Lions Go Green to Protect Planet

Link to Lions Clubs International
http://www.lionsclubs.org/EN/index.php
Link to Lions Club International Blog
http://lionsclubsorg.wordpress.com/

LIONS ARE READY!

Four of the most implemented Lions environmental projects are:

• Community clean-ups
• Tree Plantings
• Recycling
• Education

The following entries in this blog were taken from the Lions International Brochure.
Form IAD-219 03/09
Program Develepmont
Lions Clubs International
300 W 22nd Street
Oak Brook, Il 60523-8842 USA
E-mail: programs @lionsclubs.org
Phone: 630-571-5466

LIONS ENVIRONMENTAL PHOTO CONTEST

To illustrate the beauty of nature, every Lion (from a club in good standing) can enter a photograph of his or her immediate surroundings into the club-level Lions Environmental Photo Contest. The photo categories are:

• Animal life
• Plant Life
• Urban or natural landscape
• Weather phenomenon
• A special annual theme

2009-2010 Winner of Photo Contest

DEVELOP AN ENVIRONMENT PROJECT

• Evaluate community needs
• Partner with local organizations
• Determine the best project for the community
• Review Lions Green Team resources
• Plan the procedures, materials needed, and a budget
• Submit the plan to Lions Club, District, and/or Multiple District leaders for approval

Once  approved, the project chairperson should:

• Obtain municipal permits
• Place event posters throughout the community
• Recruit Lion volunteers (or prospective Lions)
• Provide protective clothing for volunteers
• Create Large Lions signs for the project
• Invite the media to witness - or participate in - the Lions environment project through press releases
• After the project:
• Provide a certificate of appreciation for participants
• Update local media on the success of the project
• Thank all sponsors
• Submit final report to Club, District, Multiple District and International Headquarters.

ENVIRONMENTALLY-FRIENDLY ACTIONS

Automobiles:

• Drive your car 10 miles less per week and save 500 pounds of carbon dioxide emissions per year
• Keep car tires inflated for fuel efficiency
• Air conditioning leaks are a major source of chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) release into the ozone
• Purchase a fuel=efficient or hybrid automobile

Home:

• Adjust heat/air conditioning thermostats two degrees to save 2,000 pounds of carbon dioxide a year
• Insulate your home. Have and energy audit
• Purchase energy-efficient appliances
• When not in use, turn of electrical appliances
• Replace incandescent light bulbs with compact florescent light bulbs to reduce energy consumption 60%
• Install water-saving devices in showers and toilets
• Wash only full loads of laundry
• Wash clothes in warm or cold water. Use low phosphate laundry detergent
• Use cloth baby diapers
• Use cloth dishtowels and napkins instead of paper towels and napkins
• Plant a vegetable garden
• Purchase locally grown produce
• Purchase items in bulk
• Use reusable string or fabric shopping bags
• Give excess paint to a friend
• Pay bills online.

EDUCATION PROJECTS

Lions can inform the public about environment issues:

• Sponsor a hybrid car exhibit
• Sponsor an environment contest
• Raise funds for an environment project
• Encourage schools to teach an environment curriculum
• Sponsor a school-based ecology club

RECYCLING PROJECTS

Recycle at Lions events. A few Lions recycling projects are:

• Eyeglasses and hearing aids
• Paper, books, magazines, telephone books
• Aluminum, metal keys, metal coat hangers
• Plastic products
• Motor oil, paint
• Cellular telephones, computers, inkjet cartridges
• Rubber-soled athletic shoes
• Organic matter in a compost pile

Reuse projects include:

• Clothing drives
• Collection of canes, crutches, wheelchairs, and other medical supplies to donate to those in need.

TREE PLANTING PROJECTS

Trees absorb carbon from the atmosphere, conserve soil and water, provide homes for animals, shade for humans, and are a source of food and medicine.

• Trees can serve as a living memorial of a club anniversary or a member's birthday
• Some clubs have planted Lions memorial forests.
• Other clubs have sponsored contests. 
• The grand prize was a tree planted in honor of the contest winner.

Tree planting tips from the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP):

• Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball. 
• Slightly loosen the root ball. 
• Place the tree in the hole.
• Cover the hole with soil.
• Water the tree.
• Remove weeds around the tree.
• Protect the tree from animals.

COMMUNITY CLEAN-UP PROJECTS

Community clean-ups are a great way to improve the environment:

• Adopt-a-highway, waterway or park. Maintain its litter-free appearance.
• Clean a waterway; restock it with fish.
• Remove graffiti from a public place.
• Improve a playground or athletic field.
• Landscape a public area.
• Check lead levels in school drinking fountains and replace pipes if needed.
• Encourage the use of organic instead of chemical fertilizers.