GreenFriends UK

Gardening Corner: November 2011

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"There is a place for everything in nature. We must realise this and use each object appropriately. For one who knows this, noting is 'waste'. There is nothing insignificant or useless. Understanding this, we can convert organic waste into compost. If we try, we can recyle and reuse many of the things we consider to be waste".
- Amma's Message, Martruvani, October 2011

Unfortunately due to unusual circumstances we have been unable to write our usual articles for September and October, and this November issue will not have one either.

However, Amma's visit is rapidly coming up, and once more the Recycling Team will be working to try and ensure that as little as possible of the waste produced during the visit goes to landfill. This is very much along the lines of what Amma wants us to do, as you can see from the quote at the top of the article!! If you would like to help out with recycling seva during the visit, please contact Kaivlaya on the following email: lucydevi@yahoo.co.uk

We also have an opportunity for another seva, the making of incredible recycled paper bags without the use of glue, sellotape or staples. watch the video instructions here:

We hope that the stalls selling different products will be using these recyled newspaper paper bags, rather than specially bought bags, and so we envisage that we will need to make plenty of them during the visit. If you are interested in helping to make these wondrously simple and effective paper bags please come to the Greenfriends stall during the visit to find out more.

We will also need lots and lots of old newspapers, old wrapping paper, old wallpaper etc with which to make these bags. Please note we want old stuff that will otherwise be thrown away, not specially bought newspapers, wrappingpaper, wallpaper etc. The idea is to recycle paper. We also need only broadsheet newspapers (Guardian, Telepraph etc) as the other ones (Mirror, Express etc) are too small to make a decent sized bag.

We hope you enjoy Amma's visit, and we hope to be able to write a longer article soon.

Richard and Kaivlaya

Make a Green Pledge at Amma's London Visit

Last year, Amma's visit saw the launch of a new initiative on the GreenFriends UK stall. Visitors to the stall were invited to make a green pledge for the coming year, ranging from something simple such as 'turn lights off more at home', to a bigger commitment such as 'Attend A GreenFriends Event'. The pledges were written on paper leaves which were the attached to a 'Green Pledge Tree'.

The Tree was presented to Amma during Devi Bhava Darshan. As we handed the tree to her, it was a very special experience. She read some of the leaves, and for a few moments looked very moved. It was as though she was expressing deep sadness and compassion for the way Mother Nature is treated by mankind. She then kissed the branches tenderly and returned the tree to us. We felt so blessed to have witnessed Mother's response.

This year we intend to repeat this and hope that many people  will take the opportunity to make a green pledge. Here are a few simple ideas that you may feel you could take on: Plant and care for a tulasi (basil) plant; Practise meditation in Nature regularly; Plant seedlings/trees regularly; Buy a newspaper once a week instead of daily.

For more ideas check out the Green Living Tips at www.greenfriends.org.uk. We look forward to seeing you at the GreenFriends UK Stall in November, where there will be a whole range of other exciting Green activities for you to participate in during the visit! - Jane O'Byrne

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