Projects
DO YOUR PART: WATER-WETLANDS PROJECT
Click here for the Water-Wetlands Project document
Energy Awareness
Everyone is concerned about the high cost of gasoline. We as consumers can do something about it. Before we list some ways to save, let's remember some facts that will show high costs are not all bad.
From a historical and world perspective, gas is cheaper in the U.S., with our inflated dollars than it was twenty years ago. Gasoline prices have not kept up with inflation. Remember that it took hundreds of millions of years for the forces of nature to make the oil which we have used in one hundred years. Since we have become so mechanized, it is estimated there remains only about enough to last another one hundred years. So economic pressures which cause us to use less are really not a bad thing. The last point, is since OPEC decisions cause the rise and fall of prices, alternative sources need to be found. Then no amount of political pressure will be able to reverse it.
Consumers should pressure congress to not only be searching for alternative sources of energy such as using corn to make gasoline; but, automobile manufacturers should be pressured to make models that are more energy efficient. If necessary, leave off some power gadgets. When purchasing a new car, avoid the gas guzzlers, thus improving the environment and saving money.
Following are some practical things that we can all do to lower our gasoline costs. Don't drive miles to save a few cents. Drive gently-no "Jack Rabbit" starts followed by sudden braking. Check tire pressure to make sure it meets the manufacturer's recommendation. Get tune-ups, new spark plugs, and air filters when needed. Obey speed limits. Above 65 miles per hour, you cut fuel efficiency by approximately l0 to 15 percent. Don't warm up engine by idyling. Check gas cap. A loose or missing cap allows fuel to evaporate. Car pool when possible.
The neat thing about most of these suggestions is that they have other benefits. For instance, proper maintenance of the engine prolongs the car's life and reduces environmental emissions. Proper tire inflation makes them last longer.
Obeying speed limits saves lives. If you are really concerned about high gasoline costs, do something about it by using less. Instead of driving around in a parking lot looking for a space near the door, just park and walk more - it will help your heart and your waistline.
Louise Vines, GCA
Energy Awareness Chairman
HERE'S HELP FOR HABITAT FOR HUMANITY
By: Delyn Rouze
Alabama native, Millard Fuller, founded Habitat for Humanity in 1976 to help fund houses for poor families. During the ensuing 29 years, homes have been built for over a million families in 3,700 locations.
It's not unusual to see women and even their daughters grab a hammer and work right along with men and other women and their daughters in partnership with Habitat for Humanity. But, hammering may not be your thing, so what can you and your garden club do to benefit this project? If landscaping comes to mind, you're right on target. The Walk-A-Thon at Deep South and National Garden Clubs Conventions, designate the funds raised for Habitat landscaping projects. Also, clubs can contribute to the fund; and, for each $1.00 contributed, the club receives one point toward their Club of Distinction. You see, there are several ways you can help - raise funds, contribute, or grab a hammer and/or shovel and be a hands-on participant. It will make you feel good and you'll be glad you did it.
The Garden Club of Alabama has funds designated for landscaping Habitat homes. Send your request for funds for your club's Habitat project to GCA Chairman, Delyn Rouze, EnDrouze@aol.com or 232 Main Street, Prattville, Alabama 36067. Remember, as with any project, send a brief project description and "before" pictures. Then, send the "after" pictures. After the project is completed, we hope your club will keep in touch with the homeowners. Most will need and greatly benefit from your expertise. Who knows? You just may "find" a new garden club member.
Jo Ann Wade cheering for the Habitat for Humanity Walk
Mary Summerville says, "READ ME!" (This is from 2004 or earlier)
Does a recycled ink jet cartridge, a recycled laser cartridge, a recycled cell phone and GCA Scholarships go together? YES! Like a "hand in a glove".
Members of The Garden Club of Alabama, Inc. are recycling all of the above. Through a partnership with RecycleFirst, we receive one dollar ($1.00) for each ink jet cartridge and one dollar ($1.00) for each cell phone. Laser cartridges are valued based on the brand - the average being four dollars ($4.00).
Envelopes for the ink jets and boxes for the lasers and cell phones will be available at the 2004 Convention, April 14-16 in Decatur. All have The Garden Club of Alabama, Inc. barcode, so that any envelope or box sent in will be credited to our account.
Suggestion: Presidents, appoint a chairman for your club. Collect the cartridges and cell phones from neighbors, acquaintances, businesses, etc. and bring to the club meeting and/or deliver to the chairman. Have the chairman keep an accurate account sent to RecycleFirst and send the total, periodically, to President Mary Summerville. When checks are received from RecycleFirst, your club will be credited for the number of State Life Memberships your collection will fund. If your club is already 100% State Life Membership, a donation to the Scholarship Fund in that amount will be sent in honor of your club.
This is a GCA project in which every club can participate. Every cartridge and cell phone we keep out of a landfill, helps our environment, while at the same time contributes to our Auburn University Scholarship Endowment Fund. I can't think of anything any more worthwhile and it is so easy.
We thank you in advance for your participation.
Mary
RecycleFirst Ink Jet
Recycling ProgramGCA will participate in this program to raise money for State Life Memberships and Scholarship donations.
I hope you have accessed the website www.recyclefirst.com by now and that you are more knowledgeable about the program.
The envelopes will hold about 6 or 8 cartridges. Use a pen that will write on plastic for your return address. When you get your bag full, drop or place it in mailbox. GCA will be credited with $1.00 per cartridge. You should keep a record of how many you send in, if you send in 50 cartridges, Mary said that GCA will award the club with a State Life Membership. It will be up to the club to designate the member who receives it. Isn't this a great way to honor someone in your club with a Life Membership!!
The box will hold 10 laser cartridges. We will try to get boxes to all districts at least by convention.
