Submitted by admin1 on Fri, 2012-03-23 22:18

Eco-Friendly Temples Challenge

Caring for our environment, for other species we share this world with and for future generations, is not separate from our practice of morality and other aspects of the Middle Way, the Noble Eight-fold Path taught by the Buddha. Rather it is an expression of our more holistic and mature understanding and practice of it, that includes but goes beyond precepts and good wishes.

This section offers free opportunities for you to help make your temple, monastery or meditation centre more eco-sustainable and so contribute towards the great global change and efforts to make this world better for everyone.

Vegetarian Food Challenge

What we eat impacts not only on our personal health but on lives of other people and animals, and our whole environment. Eating less meat is one of the most effective ways we can easily help to alleviate climate change and make this world a better place to live for everyone.

To learn more and to join this important initiative, please visit the Australian Religious Response to Climate Change, web-page Eat-Less Meat.

Biodiversity Conservation

The decade 2011-2020 has been declared by the United Nations as the ‘Decade on Biodiversity’ to stop the loss of global biodiversity and ensure that natural ecosystems are resilient and continue provide essential services for wide variety of life on Earth.

Australia’s Biodiversity Strategy Goal: “Healthy and Resilient to Threats”

Australia’s Biodiversity Conservation Strategy 2010-2030 has been developed to restore and protect our biodiversity. It has a long-term vision where “our biodiversity is healthy and resilient to threats, and valued both in its own right and for its essential contribution to our existence.”

Community Involvement is Critical

This Strategy cannot be achieved through national parks and reserves alone, but it needs all Australians to be involved in community conservation across the landscape.

How you can help

Please read our Biodiversity Conservation flyer and Australian Threatened Species poster to learn how you can easily help.

Free Eco-Sustainable Living Services

The Buddhist Council has formed partnership with the Ethnic Communities’ Council of NSW to help Buddhist communities and individuals live more sustainably.

The Ethnic Communities Sustainable Living Project assists organisations to engage culturally and linguistically diverse communities in local environmental activities and education. It conducts free train-the-trainer workshops, and provides free translation services and education resources.