We found the large attendance very encouraging and were very impressed by the number of young families showing a keen interest in sustainable living. It was also a beaut opportunity for some serious networking as well as being a very enjoyable day.

• Participation in Peace Festival, Warwick, Qld

• Clean Up Australia Day

2006 Highlights

• Earth Charter Forum

Held: 5 August 2006.
Theme: The Earth Charter Initiative- A pathway to peace, non-violence and sustainability
Message: "The Earth Charter broadens the concept of sustainability, recognizing the indivisible nature and interrelatedness of environmental protection, human rights, social and economic justice, and peace and democracy."
Overview: A one day forum on the Earth Charter Initiative was held in Toowoomba on Saturday 5 August 2006. The venue for the forum was the Allison Dickson Lecture Theatre at the University of Southern Queensland (USQ). Eight speakers, who each donated their time and services, presented papers on the four major principles of the Earth Charter Initiative. There were 24 eager participants in attendance; and although the audience was small in number, the forum was successful for a number of reasons.
Click here to read the final report. Well done to all who participated.

For more information about the Earth Chater, the forum HOPE held to support it and how YOU can support it, dip into all or some of these documents below.

The Earth Charter.pdf (425kb)
Endorse the Earth Charter (31kb)
Brink Expedition (30kb)
Cases of the Earth Charter in Motion (263kb)
Solidarity for a Sustainable Future (Fiona Curtin, Green Cross International).pdf (1431.kb)
Noel Preston - How can we address inequalities and enhance opportunities for all (45kb)
Information about the Speakers (44kb)
Program for HOPE's EC Forum held on 5 August 2006 (44kb)
Report on EC Forum held on 5 August 2006 (37kb)

Projects

• a) Conduct a series of Information Evenings on the topics as listed below
  • Waste minimisation and management
  • Water conservation
  • Organic (non-toxic) gardening
  • Energy conservation
  • Pest plants and animals
• b) Upgrade Ecology Audit booklet and The HOPE Generator manual
• c) Assisting with the development of a regional waste management strategy
• d) Developing a series of information sheets on:
  1. Saving energy in the home.
  2. Minimising household waste.
  3. Saving money and the environment.
  4. Low impact babies and how to be an environmentally friendly parent.
  5. Alternative cleaning materials for you and your house.
• e) Develop and then maintain a register of environmental, conservation and like-minded organisations in our region.
• f) Assisting with the development of a recycling and waste exchange guide and register for Toowoomba and its environs.

Campaigns

• The Earth Charter
  This document forms the basis of sound, sustainable living - social, economic and environmental - for all. Embracing the Earth Charter shows your support for a way of life that is balanced, at both the personal and global levels. Visit the Earth Charter website at: www.earthcharter.org.au

• Keep Queensland GE free
  Research into the harmful effects of GE foods on humans and the wider environment is inadequate. We simply cannot claim that GE foods cause no harm. HOPE therefore supports the view that GE food and fibre crops should not be given entry into Queensland.
• Supporting the 'Fresh Water For All' Campaign
  Despite a petition circulated during 2003 (International Year of Fresh Water) supporting fresh water for all, this fundamental need remains largely unaddressed.
• Promoting Container Deposit Legislation for Queensland
  South Australia has a whole industry based on the recycling and reuse of drink containers - plastic, glass, aluminium, steel and liquid paperboard - dramatically reducing the volume of unnecessary waste going to landfill. Queensland ceased this practice years ago. We need to re-introduce it! (When you trade in those drink bottles; the Alola Foundation will gratefully accept any spare five-cent pieces!)
• Promotion of No Junk Mail Stickers
  Junk mail spilling out of our letterboxes and onto footpaths and gardens is at best an eyesore and at worst a vandal attractant. This problem can easily be addressed by applying a 'No Junk Mail' sticker. And landlords, take note, these stickers can make periods of non-occupancy much less obvious.

Other activities

1. Collection and distribution of used plastic garden pots
2. Collection of used postage stamps (for fundraising purposes of other community groups)
3. Promoting the use of "No Junk Mail" stickers
4. Encouraging home composting & mulching
5. Promoting the benefits of every premises having a rain water tank
6. Promoting the establishment of community focused Recycling Centres - including the use of the Reverse Garbage Truck concept
7. Encouraging food manufacturers and distributors to include recycling logos and message on the labels of packaged foods
8. Liaising with various sectors of the community regarding waste minimisation practices
9. Supporting and promoting recognised environmental calendar events such as World Environment Day and National Biodiversity Month