Kids Taking Action - Noordhoek Clean Up 22 March2009 - initiated by Talah James

[Liesel James]

16 Sweetwater Close
Lake Michelle
Noordhoek
7985

February 2009 Issue 1
New childrens climate change group starting in Noordhoek

Dear Little Green Friends,

A warm and hearty welcome to all! My six year old daughter Talah called for action and wanted to start a Clean Up South Africa day because she is worried about climate change and suggested to educate all citizens to make earth-friendly changes to their lives by firstly cleaning up around them. Tala has been involved with climate action groups since the age of 3 when we were living in Australia.

As a family in Australia we were very involved in creating awareness and founded the Maroubra Climate Action Group in March 2006 and managed that group until we moved back to SA early last year.
One of our annual events we participated in was the Clean Up Australia day which takes place around March each year. This was an initiative introduced in 1989 by an Australian man that had a simple idea to make a difference in his own backyard - Sydney Harbor. Please find attach the whole story for those who are interested to read more about Ian Kiernan. This simple idea has now become the nation's largest community-based environmental event, Clean up Australia Day.

This child wants to make a difference.. because of her persistence, I have realized that little people need to be heard.. Earth is their planet too and the actions of all people today affect the children of tomorrow. I then decided to drive this project with her in creating a space where children in our own valley can learn and grow through participation, about the problems we are facing globally and this will initiate change to start fixing the problems and making a difference in South Africa.

Think globally, act locally: South Peninsula kids take action!

NEAG our local envirionmental watchdog in Noordhoek has offered their full support on assisting us in starting an envirionmental childrens climate action group (the name to be confirmed on the 22nd of March, please forward us any ideas – if your name is used you will get a special gift)! This group will include children between 4 to 11 years old from all suburbs in our valley who would like to get involved. All children will become members and we will email or call you( if you don’t have email) to inform you about our activities every term, which will cover areas in cleaning up, clearing of aliens, replanting indiginous trees, save the leapord toads and lots of fun teachings on the life cycle of composting, worm farming and much much more. This will be a place to share ideas and accomplishments as we work to heal our part of the Earth and share in her beauty.

Our first project is on Sunday, 22 March 2009.
We are planning a big clean up day in Noordhoek and surrounding areas. We will be meeting at the Noordhoek Common at 8 am. All children have to be accompanied by one or both parents at all times.
This is the programme for that day:
Registration: 08:00 – 08:30
Allocation of clearing areas: 08:30 – 08:45
Clearing: 09:00 – 10:00
Meet back at Common: 10:15
Picnic, story telling and Certificate Handouts: 10:30 – 12:00
Michigan Spur free burger for each child participating veggies too 12:00

Please RSVP as soon as possible by emailing [e-mail] or call 071 198 7875, 021 785 2606 so that I can put you onto our data base for further notices!
If parents are interested to join and contribute to our team, please advice so that you can be at our next meeting later this month.

Here is a little bit of information on why we have a clean-up day in Noordhoek:
Plastic is made from petroleum; petroleum is a liquid fossil fuel which is formed underground. About four-fifths of all sea rubbish comes from land, swept by wind or washed by rain off the beach, roads and city streets, down streams and rivers, and out to the sea. And of these, almost everything (90%) of floating sea rubbish is plastic.
We all know how the wind blows in Noordhoek!

Plastic bags also block the drains and gutters on roads and streets causing severe water logging during heavy rain falls. The sewage and dirty water overflows and becomes a breeding ground for many disease-causing germs and bacteria, resulting in health hazards due to water-borne diseases.
Therefore, it is in our interest to avoid using plastic bags as much as possible. A simple step to avoid plastic is by using colorful cloth bags instead.
What you can do!

Be responsible. Be aware of what you throw out of the window or into drains and streams and rivers. Better still; reduce your own consumption of plastic bags and that of your household.
Spread the word on climate change to your friends, family and neighbors and encourage everyone to make earth friendly lifestyle choices!

We are looking forward to hearing from you and share our passion. Please invite your friends to join us in March, every child is welcome. There will be a reward for your contribution.

A little effort can go a long way…

Love and Blessings,

Liesel

be green and grow


Liesel James
[e-mail]
[e-mail]
[e-mail]

071.198 7875