ANOTHER year has silently slipped away with all the highs and lows, the successes and failures, the joys and the sorrows, and all of us are just that little bit older.
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As our new year of 2018 dawns on Monday it’s a good opportunity to pause and look back on what has been, and to look forward to what could be within our families, our country, our world and our environment.
Unlike Christmas, which is essentially a religious festival (although this aspect is ignored by many) the new year is an annual milestone celebrated everywhere, reminding us of the opportunities for new beginnings, building new bridges, and making our environment more sustainable.
A CHANCE TO BE RESOLUTE IN OUR AMBITIONS FOR 2018
Some people are good at making new year’s resolutions. They put time and thought into what they want to achieve, and devote energy and commitment to making it happen.
Others are good at making resolutions that seem to evaporate overnight, or simply get forgotten as the days pass by. Others don’t get involved.
Maybe all of us could take on the environment as the focus of our attention for the coming year?
Clean air, fresh water, renewable energy, careful disposal of waste, and responsible usage of recyclable materials as well as electricity, gas and water are essential to the future of our planet.
Are we quick to attend to a dripping tap? Do we turn off unnecessary lights and idling machines?
Do we sort our garbage to ensure that the recycling bin and the green waste bin get the appropriate content?
Are we using the recently installed soft plastic bin at Coles for all those bits of glad wrap, bread bags biscuit wraps and the like?
Are we careful to dispose of take away food wraps in garbage bins rather than throw them on the footpath for someone else to pick up?
The same applies to cigarette butts – they don’t enhance the landscape!
This topic has a much wider canvas than just what we can do privately.
With climate change deniers trying to get us to ignore the signs of global warming, and governments keen on more coal mining polluting the atmosphere, we need to make sure that our opinions are based on fact and not fiction.
While focusing attention on all of these matters, we also need to take a good look at the wonderful people who contribute their time, energy and expertise.
Their commitment both to looking after our environment and all our fellow human beings who need a helping hand.
Volunteers are the lifeblood of our society, and there are hundreds in Orange alone.
Sadly, with so many causes looking for volunteers, some are facing closure through lack of members able to assist.
Hopefully 2018 will inspire more generous people to come forward and donate their services.
HAPPY NEW YEAR TO YOU, YOUR FAMILY, AND YOUR CITY
MAY all of our readers and their families enjoy a happy, healthy and fulfilling new year.
May our beautiful city of Orange continue to grow and prosper.
Happy new year to one and all.