Australia’s newest online publication and directory for the green industry is running a competition. To win though, you must take action!
In 25 words or less…
What would you give up today to be greener and why?
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Competition – Online Eco Friendly Journal, News and Directory.
I recently returned from a vacation where I visited the African and South American continents. I had a fantastic time during my trip and experienced the amazing hospitality of the South African and Brazilian locals. I was treated like a King with endless kindness afforded to me, which made my trip so special.
However, one thing that became very apparent to me, was the difference between Australia and these two nations in environmental awareness and sustainable practices. I do understand that both South Africa and Brazil are developing countries and do not have the infrastructure that we do; but the disparity was startling. I will recount a few notable episodes:
In Sydney, I often see hybrids on the road – the Prius and hybrid Civic are commonplace. Where as when I noticed a Prius on the streets of Johannesburg and commented to my friend that there aren’t many on the road; he agreed and exclaimed no-one really drives hybrids. Now, I know you are thinking where would people get the money in a developing country to purchase a hybrid – however, there are a myriad of luxury vehicles on the roads there.
Another common theme in Africa was when I asked to not have a bag at supermarkets for my fruit, and was told emphatically that I had to have a plastic bag. When I explained and pleaded that I did not need a bag and that it was better for the environment; I was generally greeted by a dumbfounded assistant who again said they would not serve me without a bag, much to my dismay.
Recycling was another thing that I noticed is very different. For me recycling, is just an everyday part of life and has become habit (although I will say we are still far behind countries like Germany). Whilst in South Africa and Brazil, I experienced two events that shocked me. In South Africa at a friends house, I finished a drink and politely asked where I should put the bottle for recycling; I was then told “we don’t recycle here – unfortunately we have bigger problems to tackle.” I was left a bit dumbfounded by this comment even though I understand the challenges a developing nation faces.
Similar to this in Brazil, I enquired of a friend if they had recycling in their house, and with a sullen face they replied “we don’t have recycling here, I want to recycle but I have to drive 40 minutes by car across Rio de Janeiro to a private depot just to recycle, and I don’t drive so this is impossible.”
After these experiences, I became much more grateful for the simple ‘luxuries’ we have here in Australia like being able to recycle. But it raised one question for me, what would I do if I lived in a country where it wasn’t so easy?
Let me know your thoughts and leave a comment,
Landon
WWF and the National Toxics Network today released a list of Australia’s most dangerous pesticides, more than 80 of which are prohibited overseas because of the risks they pose to human health and the environment.
The list includes 17 chemicals that are known, likely or probable carcinogens, and 48 chemicals flagged as having the potential to interfere with hormones.
More than 20 have been classified as either extremely or highly hazardous by the World Health Organisation yet remain available for use on Australian farms.
“Australians are at risk of being exposed to a dangerous cocktail of poisonous chemicals, many of which have been prohibited in other countries due to their risks to health and the environment,” said WWF spokesperson Nick Heath.
“Surely Australian farm workers, wildlife and ecosystems deserve the same level of protection as those in Europe or the United States.”
Jo Immig from the National Toxics Network said the list was evidence that Australia’s chemical regulatory system was failing to keep people and the environment safe from dangerous pesticides.
“European pesticides regulation is founded on a precautionary principle designed to give human health and the environment the benefit of the doubt,” Ms Immig said.
“Here in Australia we have the opposite, where chemicals that are suspected of causing cancer and other health problems remain on the market for years.”
Mr Heath said the list was a warning that Australians were not being adequately informed of the risks associated with harmful pesticides.
“The pesticides regulator must recognise that while Australia may have unique wildlife and different farming conditions, the chemistry of these dangerous pesticides is the still the same. If smoking causes cancer in the US, it will also cause cancer in Australia – it’s the carcinogens that matter not the country,” Mr Heath said.
“The list demonstrates just how far we are lagging behind the rest of the world. It’s time for us to catch up and give Australian farmers safer and better choices.”
Read the report here.
Charlie Stevens, WWF Media Office, 0424 649 689;
Juliette King, WWF-Australia Conservation Policy Officer, 0438 864 997;
Jo Immig, National Toxics Network, Coordinator, 02 6687 1900, 0413 683 782
While some of the family were having a ride in the paddle boat we took some photos of the pelicans and swans who live here.
Darwin is known for its warm weather, rich indigenous culture, national parks and laid-back lifestyle. But now it can add Australia’s top sustainability city score to its list of attractions. Conducted by the Australian Conservation Council, the Sustainable Cities Index ranked the comparative performance of Australia’s 20 largest cities against 15 sustainability indicators. But it also aims to encourage healthy competition, stimulate discussion and suggest new ways of thinking about our cities.
via Aware Newsletter – Who Has Been Crowned Australia’s Most Sustainable City? – Planet Ark.
It
’s a waste of money to buy an electric car in Australia, says Honda technology expert Thomas Brachmann.
As the senior engineer in the Honda’s European research and development facility, Brachmann is a fan of fuel cell vehicles like the Honda Clarity, but he doesn’t have much time for battery-electric cars like the Mitsubishi iMiEV and Nissan Leaf.
via Electric cars a waste of money | carsguide.com.au.
Members – and millions of other Australian consumers – should be aware of a move by Woolworths to restrict the use of Visa Debit cards across their retail empire later this month. From 15 April, Woolworths’ outlets (which include Big W, Woolworths Supermarkets, Safeway, BWS, Dan Murphy’s, Dick Smith and Tandy) will start banning customers from selecting the ‘credit’ option when using a Visa Debit card to pay for their purchases.
via Woolworths reducing card choice – here&now.
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The RAA 
hopes new laws for restraining children in cars will help reduce road trauma.
From July children under seven will not be allowed to wear normal seat belts alone on South Australian roads.
Depending on age, they will have to be secured in a capsule or safety or booster seat.
via Tougher child restraint road laws for SA – ABC News (Australian Broadcasting Corporation).
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THEY are the digital-age equivalent of crop circles – mysterious patterns appearing on the Bureau of Meteorology’s national radar system without any explanation.
via Bizarre speculation circles weather bureau | Adelaide Now.
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The non-GE policy of one of Australia’s biggest food companies is under threat, as they prepare to sell part of their business to the pro-GE multinational, Cargill.
via True Food Network :: News and events.
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