The Challenges 1996 Challenges Here are the challenges formulated by the delegates at the 1996 Kids Helping Kids Conference. We challenge local, state and federal governments, and communities throughout Australia to: change their priorities and put environment before economy because without the environment there is no economy. provide more public education facilities on the environment and include environmental studies in Primary Secondary and Tertiary curriculums. stop exporting animals under inhumane circumstances and to ban testing on animals for cosmetic purposes Australia, and take a stand against all of the testing of this nature around the world. make available all the information on the chemicals and fillers used in pesticides and poisons to the public so that we know what we are using. maintain its status as the worlds most advanced country in recycling cans and paper, but also lead the world in recycling of plastics and glass. encourage research into alternative ways of paper making and discourage wood chipping in native forest and encourage tree planting in cleared areas. stand firmly against the use of nuclear energy and all its by products and minimise the mining and exploration of uranium. support research into alternative methods of gaining energy such as wind and solar power. provide more funding for environmental projects and promote public involvement in these projects. 1997 Challenges Here are the challenges formulated by the delegates at the 1997 Kids Helping Kids Conference. These aimed to be more specific than the previous years challenges. They were also written using a different format. BECAUSE WE HAVE A RIGHT TO OUR PRECIOUS RESOURCES IN THE FUTURE We challenge the state and federal governments to ensure adequate recycling facilities are available in each state. We challenge the councils of Australia to set up and provide recycling programas in their area. We challenge schools in conjunction with communities to recycle as much as possible. We challenge the young people of Australia to initiate recycling programas in their spheres of influence and participate in them. BECAUSE WE HAVE THE RIGHT TO A WASTE FREE ENVIRONMENT We challenge councils to investigate the feasibility of rubbish collections coming less frequently, forcing households to take responsibility for waste reduction. We challenge state and federal governments to cooperate fully with this investigation. We challenge the community to support this investigation and look into better waste reduction. We challenge the young people of Australia to initiate waste reduction programs in their schools and communities and practise waste management. BECAUSE WE HAVE THE RIGHT TO CLEAN AIR We challenge state and federal government leaders to lead the way by supporting a campaign to publicise alternative means of transport on World Environment Day - walk, ride or take public transport. We challenge the community to use alternative means of transport to reduce air pollution. We challenge the young people of Australia to set an expample by using public transport and envouraging others to use alternative means of transport. BECAUSE WE HAVE THE RIGHT TO LIVE IN A NATURAL, STABLE CLIMATE We challenge the state and federal governments not to turn their backs on our clear responsibilities to the planet, especially in the area of greenhouse emissions. We believe the Prime Minister of Australia should attend the 1998 Earth Summit to support the proposed decreases in Green House emissions. We challenge councils throughout Australia to provide information about changes that can be made by communities in their homes, schools and work places which will help reduce global warming. We challenge the young people of Australia to make these changes in their homes, schools to reduce global warming. BECAUSE WE HAVE THE RIGHT TO CLEAN, HEALTHY WATERWAYS We challenge councils throughout Australia to support the maintainance of various water catchments and drainage systems. We challenge the state and federal governments to provide programas that educate the community in the importance of local waterways. We challenge the young people of Australia to take an active part in the support of healthy waterways. BECAUSE WE HAVE THE RIGHT TO SUSTAINABLE LIVING CONDITIONS WITHOUT THE WORRIES OF NUCLEAR ENERGY We challenge state and federal governments to take into account nuclear plants that are being placed in extremely dangerous areas and consider not selling uranium to Indonesia. BECAUSE WE HAVE THE RIGHT TO A HEALTHY SALT FREE LAND We challenge the state and federal governments to ensure no more large areas of land are cleared. We challenge the councils of Australia to create an awareness of the salinity issue and work together towards the rectification of this issue. We challenge farmers to plant more trees in areas that have previously been cleared. We challenge the young people of Australia to initiate and participate in tree planting programs and bush regeneration programas. WE CHALLENGE EVERYONE TO ACT ON THESE CHALLENGES! © 1998 Kids Helping Kids, Inc.