Is the Global Financial Crisis Good for the environment?

An ABC news article posted by Tim Robinson on 5th Feb asks this very same question and gives what I think to be an interesting point of view. Are the rats taking over the lab? Are we trying to save the economy at the expense of the environment? Is it time to think differently?

My analysis of the situation, which is open to debate is outlined very simply below:

The Global Financial Crisis has been bought on by the a combination of greed and, blind trust and  misplaced optimism.

Global financial markets seem to have been built on a sort of pyramid gambling scheme. When the only tangible layer collapsed the rest soon followed.

The Result - A downward spiral that is not  being fed by negative media (we are not talking ourselves into this recession (or depression)) but that is gathering pace due to the fact  that we have finally woken up to the fact that the emperor is wearing NOTHING!

So, what next for the environment?

Well the current market re-leveling may not please the financial, political or any sector. We will all suffer financially if things don’t turn around. However, the downturn is doing  something positive for the environment. As demand for commodities falls there is no need to mine more. People are buying less so we don’t need to make so much.  People are turning more to public transport and are buying less cars. Holidays are being taken closer to home.

All in all, as our demand receeds the environment is given some breathing space.

This is not all good news though. Recession hits not just the companies who pollute. It also affects “Green” businesses, many of which are still young and vulnerable. The venture capital market hides their wallets and shies away from new investment and families who want to invest in green tech can no longer get funded (or afford to save for) the infrastructure.  Existing cars are kept for longer, inefficient appliances are made to chug on for a bit longer and groceries are bought because they are cheap rather than organic. Governments move towards a more protectionist policy and look to “sure up” existing manufacturing even if it is polluting and ineficcient. We all get hit by the “short term thinking” stick.

Which way to turn?

It is difficult to see what is going to stop the rot. Governments around the globe are applying the Keynesian approach to economics by throwing cash at us to get us spending. While this may tide countries like Australia over in the short term there is little doubt that spending can’t go on forever and our fate is very much tied to global outcomes.

While it is great to be handed cash on the one hand, on the other we are all going to pay for this generosity for years to come.  Also this only sticks a band aid on the affect of the  GFC, it does nothing to address the cause – the human condition! Our love of speculation and gambling…..

The Environment – Little Steps?

My personal hope is that families all around the globe will use this enforced prudence to re-assess their lifestyles. Little steps in each and every household will do much to address climate change.

The Environment – Giant Leap?

Well, as I have stated I believe that the GFC can be attributed to our love of a good gamble. I doubt that the world financial market is up for a re-design that includes more regulation and less ability to gamble and package up the gambling to sugar coat it.  Therefore I believe that we should separate the “Real” economy from the “financial” economy when talking about the environment.

The real economy will hopefully be driven from the ground up by individual families stimulating the need for greener and more sustainable products and services.  We should consider  investing our stimulus package in sustainable products and services.

The financial economy will, in my mind always suffer these “corrections” as the market is by its very nature speculative. We can only hope that when the market decides to go on another gambling spree they put their money into a “Green” pot so that some good can come out of it all.  For that to happen we all need to make it look as attractive as possible and then get ready to launch our parachutes for the next crash landing.

So, is the GFC good for the environment?  I think that the answer to that question lies with us, the consumer.

Australia’s 5% contribution

Today the Rudd government announced their reduction targets for greenhouse gas reductions, a miserly 5% of 2000 levels  by 2020. Hummmm, that is not what I call a stretch target.  Rudd et al have said that if the rest of the world’s polluters play ball they would up the anti to 15%. Wow – should we get excited yet???

So, how does Australia rank against the rest of the world?  The EU (well, those countries that have opted in) are sort of sticking to their 20/20/20 plan although they have a “get out of jail” card up their sleeves should something change. The US is in the midst of announcing a full on “A” team of governmental advisers to address global warming – not sure what targets they will try to hit. India and China have declined to agree to any targets at all. OK, so what next?

As executives wipe the ice from their global economic outlook prospectus and world leaders rack up the air miles attending countless climate change summits, the wood becomes hidden by the trees.  The casual observer decides that it is all too hard and goes about their daily life, trying to become as self sufficient as possible so as to avoid becoming a pawn in this chess game.

So are we doomed? Not in the slightest,  people are not stupid. We may all be forced to sell our third plasma TV’s, second cars and cappachino machines owing to the fact that we are all out of jobs but we will do it knowing that the world will be a greener place for it.

The Green Housewife’s Guide to Triple Bottom Line Accounting

OK, hands up all those Domestic Goddesses who are secretly more competitive than any desperate housewife? If you happen to be in that boat then you may want to consider overhauling your household budget.

If you have been out of the workforce for a while you may be wondering what on earth a “Triple Bottom Line” is. Well, it isn’t the thing that you get when you try on last years bikini just after boxing day. It is actually far less sexy but interesting all the same.

In a frenzy to become ethical and not just money grabbing and faceless corporations some clever accountant (not actually sure of the history here) decided that it was no longer enough to measure a companies success in just financial terms. To Succeed a company should be measured by their impact in three areas:

Economic

Environmental

Social

The UN got behind this in 2007 and a new standard was born. So, what does all of this have to do with running a home? And a Green Home?

Well, in these tougher economic times when everyone is rushing out for home brand beans it is worth looking at what can be done at home to tick all of the above boxes.

Economic – A households budget has to balance. If you make a profit all is good, you can buy new shoes, go on holiday, save for a big purchase or take on a new hobby.  Most people I know are just trying to keep the water beneath chin height so balancing the budget is a hard one.  With Christmas coming it is easy to let the joy of the season take over and spend, spend, spend. I know it is hard but DON’T.  Avoid shopping when you are feeling even remotely festive. Take the kids, take your neighbour’s kids too, and the dog if you have to go. That should slow you down.

My advice is boring really – write up a budget and stick to it. Buy from the internet if possible or even better from local suppliers (carbon footprint…) Even better than that do without that 3rd ipod, playstation or hair straightener.

Environmental: Keeping the household in the black from an environmental perspective is getting easier. More and more information is out there to help households make greener choices. I suggest investing some time in the garden (veggies, herbs and flowers for Christmas anyone?), change light bulbs to energy efficient ones, turn the thermo up or down (depending on season) and share a shower with your partner!

The last one Social is very relevant at this time of year. A successful family should be social and socially aware. Invite the neighbour’s around for drinks but get everyone to bring a plate to share costs. Set up a babysitting roster between your group to allow each parent / parents time to themselves.  Volenteer or donate at least once during the season – every little helps. Finally consider giving a donation as a Christmas present – it’s carbon neutral, can be educational and will spread out the love to where it is most needed.

I am trying my hardest to keep my head down and triple bottom up as we head into the silly season. Please join me!

WWOOFING – Has anyone tried it?

Not a blog post, just wondering if any of you have experiences WWOOFing “Willing Workers On Organic Farms”?

Christmas holiday season is fast approaching and I would quite like to package off my family of four to a farm for 10 days of organic farming. This follows on from my earlier post (I need gardening lessons) but also because I feel that this would be a great experience for the kids.

WWOOF information:

http://www.wwoof.com.au

My kids are (turning) 5 and 7 – is this too young?  I would love to hear your comments!

No time to comment? Use the Poll for quick feedback.

In My Garden Plants Die & Weeds Prosper, Why?

I have never been very good at gardening. I think I should like it, I try to fit it into my life but time after time I give up.  My favourite job is hand weeding which is a good thing with the garden I have. However, what I don’t like is the fact that when I do get time to go and weed I only get one small section done then after a week or so the weeds are back and I feel like I wasted my time.

This week I got in the big guns and invited a friend of mine with a gardening business to come and give me a lesson in garden management!

1) My first mistake was to weed and then take the weeds down to the back corner of my garden to slowly decompose. Out of site out of mind? Not when they seed and multiply only to come back with avengance in places that are not convenient.

NOTE TO ME- Build a compost heap and put the green waste in there, not in the corner! Using a piece of old carpet or other cloth will (I am assured) help to decompose the waste faster and avoid the spread of seeds.

2) Second mistake, trying to grow veggies in the wrong soil! I have had a feable attempt at growing carrots, brocolli and some herbs in pots around the back garden. Unfortunately after not giving the seeds the right nutrients (good soil and water) nothing much happened. How dumb am I?

NOTE TO ME – get a soil pH test done to make sure your soil is right for the plants being planted. Choose spots for the garden beds after observing the suns movements over a day. Some plants and veggies need full sun, some like wet feet and dark corners!

3) Third mistake, no mulch!

NOTE TO ME- bare earth is a breading ground for weeds. Make sure everything is mulched so that weeds can’t grow. Easy!

I am running off to the garden supply store as soon as I have a minute to get some supplies. Hopefully this time next week I will have mulch in abundance, a brand new compost heap and some little veggies ready to be sown into new beds.

I don’t think the supermarket will go out of business any time soon…..

Planet Ark Launches National Recycle Week

Today I was lucky enough to attend the Planet Ark Sydney launch of National Recycle Week. To mark this occasion we were treated to a viewing of Garbage Warrior, a film by Oliver Hodge, launched in April this year.

The film documents the architectural genius that is Michael Reynolds. Michael has spent over thirty years perfecting his “earth ships” – houses that are completely self sufficient and made from recycled materials. Michaels architectural skill, vision and passion was inspiring, his finished homes were living and breathing works of art (as well as being highly practical and comfortable). I want one of those homes……

The thing that made the biggest impact for me was the resilience, humility and determination Michael showed when his work was deemed illegal, his license revoked and law suits filed. Many people with Michael’s passion would have got on their soap box, had a tantrum and dug in their heels – doing anything they could do prove that they were right. Michael didn’t do that, his dissatisfaction with his lot and his contempt for the system was clear but he chose to accept his position and work within the established guidelines (however frustrating) to make the changes required.

I am a huge advocate for tackling problems from within the establishment. This is generally the hard way BUT it is often the way that gets the long term results. Michael found getting a bill through senate tedious and at times laughable but in sticking with the system he succeeded in getting his law passed, albeit after bucket loads of sweat and tears.

Walking the line did wonders for Johnny Cash, it also helped Michael Reynolds.  We need innovators, people who challenge the status quo, visionaries and ideologists but we also need people who can understand these visions and put them into a format that the majority of the population (including our democratically elected governments) can understand and feel comfortable with.

Long live innovation.

Click here to see more about the Garbage Warrior and buy the DVD: http://www.garbagewarrior.com/

The Carbon Neutral Bike Race – Highland Fling 2008

Last weekend my husband, myself and over 1200 other nutters took part in a fantastic bike race in Australia’s Southern Highlands.  We decided to do the half fling a 56km mountain bike meander through some of the most beautiful countryside. Some of our friends took the full fling option (too crazy for me) and set off on their 6-8 hour mountain bike marathon.

I have always loved my bike and the prospect of a carbon neutral event intrigued me. The Highland Fling is organised by Wild Horizons www.wildhorizons.com.au who since last year went carbon neutral. Putting on a large event like this must be a carbon accounting nightmare. People come from all over the country (and possibly OS if the prize money is big enough),  food and refreshments are needed, accomodation needs to be organised, promotional material sent out and race numbers printed.

To find out the highland Fling managed to go carbon netural go to their web site (link above).  Things that I was especially happy about were:

Excellent food pre and post race. The local school P&C association was raising funds and feeding riders on the night before the race. The pasta with pesto sauce was excellent (and Veggie). After the race our feed was again a vegitarian pasta meal served up on fully biodegradable non-plastic plates. Filling and guilt free.

Plenty of recycling bins around the course and at the start/finish. Any public event creates garbage. Making it easy for people to recycle does make a difference. The local school was again involved in drink can collection. This time the cans were sent to CANTEEN a kids cancer charity. The race organizer also made it clear that anyone littering the course would be disqualified.

Race information via the web. This is the norm now but we probably take it for granted that we no longer get bulky race confirmation letters through the post.

Well organized public transport to the event and the option to offset your  emissions if using private transport. Neat!

I am certainly feeling revived and healthy after my bike riding extravaganza. Let’s hope every event is carbon neutral by this time next year!

Sarah Palin – shut up!

The dust has not settled and she is priming herself for the next battle. This shows both resilience and a skin thicker than any Moose that she has ever shot. What should the “Hockey Mom” do over the next four years to better prepare herself for the top job?

1) Read a paper – which one? Any of them, all of them. I suggest one that has more words than pictures and don’t just focus on the horoscopes and gossip columns.

2) Get a passport – Russia may be next door but checking out a map once in a blue moon does not make you an expert on foreign policy. You may also discover that America is not the centre of the universe.

3) Teach your children about birth control – As a women in a position of influence use your experiences of parenting and teenage pregnancy to make a difference.  As a “green leaning” person I like to look at it this way – every child adds to your carbon footprint……

4) Talk to some real scientists. You never know you might find out that we are not all crack pots with an agenda to take over the world.  Stem cell research could make the world a better place. Believing in evolution does not make you devoid of morals.

5) Stop shooting guns and start shooting a movie.  Yes, if all else fails you could make it on the small screen, after all everyone loves a good laugh.

Well done for giving it a go. A breath of fresh (hot) air. I prefer my politicians to be better read than my seven year old.

Help, I’m a Carborexic!

According to the Australian Sunday Telegraph increasing numbers of people are suffering from Carborexia, a psychological condition brought on by worrying about ones carbon footprint.

http://www.news.com.au/dailytelegraph/story/0,,24588090-5001021,00.html

I was shocked to read that some poor guy peed on the garden to save water and another woman insisted that the whole family share a bed to save on heating costs. I can’t claim to have this illness myself but maybe my kids do. They delight in peeing on my grass/flower beds / DOG (if he lets them!) and as for the sleeping together thing I rarely get a night without a visit from the youngest.

Anyway, some 4% of Americans suffer this affliction so it is no laughing matter! As someone who is definitely the opposite of “obsessive compulsive” i.e: I frequently leave the iron on, forget to feed the rabbits (don’t worry, kids remind me!) and loose my keys, wallet and phone. I am kind of hoping to get a little bit of this Carborexia, maybe just a “man flu” version. That way I can save a little more on my electricity bill, keep the pets happy and be able to leave the house in one go – no more turning the car around ½ way down the road……

POETS DAY.

Had enough of being an environmental martyr?

Want to see how the other half live?

Grab a beer/ G&T / water, sit back and relax.

Nobody’s perfect!