by taking part in Clean Up Australia Day on Sunday, March 6.
We (APA) are hosting our own Clean Up a Park Day at Helen Mayo Park (in Park 27) – just 13 days’ before the State election, at which the fate of that Park is a very real issue.
You’re welcome to attend and help clear litter from Helen Mayo Park. Clean Up kits, including gloves and bags, will be provided. Register here: www.cleanupaustraliaday.org.au/register/helen-mayo-park.
Still need more inspiration for the year ahead? Here are some ‘green’ resolutions a few park lovers have set for 2022.
TED JENNINGS – he’s vowed to plant a tree a week
APA committee member Ted Jennings, right, led a guided walk with his son, Nate, through GS Kingston Park / Wirrarninthi (Park 23) last year. Photo: James Elsby.
“I met a guy at a ‘bush doof’ gig a couple of months ago. He told me how he’s planted over a million trees. I liked it!
“Not ALL [of the trees I plant are] going in my yard. Heavens, I’ve only got about 350sq m at my house. They’re going everywhere! Guerrilla gardening is the only way. If you’re not part of the solution, you’re simply the problem.
“Guerilla gardening is when you plant natives [in place of other plants] or if you simply think a tree would look cool in a spot in 40 years.
“In year 4, I had a teacher – Mrs Pratt. She gave us all a native to take home and plant. Forty years later, I finally understood. [See below.]
This native has been going strong for Ted since it was gifted by a teacher 40 years ago.
“A Dracaena draco [find] the other day was simply luck for me. I’ve twice tried to propagate one from its seeds. Finding the cutting on the ground happened on a warm day [but] I had my water pack on.
“This is my current crop of cuttings to go to the next re-greening project [as below].
Some of Ted’s recent cuttings.
“If 10 per cent of the population plant one plant/tree a year, carbon collection should be sorted in 50 years. Unfortunately, politicians are only looking four years ahead.”
Ted says: “This jacaranda was planted by a bird, I’m guessing. Nature always finds a way. It was touch-and-go if it’d get though the bars - she did!”
DANIELLA CARUSO – she’s pledged to only op-shop for clothes this year
Daniella, pictured, attending a recent family event.
“After watching my mum – the original thrifter – bring in brand-new-with-tags (often designer) items from our local Salvos week after week, I decided to try my hand at op-shopping too.
“I’ve now been regularly thrifting/op-shopping since mid-2020, and I love the treasure-hunting aspect of it – as well as all the amazing clothes, jewellery and books I have found.
“My year of dedicated thrifting has left me with a wardrobe with an outfit for every occasion. So much so that I decided to challenge myself to buy nothing new (except for underwear!) this year.
“One month, in and I’m on track. If I have an urge to shop, I will hit the op shop. But I’m more intentional with what I buy there too – trying everything on, taking my time and really considering my purchases, not just buying something because it’s on the $1 rack.”
