GreenFriends Project
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“It is high time to give serious thought to protecting Nature. The destruction of Nature is the same thing as the destruction of humanity. Trees, animals, birds, plants, forests, mountains, lakes and rivers – everything that exists in Nature – are in desperate need of our kindness, of the compassionate care and protection of man. If we protect them, they, in turn, will protect us.” - Amma, from “Man and Nature”
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Latest News
National Plant a Tree Day - Sunday 27 July
National Tree Day is 27 July 2008 and it would be great to have your company to support Amma's GreenFriends initiatives in Sydney. The planting of these local native trees helps to provide food and shelter for Australia's wildlife, increasing native biodiversity and combating the habitat loss that threatens much of our wildlife.
The activity on the day will involve preparing the ground, planting, watering and mulching. This planting is part of the Devlins Creek Community and Environment Project, to assist the Hornsby Bushcare volunteer program and the enhancement of Beecroft and Chilworth reserves. With Amma's grace and a little effort we could make a difference in that little corner of our planet!
Venue: Castle Howard Road, Cheltenham (walking distance from train station)
Time: Any time between 10am and 1pm
What to bring: Hat, sunscreen, protective clothing, gardening gloves if you have them
Suitable for children: Yes
RSVP: 23 July 2008 - RSVP is preferred because Hornsby council is providing plants, tools, drinking water etc. and they need some idea of numbers.
To register your interest or for more information, please contact Tripura on 0432 910 932 or 9361 5919 or by email at gfsydney@ammaaustralia.org.au
| “Children, man is not different from Nature. He is part of Nature. The very existence of human beings on earth depends on Nature. In truth, we are not protecting Nature - it is Nature who protects us" - Amma's words in "Man and Nature" |
GreenFriends Activities in the Sydney area
A number of GreenFriends took part in Clean Up Australia Day on 4 March 2007 along the Cooks River in Tempe. Australians are one of the highest producers of waste, per person, in the world, and when rubbish gets into our waterways it poses a serious threat to marine life. View Photos >
A group of GreenFriends are also taking part in bush care and regeneration activities in Bronte Gully, such as planting, mulching and weeding. This group meets once a month on a Sunday from 10am to 1pm, and everyone is welcome.
If you would like to participate in these activities, please contact Tripura 0432 910 932 or 9361 5919 or by email at gfsydney@ammaaustralia.org.au. If the locations of these activities do not suit you, we would like to support involvement in activities in your local area, so please contact Tripura to discuss alternative initiatives.
Reducing waste – Bamboo Ware
A local devotee has donated a range of environmentally friendly Bamboo Ware – plates, bowls, cups and cutlery, which can be used by the Sydney Satsang at benefit dinners and Amma’s birthday celebrations, instead of disposables. Yes, the Bamboo Ware is made from bamboo!
It’s 100% biodegradable and there are no pollutants (such as plasticisers, dioxins or synthetic materials) used in its manufacture. As bamboo is such a fast growing plant, it is also highly renewable. Whilst the Bamboo Ware is not as durable as plastic, it can be re-used many times if care is taken with it.
”Without Nature no creature, no human being, nothing would exist. Thus it is our responsibility to lovingly care for every living being.” From “Messages from Amma” - Amma
About GreenFriends
 Amma has always looked upon animals as Her children and Nature itself as Her own Mother. Now, with Green Friends, Amma has given Her children an opportunity to serve Nature and cultivate an attitude of love and respect for Mother Earth.
Green Friends is an organisation established by M.A. Math for the preservation and protection of the environment. This programme instils love and respect for Mother Nature in people, teaching them that humankind is a part of Nature, not a separate entity. If we take care of plants and animals and the environment as a while, Nature, in turn, will take care of us.
Green Friends regularly engages in tree planting and the maintenance of plants. Its members also practice eco-meditation, a method or re-establishing the vitally important harmony between nature and humanity.
In India, GreenFriends’ chief focus is reforestation through the planting of saplings. You can learn about their other activities at www.amritapuri.org.
Green Friends Australia
“In reality, Nature is nothing but God’s visible form which we can behold and experience through our senses. Indeed, by loving and serving Nature, we are worshipping God Himself.” – Amma, Man and Nature
Amma’s Australian GreenFriends group is starting to take shape also, and we’d like to encourage you to kindly consider the earth, plants, animals and environment in all of your activities. There are many things we can do to reduce our effects on Nature, thereby helping to preserve and protect this precious gift of God.
GreenFriends in Australia are looking to create “Fact Sheets” which will provide information about the steps we can take to make our lives more environmentally friendly. One simple step which most Councils support is recycling. Recycling is an important seva that we can all practice without too much trouble, and it is encouraging that recycling is also carefully carried out at Amma’s Amritapuri Ashram. If you are not exactly sure which items can be recycled, contact your local Council or visit www.recyclingnearyou.com.au.
Through the Sydney GreenFriends group there are opportunities for tree and native flower planting, bush regeneration and Clean Up Australia Day (4 March 2007). If you would like more information or if you would like to be involved with any GreenFriends activities, contact Tripura on 0432 910 932 or 9361 5919 or by email at gfsydney@ammaaustralia.org.au
In Amma’s Love
Tripura
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