Environmental events from around the country
Still bursting our balloon
Despite the possible risks to wildlife in land and particularly sea, the Minister for the Environment, Dick Roche, has rejected suggestions to ban the release of balloons at public events. Although most airborne balloons burst and disintegrate at high altitude, it is believed that 5 to 10 per cent endure, and in the mass release of balloons, this number can present a significant risk to marine life. When these fall into the sea, they can persist, partially inflated, for up to 12 months, and if ingested by marine life, can cause suffocation and starvation. Sea animals can also become entangled in the strings attached to the balloons. Dolphins, turtles and sharks in the northeast Atlantic waters have been found to contain balloon debris in their digestive systems.
The mass release of balloons is illegal in several US states, including Connecticut, Florida, Tennessee, California and Virginia. For more information, see www.friendsoftheirishenvironment.net.
Sustainable Feasta
The Foundation for the Economics of Sustainability (Feasta) has a variety of working groups that address topics such as democracy, housing, food, health and energy. At present, its Education Group is reforming with a wide range of activities planned including organising a conference on third level sustainability policy, creating a website and radio show targeted at teenagers, and developing a community education toolkit. Anyone interested or involved in education is welcome to contact www.feasta.org/active.htm or call 01-4053615.
Latin America briefings
Latin America is increasingly becoming an attractive destination for tourists from Ireland, but few are likely to understand the reasons why this beautiful, cultural and sunny holiday spot is so inexpensive.
To enlighten our perception of this region, the Latin America Solidarity Centre is presenting a course on Latin American Development Issues, starting September 29th and running Thursdays from 6.30pm to 8.30pm for 20 weeks. The course seeks to provide an overview of the causes and consequences of the lack of development in Latin America and cover social, economic, political and cultural perspectives, how these problems relate to Ireland and the rest of the world and how people here can take action.
The course costs €180. Further information at events@lasc.ie or 01-6760435; enrolment at info@ballsbridge.cdvec.ie or 01-6684806. The deadlines are August 31st, or September 15th in person at the college.
Ní Lamhna Goes Wild
If you're still looking for something to do today, Eanna Ní Lamhna of Mooney Goes Wild will lead a wild plant and herb walk in the grounds of IMMA, Royal Hospital, Kilmainham, Dublin. The tour starts at 2.30pm and aims to increase knowledge and awareness of herbs and their health benefits as part of a series of tours and talks organised by Irish Organic Herbs.
The admission fee of €5 goes to Sonairte Ecological Centre in Co Meath. Contact 01-4553530.