February

The 2012 Green Awards entry deadline has been extended!

29/02/2012

Due to demand, the deadline for entries to the Green Awards has been  extended until Friday, March 2nd.

There has been a huge response to date, thank you to everyone who has entered so far.

The winners will be announced at the glittering Award Ceremony on April 19^th, 2012 at the Burlington Hotel.

The full list of categories are available on the Green Awards website. The Green Awards team are calling on all organisations & individuals to consider their achievements in sustainability & green practice over the past 12 months and put themselves for an Award; entry is once again free.

If you have any queries, please do not hesitate to contact teh Green Awards team on 01 407 0595.

Source: Green Awards

Camara: Irish charity appeals for donation of old technology

28/02/2012

Irish charity Camara Education has launched an appeal for old computers that will improve education in some of the world’s most disadvantaged communities.

Camara Education, a social enterprise and charity, re-use computers to educate children in disadvantaged schools in sub-Saharan Africa, Jamaica and Ireland. Camara Education refurbishes computers sourced from Irish businesses, government departments and individuals, loads them with educational software and distributes them to disadvantaged schools. This enables thousands of marginalised communities’ an opportunity to break the cycle of poverty they find themselves in.

To date Camara has dispatched over 30,000 computers, improving education for over 350,000 disadvantaged children and giving them the opportunity to acquire the digital literacy skills needed for the 21st century.

Camara Education CEO, John Fitzsimons commented, “Each year in Ireland we throw away 250,000 PC’s. We would encourage people and businesses to give them to Camara for reuse rather than recycling them. There is a moral imperative to seek a reuse option.” Fitzsimons also added “We are not asking for money, just your old technology; each PC will give the gift of digital literacy to 21 disadvantaged students so we urge people to support this campaign.”

Details of Camara's drop off locations are available on the charity's website.

Source: Camara

ESAI 2012 Photography Competition

27/02/2012

The Environmental Science Association of Ireland ESAI will be inviting entries from interested individuals to participate in the seventh annual ESAI photography competition. This years competition has the open theme of: "The Environment". Entrants are encouraged to interpret the theme as they see fit.

Entries are welcome from all amateur photographers and will be assessed on the basis of picture quality, composition and the appropriateness of the caption.

First prize:

• €250 voucher sponsored by the Environmental Research Institute, UCC.
• Professional framing of the winning entry
• One year membership of ESAI

Two runners up will each receive a one year membership of ESAI.

The closing date is Friday December 28th 2012. The winner will be notified by email on Friday January 23th 2013. The application form is available for download on the ESAI website.

ENVIRON 2012: 7th-9th March

27/02/2012

'The 22nd Irish Environmental Researchers' Colloquium (ENVIRON 2012) will be held in University College Dublin (UCD) from Wednesday, March 7th- Friday March 9th, 2012.

The ENVIRON colloquium is the largest annual gathering of environmental researchers in Ireland with over 250 researchers attending the event. The event continues to provide a wonderful platform for PhD students and postdoctoral researchers to present their research to a wide audience.

The theme of the 2012 ENVIRON colloquium is “Our Environment: Integrating Today’s Research with Tomorrow’s Actions”. The theme will challenge delegates to consider how ongoing research can influence many overarching areas into the future such as environmental quality, policy, legislation, society and the economy. In order to engage fully with the theme, each presenter will be asked to address how their research relates to the theme in their abstract submission and concluding slide in their oral presentation.

The colloquium banquet takes place on Thursday, March 8th, 2012 at Stillorgan Park Hotel and will cost €45 (3 course dinner, tea/coffee, wine and entertainment). A courtesy bus is provided free of charge by the hotel to transport delegates between UCD and the banquet venue.

Online registration is available until 6th March.

Source: ESAI

Science for Environment Policy issue 274 now available online

27/02/2012

Science for Environment Policy issue 274 is now available online. Articles include:

• Improved healthcare through new air pollution risk tool
   
• New approach to risk assessing pharmaceutical emissions
   
• Trading practices affect measure of a country's sustainability
   
• The importance of conserving biodiversity for biomedical research
   
• Benefits to leaving the car at home quantified
   
• Understanding of consumer environmental behaviour too simplistic

NUI Galway Energy Night 2012: "Putting Energy to Work for Ireland"

24/02/2012

Experts from the fields of business, enterprise and investment, innovation and energy technology will come together to debate “Putting Energy to Work for Ireland” on Tuesday March 6th 2012 in the Bailey Allen Hall NUI Galway. This student-run event is the only one of its kind in Ireland, and it reflects the central role the organisers believe energy must play in the economic recovery of Ireland. This is the second year NUIG Energy Night has been held and it is organised by the universities’ Chemistry, Energy and Physics Societies. Last year's event was a huge success and featured a lively and often animated debate among panellists from RTÉ, SEAI, IBEC, Siemens Ireland and NUI Galway.

This year’s event will open at 2 p.m in the Bailey Allen Hall with a Career and Industry Fair featuring 24 of Ireland's most prominent energy employers. The week prior to Energy Night, in conjunction with the Career Development Centre at NUI Galway and during Engineers Week, the organisers will run targeted CV and professional development workshops for careers in the energy sector. The Career and Industry Fair will run concurrently with a Poster Showcase highlighting the rich, cutting-edge and multi-disciplinary energy research currently being undertaken by students in Irish universities. With presenters working in areas such as biofuels, wave energy, smart buildings, smart grids and data efficiency the Career and Industry Fair and Research Showcase will provide an invaluable opportunity for students, academics and business people from around the country to network, exchange thoughts and ideas and to perhaps set up new and exciting collaborations.

At 6 p.m the centrepiece of NUIG Energy Night, the Panel Discussion entitled “Putting Energy to Work for Ireland” will commence. In the course of the discussion, questions such as “How best can Ireland leverage its abundant innovative spirit, entrepreneurial vision and natural resources to secure a clean, affordable energy future and a sustainable economic recovery?” will be addressed. RTÉ’s “The Business” presenter George Lee will moderate the discussion that features CEOs and founders of Irish companies that are hugely successful at home at abroad including Gabriel D’Arcy CEO of Bord na Móna, Norman Crowley founder of Crowley Carbon and Brian O’Cathain CEO of Petroceltic. The panel also features serial entrepreneur George Polk who has worked with Richard Branson and George Soros and Cleantech Divisional Manager with Enterprise Ireland Tom Kelly.

The event is open to all members of the public.

Source: NUIG Energy Night

Offshore Wind Energy Drives European Energy Programme for Recovery

24/02/2012

A mid-term review of the European Energy Programme for Recovery has found that offshore wind energy is the strongest performer of the three areas selected for funding in terms of investment, creating jobs and putting investment in place quickly. The Eur4 billion European Energy Programme for Recovery (EEPR) was launched in 2009 in response to the economic crisis and the need to meet EU energy policy objectives. Three areas – offshore wind energy, gas and electricity infrastructure projects and carbon capture and storage (CCS) – were selected for funding.

Offshore wind energy was allocated the smallest amount of funding – Eur565 million or 14% of the total – but has created ten times more jobs than CCS projects. Since 2009, a total of 4,000 jobs have been created in offshore wind projects financed under the EEPR compared to 400 in CCS, despite CCS being allocated nearly double (Eur1.05 billion) the amount allotted to offshore wind.

Vilma Radvilaite, Regulatory Affairs Advisor at EWEA, comments: “It shows that wind energy projects are an ideal way to stimulate economic growth and create jobs while at the same time reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and improving our energy security. Investment in the wind power sector should be recognised as a way to restore Europe’s economy to health. This report shows that stable legislative frameworks to promote the development of the wind industry should be maintained and enhanced, even in times of austerity.”

Under the Eur4 billion EEPR, 44 gas and electricity infrastructure projects, nine offshore wind energy projects and six CCS projects received funding.

Source: Environment & Energy Management

IEA’s latest summary of key energy data available on iPhone and iPad

23/02/2012

The International Energy Agency’s latest annual publication of energy data – Key World Energy Statistics 2011 (pdf) – can now be downloaded free of charge on iPhone and iPad. The annual summary, which was first produced in 1997, contains timely, clearly-presented data on everything from the annual Canadian production of coal to the electricity consumption in Thailand, the price of diesel oil in Spain and thousands of other useful energy facts.

The IEA produced its first handy, pocket-sized summary of key energy data in 1997.

The electronic edition responds to the enormously positive reaction to the book since then. Key World Energy Statistics produced by the IEA contains timely, clearly-presented data on supply, transformation and consumption of all major energy sources.

It exists in different formats to suit our readers' requirements.

Source: IEA

EPA: A Year in Review - highlights of 2011

23/02/2012

The EPA has released 'A Year in Review' which summarises the EPA Director General, Laura Burke's review of key activities undertaken by the EPA during 2011 and sets out environmental protection challenges for 2012.

Progress is presented in the key strategic goals for Ireland's environment that are set out in the 2020Vision Statement for Strategy.

In releasing this review of EPA activities for 2011, Laura Burke, Director General said that the quality of Ireland's environment is central to our economic recovery, to the creation of jobs, and to health and well-being of the nation.

'A Year in Review - highlights from 2011' is available to download from the EPA webiste.

Source: EPA

HSBC Climate Initiative

22/02/2012

HSBC International has linked with Eco-Schools programme to create a new initiative that aims to empower students as active contributors in reducing carbon emissions. Using the 7-steps methodology, the initiative is focused on tackling climate change.

The ‘Climate Initiative’ has been running in Ireland for 3 years with selected schools from the greater Dublin region. The new initiative also allows for HSBC Ireland employees to aid schools with their Green-School programme where possible. Along with this schools are able to share their best practices through the initiative’s website, so that schools facing similar challenges can benefit from the experience of others.

Eco-Schools involved in the initiative will also be invited to participate in the HSBC Best Action Poster Competition. Closing date for entries is the 30th March 2012.

Further details on the initiative are available on the Eco-Schools HSBC website.

Source: Green Schools Ireland

EMS launches innovative machine for recycling sector

22/02/2012

Tyrone company Environmental Marketing Solutions (EMS) Ltd has recently launched the latest in a series of innovative machines that it has developed for the recycling sector with support from Invest Northern Ireland.

Based in Killyman, EMS was set up in 2006 to design and manufacture machines suitable for the recycling and construction industries. Its latest product is a machine that enables recycling bags to be opened without damaging the contents. It represents a cost-effective solution for recyclers faced with a growing amount of bagged recycled waste.

Over the last three years EMS has invested over half a million pounds in research and development, supported by almost £200,000 from Invest NI. Invest NI’s support is part funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).

Previous products resulting from this investment include a mobile shredder and the VIBRAFLOW flip flow screen, a cost-effective solution to the problem of screening fine sticky material.

Source: Invest Northern Ireland

Keep up to date with Europe's environmental news

21/02/2012

Want to know more about the EU's environmental policies and the world around us?
For news, views, analysis and information, download and read the latest issue of the Environment for Europeans magazine. Subscription is free and the magazine is available in 13 EU languages. As well as the downloadable version of the magazine in Flash Flipbook format, you can also sign up to receive a copy by e-mail, a hard copy by post, or browse the archive of previous issues.

The magazine is available for download from the Environment for Europeans website.

Source: Environment for Europeans.

Sustainable Energy Europe Awards 2012 - call for projects deadline 29 February 2012

20/02/2012

The annual Sustainable Energy Europe Awards reward best-in-class inititiatives that promote renewable energy or energy efficiency. The annual awards are a high point of the EU Sustainable Energy Week and provide an invaluable opportunity to highlight the successes of the most outstanding, ambitious and innovative projects in sustainable energy and energy efficiency.

The Awards Ceremony is one highlight of EU Sustainable Energy Week which runs from June 18th to June 22nd and attracts media interest from across Europe.

Do you manage a best practice energy project? Would you like to tell the world about it – and get media attention and a special award from the European Commission at a ceremony in Brussels?

If so, enter for a Sustainable Energy Europe Award now! There is still two weeks to apply – and it’s easy.

Why take part? The awards let you show your commitment towards a cleaner environment, inspire others and get recognised at EU level. It also gives your hard work the visibility it deserves. Full details on how to apply are available on the event website.

Source: Sustainable Energy Week

Better Building International Conference: April 2012

17/02/2012

The Better Building International Conference on the sustainable built environment is being held for the first time in Dublin on 25 April 2012 at the Royal Hospital Kilmainham.

This far reaching conference investigates the opportunities and challenges for companies working in the green sector. The event takes the format of 12 seminars, with 3 parallel streams of workshops and debates packed into one day featuring leading Irish and international experts, designers, academics, innovators and investors in sustainability for the built environment. The discussions converge on the common theme of ‘making the business case for sustainability’, quantifying the economic value of energy and resource efficiency and resilient systems.

Included in the ticket price are refreshments and lunch(catered by Fitzers) and the evening social event with wine and soft drinks served which gives time for developing business opportunities, meeting others and exchanging ideas.

Information on registration is available on the event website.

This event is organised by Éasca, Irish Green Building Council, Cultivate, Sustainable Building Show, The Chartered Institute of Building and the Passive House Association of Ireland.

Source: Better Building

Science for Environment Policy issue 273 now available online

17/02/2012

Science for Environment Policy issue 273 is now available online. Articles include:

• Rivers are slow to recover from nutrient overload
   
• Microalgae: a low-cost, sustainable solution to plastice production?
   
• Green attitudes help overcome costs of domestic renewable energy
   
• Data on alien species in need of standardisation
   
• Households responsible for 25% of EU GHG emissions, says report
   
• Evidence mounts for effects of PCBs on baby weight

EC Consultation on Barriers to Energy Efficiency

16/02/2012

The European Commission has launched a public consultation on buildings' energy efficiency. The objective of this consultation is to obtain the views of stakeholders on how the financial support for energy efficiency measures aimed at improving the energy performance of buildings, both at EU as well as at national/regional/local level, could be improved.

The consultation document and details on making a contribution are available on the EC website.

EPA releases Urban Waste Water Discharges report for Ireland

16/02/2012

Nearly half of Ireland’s wastewater treatment plants serving urban centres are failing to achieve national and EU standards, according to a new report released today by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

Commenting on the report Mr. Gerard O’Leary, Programme Manager, in the EPA’s Office of Environmental Enforcement said: “This level of performance is poor and needs to improve. In order to meet EU targets further investment in infrastructure is required and we need a step change in the operation and maintenance of these valuable assets.”

This report, the eighth in the series, is the first review of the operation of waste water treatment plants at 529 urban areas since they became subject to a new licensing regime being rolled out by the EPA. The main findings are as follows:

1. 46% of waste water treatment plants did not meet all waste water quality standards or EPA guidelines.
2. Eleven large urban areas do not meet the Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive (UWWTD) requirement to have secondary treatment in place (*Table 1). These include, for example, Bray and Ringaskiddy where the provision of treatment is now ten years overdue; Clifden, where the old plant is impacting on bathing water; and Moville where discharges are causing serious pollution to the River Bredagh.
3. Eight urban areas do not meet the UWWTD requirement to provide nutrient reduction in addition to secondary treatment for discharges to sensitive water areas by specified dates (*Table 2). Because these relate to more sensitive environments a higher level of treatment is required – in these cases, nutrients such as phosphorus and nitrogen have to be removed. Areas affected include the cities of Cork, Dublin and Kilkenny.
4. The EPA expects that by 2015 the necessary treatment will be in place for the large urban centres – work to be completed by the relevant local authorities.

Source: EPA

Launch of Sustainable Energy Awards 2012

15/02/2012

The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland invites you to attend the launch of the 2012 Sustainable Energy Awards on Thursday 8th March at the Radisson Royal Hotel in Athlone from 10am to 12.30pm.

These Awards recognise and reward individuals and firms who demonstrate excellence in the management and use of energy and who are committed to more sustainable energy practices. They provide an excellent opportunity for organisations, regardless of size, to get public recognition for their efforts in reducing energy costs and emissions.

At this event we will announce the full details of the Sustainable Energy Awards 2012 and also hear presentations from last year’s winners, explaining the work they undertook that led to their success.

If you would like to attend, please register by Theurday 1st March by emailing awards@seai.ie.

Soure: SEAI

45th All Ireland Conference on Bird Conservation

15/02/2012

BirdWatch Ireland and RSPB Northern Ireland will host the 45th All Ireland Conference on Bird Conservation from Friday 9th to Sunday 11th March. The event will take place at the Radisson Blu Hotel and Spa, Little Island, Cork.

The theme for this year's conference is 'Birds for Life: Recreation, Education, Conservation'. A number of field trips have been planned to Ballycotton, Rostellan and Cuskinny as well as a panel of national and international speakers and group workshops. Full details of the conference are available on the Birdwatch Ireland website. Reservations can also be made online.

New air quality smartphone application available

14/02/2012

The "obsAIRve App" is a free application for the iPhone delivering current and forecast information on air quality in Europe. Scientific data on the most important air pollutants (like ozone, NO2 and fine particles) are converted into an easy-to-understand air quality index showing data on maps or in diagrams. The app was developed under a contract funded by the European Commission.

The app allows users to monitor the air quality at their home, at their work place or at a future destination within Europe. In addition, users can give feedback by rating air quality at their current location. The app was released on the Apple Appstore and is now available for download. To download the application, iPhone and iPad users should go to the Appstore and search for “obsairve”.

Further information is available on the European Commission website.

EPA Provides Real Time Air Quality Monitoring in Kilkenny City

14/02/2012

Mr Phil Hogan, TD, Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government yesterday visited the Kilkenny Regional Inspectorate of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and viewed the new air monitoring station for Kilkenny City.

Minister Hogan said, “I am delighted that the EPA has established a new air monitoring station in Kilkenny. It means that the people of Kilkenny can now access up-to-date, real time air quality information, including the hourly air quality index for Kilkenny City, on the EPA’s website.”

The EPA began monitoring air quality in Kilkenny City in January 2012. Monitoring is done using continuous monitors for two traffic-related pollutants, nitrogen oxides and ozone. Results are available in real time on the EPA website.

Source: Environmental Protection Agency

Carbon Monoxide Warning Campaign Welcomed

13/02/2012

Energy Minister Pat Rabbitte has welcomed the beginning of a two-week publicity campaign to highlight the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning. "I am very pleased to see that good advice on this silent killer is being given to the public in such a high-profile manner. I am particularly pleased to note that the campaign includes advice on how to select a suitable carbon monoxide alarm from the many currently available." said the Minister.Press, television and radio messages providing information about how to protect against carbon monoxide poisoning have been prepared by Bord Gais Networks.

Further information is available on http://www.carbonmonoxide.ie/

Youth video competition: share your vision of a sustainable future and win cash prizes

Source: European Environment Agency

Science for Environment Policy issue 272 now available online

10/02/2012

Science for Environment Policy issue 272 is now available online. Articles include:

• Carbon capture and storage could affect air pollution
• Microplastics from washing machine wastewater are polluting beaches
• Shale gas: report highlights potential environmental risks
• Habitat quality is better than quantity for species survival
• The European Soil Data Centre: a one-stop-shop for soil science
• Locally-led, small-scale farming could help prevent future food crises

IBEC Environment Awards Winners Announced

09/02/2012

IBEC, the group that represents Irish business, today announced the winners of the Irish stage of the 2012 European Business Awards for the Environment (EBAE), which recognise European companies that combine innovation, economic viability and environmental concerns. The Irish winners will compete with companies across 23 European countries at the EBAE awards during European Green Week (22-25 May) in Brussels. The winners include:

• Vodafone in Dublin won the European Environmental Management award.
   
• Larkin Engineering in Galway won the European Product award.
   
• Roadstone Wood in West Dublin received the European Process award.
   
• Irish Cement in Louth received the IBEC Environmental Excellence award.

Source: IBEC

EC Consultation on a Dedicated Legislative Instrument on Invasive Alien Species

09/02/2012

The European Commission is preparing a dedicated legislative instrument on Invasive Alien Species. In preparation of this instrument the Commission is now seeking views on the more specific choices to be made when establishing this instrument. The EU Commission welcomes contributions from citizens, organisations and public authorities.

The consultation will close on 12th April, 2012.
 

Consultation on a dedicated legislative instrument on invasive alien species

New guide shows how to grow business sustainably

07/02/2012

A step-by-step guide designed to help businesses accelerate sustainable growth has been launched by the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD).

The guide, Collaboration, innovation, transformation, includes case studies from 10 major companies – including Coca-Cola, Procter & Gamble and Unilever – demonstrating how sustainable value chains can create competitive advantage for business.

According to the WBCSD, a rapid transformation in the way products and services are produced and consumed is essential to keep up with the demands of the globe’s growing population without further damaging the environment. Its own Vision 2050 report predicts that agricultural output will double and resource efficiency will increase tenfold.

Designed to be practical, the guide outlines concrete actions companies can take to drive sustainability through their value chains. At each step in the process, companies are offered a series of practical recommendations to identify and implement systematic improvements. The report includes case studies that demonstrate how sustainable value chain approaches have been successfully adopted by companies and made them more competitive.

Source: Business & Leadership

Minister Rabbitte opens Energy Action Conference

07/02/2012

Minister Rabbitte opened the Energy Action poverty Conference in Dublin Castle on 6th-7th Feb 2012. This two-day event builds on the recent launch of the Affordable Energy Strategy and will provide a forum for those working in the area to share key information, experience and perspectives so as to identify effective solutions to the fuel poverty issue. Minister Rabbitte noted that

‘The last year has not been as easy one for any of us. We’ve all felt the pinch – from Government Departments to community-based organisations and charities – and most especially those who we serve, the people struggling to pay their bills.’

The Affordable Energy Strategy was published late last year and aims to target the mitigation of energy poverty amongst low-income households in Ireland and represents the delivery of one of the programme for government commitments. The Minister highlighted the efforts of the many charitable organisations working with those in energy poverty,

‘I greatly value the work of the many community organisations represented here today, who reach out and make links with those who are often worst off and hardest to reach. The next few days promise to be crucial to the development and implementation of energy poverty policy.’

There are 48 actions set out in the strategy across three timeframes: those that can be delivered within the short-term i.e. less than 12 months, those that will take up to 18 months to deliver and those that are projected to take longer. This reflects the nature of what needs to be done and the complexity of the energy poverty issue. The short term measures outlined will be immediately actioned by the Inter-Departmental/Agency Group on Affordable Energy and its members.

Source: Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources

Consultation on Delivering more Sustainable Consumption and Production

06/02/2012

The European Commission wants to gather views and additional information on the possible introduction of EU wide measures related to Sustainable Consumption and Production. The consultation also looks at Green Public Procurement (GPP), the Environmental Footprint of Products (PEF) and the Environmental Footprint of Organisations (OEF). The consultation offers an opportunity to all interested parties to express their views, to give their opinion on the proposed policy options.

Contributions from citizens, organisations and public authorities are welcome. Full details on making a contribution are available on the European Commission website.

Source: European Commission

Science for Environment Policy issue 271 now available online

06/02/2012

Science for Environment Policy issue 271 is now available online. Articles include:

• Characterisation of ultrafine particles from a waste-incinerator plant
• Five strategies to help damaged marine ecosystems recover
• New study reveals Europe's rivers under pressure
• Can the public support wave power?
• Some forest soils still to recover from acidification by air pollutants
• Urban forest: could they be doing us a disservice?
• Photovoltaic supply falls short of solar power targets

Stockholm Convention's Global Art Competition for Children and Young People

03/02/2012

The Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants celebrated its 10^th anniversary during 2011. To mark this occasion the Secretariat of the Stockholm Convention is organising a global art contest for children and young people. The theme of the contest is “Stockholm at 10: Chemical Challenges, Sustainable Solutions”.

The contest is open to three possible art media categories: Drawing, Photography and Short video. There are also three age categories: 5-10 years old;  11-15 years old; 16-20 years old. The deadline for entering the contest is 16 March 2012.  Further details can be found on the contest webpage.

World Wetlands Day: 2 February

02/02/2012

Today, February 2nd is World Wetlands Day. The theme for 2012 is Wetlands and Tourism and is linked to the theme for the next meeting of the Conference of the Parties, COP11: Wetlands, Tourism and Recreation, which will take place in July 2012, in Bucharest, Romania.

There are a number of resources available for download from the World Wetlands Day website in order to promote the event.

·          A brochure for WWD 2012 on wetlands and sustainable tourism, and how tourism can benefit Ramsar Sites and all wetlands

·          A poster, a flipbook, a comic, and a sticker, all aimed at providing information on wetlands and tourism.

Everyone is encouraged to consider customising and printing these materials using the original design files in Adobe InDesign, which are available on DVD. Please write to wwd@ramsar.org if you would like to receive the design files – and don’t forget to include your full mailing address.

Please send your customisations, WWD reports, photographs and event summaries to us at wwd@ramsar.org.

Source: World Wetlands Day

Green Schools Travel Competition 2012

02/02/2012

The Green-Schools Travel Competition 2012 is now open to all schools that are working on or have earned the Green-Schools Travel Flag. Total prize fund is €5000!

This competition is to create artwork on the theme ‘Great for the planet, great for me!’ Using a poem, letter, song, poster or postcard, express how sustainable travel can benefit the earth, our society, our communities and us.

How to take part
Encourage students to create a poem letter, song, post or postcard expressing the theme of this year’s competition. Shortlist the top 10 entries and send them to the Head Office by the closing date. IDEA: Host your own competition and choose ten entries as your winners. The winner(s) from your school could become your school’s Green Code for the Travel theme!

There are three categories:

• Category A: Junior Infants – 2nd Class

• Category B: 3rd Class – 6th Class

• Category C: Secondary School (all years)

The official flyer, application form, terms and conditions are available for download from the Green Schools website.

The closing date for the receipt of entries is 9th March 2012

Please send entries by post or email to:
Green-Schools Travel Competition
An Taisce EEU
Unit 5A
Swift’s Alley
Francis Street
Dublin 8

Email: gstravelcompetition2012@eeu.antaisce.org

Source: Green Schools