Zonta Club of Ballarat
zonta says now
Zonta Says NOW to Gender-Equal Climate Action.
Women are less likely than men to recover after severe weather events such as extreme heat, drought, fires, storms, and floods. Why? Because systemic gender inequality has led to women having fewer resources and choices than men. With each climate-related disaster, the gender gaps in education, pay, digital technology and legal rights widen, and violence against women increases.
The climate crisis is a human rights crisis—and a women’s rights crisis
UN Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, 2022
Zonta International’s Statement on Climate Change: a gender equality issue shows how women are agents of change for intergenerational gender-equal climate justice and recommends a human-rights-based approach to solve the climate crisis and achieve greener, cleaner, and equal societies.
7 Ways to make Become More Sustainable
Not sure where to start on your sustainability journey? Here are some practices you and your club can start doing for a greener Zonta experience!
Apply the 5 R’s to purchases: reduce, reuse, recycle, rethink and repair.
When you embrace the 5 R's, you make an impactful choice that not only saves money but also paves the way for a sustainable future by utilizing recycled materials.
Learn how to recycle goods correctly.
Different municipalities have unique standards for recycling. By sharing this knowledge, we can inspire members of our communities to embrace recycling wholeheartedly, ensuring that all recyclable items are welcomed and valued.
Promote car sharing to attend meetings and events or host events at venues easily accessible by public transportation.
Encourage a reduction in everyone’s carbon footprint by integrating more sustainable transportation options for your events and meetings. Consider promoting carpooling, public transit, cycling, or even walking as viable alternatives. By doing so, you not only demonstrate a commitment to environmental responsibility but also facilitate a more eco-friendly gathering.
Use digital technology to minimize the use of printed materials.
Leverage digital technology to significantly reduce the reliance on printed materials, in turn promoting a more sustainable and eco-friendly approach to information sharing and communication.
Provide speakers with ‘green gifts,’ or donations to the Zonta Foundation for Women.
Consider giving speakers thoughtful 'green gifts' as a token of appreciation, or alternatively, making a donation in their name to the Zonta Foundation for Women, which supports initiatives that promote gender-equal climate justice actions.
Choose a bank with green credentials.
Select a bank that prioritizes sustainability and has strong environmental credentials. Look for institutions that actively support eco-friendly initiatives, promote green investments and have transparent practices in their commitment to reducing their carbon footprint.
Include vegetarian options at events.
Embracing vegetarian options at events opens doors to a world where diverse dietary needs are celebrated. A plant-based option sets an example of environmental sustainability, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and conserving precious land and water resources.
How many of these 7 ways can we use to become more sustainable?
For more information about gender-equal climate action, go to
zontasaysnow.org.au