An Atheist Ireland Website

Make the world a little bit prettier by scattering seeds in vacant outside spaces.

HOW TO DO

1. Buy seed mixtures of native flowers and plants (or collect seeds from your garden flowers). Not only will they grow well, they will not crowd out other plants, disrupt bird and insect populations, or do other environmental damage.
2. Using local clay, compost and a small amount of water make balls of clay and seeds.
3. Throw into abandoned urban spaces
4. Enjoy the view

http://www.guerrillagardening.org/ggseedbombs.html

http://www.instructables.com/id/How-to-Make-a-Seed-Bomb/

http://greenaid.co/pages/What%27s-a-Seedbomb%3F.html

Pass on your used books. It’s more productive than having them sit on your shelf and you have the satisfaction of passing on enjoyment and promoting reading. Second to winning the lottery, education is the most effective way to end poverty.

HOW TO DO

1. Read the book.
2. Create and sign the book’s READER LIST (locate on one of the book’s end pages), include the following information:
   1. NAME (required)
   2. DATE READ (required)
   3. LOCATION (required)
   4. A SENTENCE ABOUT YOURSELF (optional)
   5. YOUR WEB SITE (optional)
   6. FURTHER COMMENTS (optional)
   7. Number your entry so it’s clear how many people have read the book.
   8. Pass the book on to someone who agrees to abide by these rules.

http://pass-the-book.blogspot.ie/

The Social Credit’s Scheme (SCS) rewards community groups for undertaking pro-social works in their locality. The SCS aims to create social capital in local communities. Each application is evaluated by an Evaluation Committee which reviews and assesses the rewards and actions. Rewards may be negotiated. Following approval, the applicant proceeds with the action. Upon completion, the applicant submits a Completion Report along with photos of the action. On receipt of the Completion Report, South Dublin County Council arranges for the reward to be delivered to the applicant.

http://www.socialcredits.ie

1. A Time Bank is when people come together to share and trade skills, resources and time for the benefit of everyone
2. Anyone interested in the community can get involved
3. Everyone’s time is equal
4. Members of the Time Bank are rewarded with time credits, which can be used to access community activities, services or events
5. Give an hour – Get an hour
6. Become a timebank member here: http://www.socialcredits.ie/timeBank.aspx

This can be done on an ad-hoc basis by simply picking up litter as you see it. It can also be undertaken on a larger scale by involving others in a designated clean up day. Most councils will support you by offering advice and locating equipment such as:

1. Litter pickers
2. Bags
3. Brushes
4. Gloves

See links below for more information on specific councils. Some require 2 week notice of the clean up event.

There are many ways recycle old clothes, furniture etc.

Below are websites where items are posted. There is no charge to use the sites and all items are given freely. You can post items for donations and also post and search for wanted items.

• Jumbletown http://www.jumbletown.ie
• Freetrade http://www.freetradeireland.ie/

There are many charitable institutions which will also happily take your used items.

Animals are one of the most vulnerable groups in our society. They depend almost entirely on the kindness of people for their survival. You can make a difference to the lives of many animals by offering your time to help care for the animals either in the rescue centre, or in your own home as a foster parent until they can be permanently re-homed. The tasks can range from mucking out donkey stalls to walking dogs, to simply handling and playing with feral kittens so that they can be socialised and homed. There are many animal welfare groups, some are listed below:

The blood bank has only a limited reserve of blood at any one time so it’s vital that new blood is donated on a continuous basis – approx 3000 donations are needed each week. There are some conditions you must meet in order to be eligible to give blood – an eligibility quiz is available here:

http://www.giveblood.ie/Become_a_Donor/Give_Blood/Can_I_Give_Blood/.

The offices in D’Olier Street in Dublin are open at the times below:

Other donation centres can be located here: http://www.giveblood.ie/Where_to_Give_Blood/. Allow 60 to 90 minutes in total.

Bring back a sense of community to your local area by offering to help those who live close by. There are many and varied ways you can do this. Some are listed below but if you can think of any more ideas, let us know and we’ll add them to the list.

1. When going shopping, ask your neighbours if they would like you to pick them up anything, or offer them a lift. This can be particularly useful for mobility impaired people, or for single parents with young children.
2. When it snows offer to clean your neighbour’s driveway / pathway.
3. Offer to help out with the garden – cutting grass, raking leaves. Again particularly helpful for mobility impaired.