College recycling schemes: Recycling schemes are taking off in several third-level colleges around the country. In the Sligo Institute of Technology the recycling project started with batteries.
"The batteries are collected for a fee by ReturnBatt [a commercial supplier of bins for batteries who have an Environmental Protection Agency licence to dispose of them safely]. We will also be encouraging people to use rechargeable batteries and reduce waste by using recyclable packaging or preferably biodegradable materials," explains Martin Cronin, technician in the Science Department at the Sligo IT. The recycling of ink cartridges from computer printers is the next step in the college's recycling scheme. Then, there are plans to recycle office paper and cardboard. The Institute of Technology is willing to pass on any tips it has learned when setting up its recycling scheme. Tel: 071-55275.
Koala bear drought: Koala bears parched after 11 months of drought are abandoning their babies and heading into Australian residential areas in search of water. Dehydrated koalas are leaving their eucalyptus trees and heading for backyards to lap water from dripping taps and sprinklers, according to Nancy Small who runs a koala rehabilitation centre in rural New South Wales. "Because we haven't had any rain for such a long time and because of the heat, the koalas don't get enough moisture out of the leaves in the trees and of course there is no other water around," says Small. Local residents are keeping many koalas alive by putting water out for them. Australia has been experiencing one of the most severe droughts in 100 years and the "Big Dry" has also fuelled massive bush fires and decimated harvests. (Reuters)
Alternative trade systems: Informal trade through barter is one of the oldest systems of exchange known to humankind. The introduction of currency formalised such trade but from time to time, new exchange systems develop and the Local Exchange Trading System, known as LETS, is one such system. It is a member-run system in which the members exchange goods and services through a local currency. LETS currently exist in Cork city and Bantry, Co Cork. A group of individuals are keen to set up a LETS in Galway. Contact Kerry on 087-9111624 if you are interested in becoming involved.
Planting ideas: Native tree planting has become a focus for social and community togetherness with many environmental groups holding tree planting events at regular intervals. There is an added artistic bent to a project which will be launched in Cultivate, the new Sustainable Ireland Cooperative at 15-19 Essex St West, Temple Bar, Dublin. Drawing on her experience of working with the late German artist, Joseph Beuys, English artist Shelley Sacks will present her ideas on how 7,000 oak trees can be sculpted to form a spiritual oasis at the centre of Ireland. The oak saplings have already been planted on the hill of Uisneach (situated just off the R390 between Mullingar and Athlone). Anyone interested in finding out more should attend the meeting at 3 p.m. on Saturday.