Caroline Goucher from Westport Eco-Congregation sent ECI this report:
Westport Eco-Congregation is delighted to launch their awareness Green Christmas initiative for 2018: The Christmas Postcard Project. As part of its efforts to promote awareness for our environment, Westport Eco-Congregation wants to reduce the amount of waste that is created at this time of year, especially the amount of paper used on Christmas Cards. This is achieved by producing a high-quality Christmas postcard to be used as an alternative to the traditional envelope-contained card.
People still hold a great tradition of sending cards to those near and far, and we encourage using our postal service, given it is under threat.
This Christmas Post-Card uses half the card of a normal card; it also avoids the need of an envelope. This, therefore, reduces the amount of waste. It aims to continue the conversation around our consumer habits and the waste each of us discards every day, but more so for the festive season.
Submissions were made over the summer to seek local wintery photos in Mayo. The photographers whose images have been successful and used as the front image of these cards: Liam Gibbons, Westport; Steph Breton, Canada; Brain Carey, Achill; and Tom Flynn, Westport.
The launch in Carrowbeg House took place on Tuesday 6th November 2018, and there was a presentation of their winning photos to each the photographer. Philip Murphy, the project graph designer, created a simple yet effective design that allows for the photo to be displayed on one side and space for a message and the address on the other.
The project has stemmed from our ‘Zero Waste’ event this time last year with local teacher Róisín Brady, who presented her lifestyle tips for being more sustainable in our consumer habits and challenging us to make ethical choices. Since then there has been much talk of single-use plastic, disposable coffee cups and the plastic on our beaches and in our oceans, yet we know Christmas creates excessive, unnecessary consumption.
The Chairperson Brid McAuley stated:
“Róisín inspired us to continue to challenge our decision making, especially at this time of year, as consumers, we know we should shop local, this card is a simple sentiment to reduce our impact yet send our friends far and wide Christmas Greetings from Mayo”.
This local product is on sale now, for €5.00 for ten cards. All funds raised will be for the 2019 programme of environmental awareness campaigns in Westport and Mayo. We want to take this opportunity to thank the Environment, Climate Change and Agricultural section of Mayo County Council for funding, through the Anti-Litter & Anti-Graffiti Awareness Initiatives 2018; our graphics designer Philip Murphy; Print 4 you; Westport Radio; The newspapers; the photographers that made submissions and to you, for your continuous support throughout the year.
The postcards are on sale:
- The Presbytery, St. Mary’s Church, The Mall (10-4pm Mon-Fri)
- The Wellness Room, Shop Street, (10-6pm Mon-Sat)
- Christy’s Harvest, Shop Street (10-6pm Mon-Sat)
- The Westport Country Market, on Thursdays
- Books@One, Bridge Street, Louisburg (7 days)
Or by order contact: 086 857 6425 (Brid) [email protected]
Photo top right: Members of Westport Eco Congregation pictured launching their 2018 Christmas postcard project. In front from left Kathleen Friel, Noreen Holmes, Brid McAuley, Hazel Coffey and Kathleen Murphy. At Back Tom Flynn, Caroline Goucher, Mary Manning and Brian Carey. Pic Conor McKeown
Caroline Goucher, PRO of Westport Eco-Congregation and Brian Carey.
Caroline Goucher, PRO of Westport Eco-Congregation and Tom Flynn.
Brian Carey, Caroline Goucher, PRO of Westport Eco Congregation and Tom Flynn.