Pablo Retamal

The Embassy in Santiago going green

In May, we were asked by London to calculate our carbon footprint, put together a Green team and bring to fruition a Green Action Plan.

The latter has all been achieved. The Green Team brings together an interested number of staff that willingly contribute green ideas. Our first meeting allowed us to identify quick and easy environmental gains for the embassy. This was a debated and fruitful brainstorm that generated many ideas. More then 50 ideas were jotted down and later developed into a Green Action Plan that was handed in to our DHM, Russell.

This participatory body is a fantastic contribution to the already existing green officer role. An added advantage of having a Green Team is that we are now able to sound out green initiatives before they are presented to embassy staff.

The next Green Team Meeting will take place once we hear back from London about our Green Action Plan proposal. The green action plan proposal includes among others, a Greening the Residence Project, alternative embassy transport scheme and a trash recycle project.

Tips for going green

www.bbc.co.uk/bloom/
Want to tackle climate change, but not sure how? Bloom gives you simple green tips, like air drying your laundry, to unthinkable suggestions like greening your funeral.

www.carbonrally.com
This site posts challenges to motivate you to reduce your carbon footprint, like cutting your shower time by two minutes. You can compete on your own or as part of a team.

www.carbonfootprint.com
Tips on reducing your carbon footprint and how to calculate it.

www.wholetravel.com
Want to travel green? This site allows you to research for sustainable transportation, hotels and vacation ideas.

Posted at 16:59 27 October 2009 by Pablo Retamal  |  Comments[0]