I spent yesterday morning with the kids cleaning up our local town.  We did concentrate our efforts on the part opposite one of the local pubs but even so, don’t smokers know what a bin is?

I could not believe how many cigarette butts and bits of broken glass the girls and I found in our two hour stint. I am not usually that concerned with other peoples habbits but yesterday did make me think. I can honestly say that I never knowingly litter. My kids have been brought up to be the same. We are not perfect and occasionally forget to put something recyclable in the recycle bin.  However, this is not a daily occurance or habit and neither is it for my kids.

I didn’t mention Clean up Australia to my children. They saw it adversised on the TV and wanted to do the right thing. I was happy to oblige! I was happy with my kids enthusiasm for picking up this rubbish and I was equally enthusiastic about their joy when they found a whole bag of empty beer bottles that were not broken and could therefore be recycled. The kids viewed it as a game but also knew the impacts that this rubbish could have on our wildlife.

Ok, so I am nearly at the end of my rant but just want to say one more thing. We joined in Clean up Australia to do just that. We were happy to help BUT after spending 2 hours cleaning up after people who can’t put their butts or bottles  in the bin (which was located only meters away)  I have to wonder what kind of world are we living in. We all make mistakes but this was just blatent lack of care – Please pick up your litter.

It has been said many times that small steps are required to bring on greater change. Surely it would only take minimal effort to put a bottle or butt in a bin. That small step could be the start of something big.

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.

Honda have brought out a car powered by Hydrogen – the Honda FCX Clarity . This is a major breakthrough, a true car of the future!  At Fizzics Education we have been talking about cars that could run on hydrogen in our Renewable energy workshops. To see it become a reality is amazing.

The Honda is filled  in the same way as a gas car is filled today, only the gas is hydrogen. The car can travel 280 miles on a tank and has a zero emmision rating. I want one! The only down side is that the car is only available in California at the moment – I am in Australia. I wonder if Arnie can send one over?

I am excited to announce the arrival of a new baby in my life – Realize Beauty! Realize Beauty is a community based on the desire to:

Innovate the cosmetic industry AND your beauty routine

Inspire consumers to get involved, make  their own products and share their ideas and

Radiate beauty  every day.

Realize Beauty is about education, communication and exploration!  Set up by a cosmetic chemist and science communicator (me) Realize Beauty  breaks down the myths that surround cosmetics and the cosmetic industry.

If you want to find out what is in the products that you use, want to get involved with the industry and would like to have a go at making your own recipes come and join us!

Like many Australian’s I got up at 3.30am to watch history in the making.  The much anticipated inauguration speech did not disappoint with President Obama asking the American people to join with him in taking America into a new era of responsibility. From my perspective as  a tree hugger and a scientist these two points stood out.

* “each day brings further evidence that the ways we use energy strengthen our adversaries and threaten our planet”

* “We will restore science to its rightful place, and wield technology’s wonders to raise health care’s quality and lower its cost”

Energy independence IS possible, not only  for each state or each country but for each individual.   My hope is for renewable energy that is affordable and available to all.  My hope is also that we as individuals will be supported in our efforts to become energy independent.  Would this bring world peace?  Probably not (we would find other things to fight over) would it bring economic security? Just maybe.
In a complex world where when one country sneezes we all catch a cold a highly intelligent and motivated population is an asset. Science is not the only route to intellectual greatness but the qualities of rational thinking, investigating, challenging and testing hypothesis that science thrives on will play a large part in shaping our collective future.

I have never been to America and  until recently had passed it over as old news in favor of the  fast paced and culturally diverse Asia. However, now there seems to be real reason to believe that America can retain its front seat in Global Politics and lead the world to an inclusive future full of opportunity and promise.

After a couple of weeks away from my blog (working on www.keithsuter.com) I am back writing. So much has happened globally over the Christmas break it is hard to know what to write about first! I have decided to just concentrate on one thing at a time.

The State of the world economy  has become the defining incident of 2008 and looks set to shape 2009. I am interested in finding out what is going on around the world and what impact this downturn will have on the state of the environment.

1) The US  will most likely  end up $1.6 trillion  in  deficit by the end of 2009. This debt will hover like a bad hang over   for many years to come. A strapped for cash economy can look forward to many issues with one of the more minor being slowdown in consumer spending. Although a country with no cash can’t invest in greener technology, the slowdown in spending will ensure that those new SUV’s  stay off the roads, holidays will be taken closer to home and people may start going without the third Plasma TV. All bad for the “economy” but better for the environment.

2) Suicide rates rise. German businessman Adolf Merckle comitted suicide this week as the stress of the financial crisis became too much to bare.  It is not just wealthy business leaders that are feeling the crunch. In Japan a phone line has been opened for citizens realing from job losses and wealth depreciation.  It is hard to see the light at the end of the tunnel when your whole world caves in like this but it is important to remember that we are all in this together and there are plenty of people who can help. In Australia the Lifeline phone line is one such place.  Envirnomental impact of suicide? Well,  suicide should not be trivialised but being able to see the credit crisis as something that could have a positive effect environmentally may give some people a new focus and perspective- necessity is the mother of all invention.

3) Home Cooking.  Supermarkets around the UK posted strong growth in the sale of staple food items such as potatoes, budget spaghetti and tinned rice pudding as people cut back on spending and eat at home. A consumer trend watch company also based in the UK: The Food People reported that comfort food and home baking will be the way to go.  This has a positive effect on the environment as people cut back on heavily pre-packaged and single serve treats. Home baking is also a good opportunity for family bonding and makes a pleasent change from watching TV!

4) Growing your own.  Both Australia and the UK have seen a rise in seed sales and compost as more families make room for a veggie patch. Motivated by concerns over the health and environment have now been joined by economic need meaning that more and more of us are reaching for the trowel.

Yes the economic downturn is a bad thing. Yes, if we all loose our jobs we will have a lot more to worry about  than how to pay our mortgages. Yes, we do all need to do our bit to stay positive  (and help others )and look for a swift turn around. BUT what is wrong with doing all of the above and spending the money that we have saved (if any) by being more environmentally aware, supporting Green initiatives and volunteering.  The world is changing, somebody moved the cheese – we have to move with the cheese!

I am not sure about you but I tend to find myself going a grinchesque shade of green during the run up to the Christmas holidays. I start out in June with my lay-by shopping (making sure I get the kids something before my enthusiasm for queueing wains). Feeling virtuous I skip through JUly, August and September with a wonderfully free feeling that I have been both cleaver and highly organised in doing my Christmas shopping so early.

Something happens in November that turns me a light shade of grinch green. I realise as my lay-by purchases are nearly paid off that I don’t have everything that I need to enable me to forget the Christmas rush. The kids have found something in that dreadful junk mail that they MUST have.  We decide to spend Christmas with family / friends / the dog all which require some token of our appreciation for the friendship over the last year and the anticipated hospitality to follow. I can feel my purse quivering….

I have an inbuilt stoogeometer which I am happy to say stops me from going into the red for the sake of a merry and gift laden Christmas. It does make me one of those Grumpy women who look down on the mothers dragging their toddlers through target at the 11th hour and whom glare at the shoppers who decide that the 8am commuter train has been laid on just for them. I do, however manage to pull myself together long enough to ensure everyone gets something and I smile for the camera, turkey sandwich in hand, downing my non-alcoholic punch…

If you prefer your christmases an environmental shade of green as opposed to my slightly off colour tone here are some tips. They may just save your wallet too!

Shopping

May sound old fashioed but shop with cash – preferably when you have just finished a long stint of work that has put you in a dreadful mood – hardly likely to go out and splurge while thinking of your boss and that life sentence job you have to rock up to next week….

If you must buy people gifts buy as many as you can through stores that are affiliated to charities. Failing that try to buy fair trade, organic or locally made.

Try to buy with the environment in mind. Most people do not need another executive toy, novelty toothbrush or pair of socks. Think plants (or seeds), charitable donation,  downloads for their MP3 (vs CD’s), e-publications or books.

Why not encourage socialising with tickets to a show, meal or national trust property. Failing that an invitation to a picnic at the local park where you provide refreshments is a cost effective alternative.

Give what you would like to recieve – How many times do we say “I wish I had more time”. How about donating some of your time to a charity, your group of friends (babysitting) or the local school. This is a gift straight from the heart with no carbon hangover.

Wrapping

When you have selected your gift if appropriate wrap it in your little ones art – if your kids are anything like mine they are prolific with their painting.  Newspaper and a pretty ribbon also look good and prevent the need for expensive wrapping paper.

Decorating the home.

My kids have been loving the salt dough Christmas ornament decorating this year. Salt dough is easy and cheap to make. Kids can use any paints to decorate the shapes which can then be distributed to friends and family as a low cost and thoughtful gift – don’t forget to put holes in so they can be hung up!

Cooking

Why do we all feel the need to go crazy and eat twice our weekly calorie intake in one day! Do your body a favour and take it easy. Home make, share with friends and go vegetarian if you can bare the thought of Christmas without turkey (????)

Tis the season to be jolly so enjoy!

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.

I never thought I would live to see the day when…..

Sounds like something your granny would say. Well, I am finding myself saying that time and time again in the aftermath of the Rudd governments $10 billion “stimulus” package.

The global economy has seen better days, consumer confidence is low and people are unable to pay their bills. Sounds like a nightmare doesn’t it? Well, Kevin Rudd followed the lead of the US and the UK and announced that he would open his wallet and share out the contents.

I am not anti the Rudd government or the stimulus package. Pumping  funds into the economy in order to keep people in jobs has to be a good thing – unemployment is expensive and unproductive. However, I am a tad anoyed at the incessant adverts, news articles and radio commentary telling us that it would be un-Australian not to go out and spend, spend, spend.

Last nights evening news roundup program featured a long winded interview (second in about a week) with a well known homewares store owner. He hinted at some of the ways we could all  be parted with our $1000 per child / $1050 per pensioner. These included things like plasma TV’s, new washing machines or dishwashers. Does he sell these? Of course he does!

After this informative “news” item we were segwayed into another story about how concerned the opposition is about the stimulus package being spent on alcohol, gambling and other anti-social behaviours. Hummmmm,

Third on the list, after all of these ever so subtle messages we got a story of a guy who went from homeless to millionaire when he won an RSL prize draw. Good on him! Nice guy.  It would all be great but winning a million dollar home doesn’t help when you try to pay for groceries, utility bills or your mums medical treatment. He is selling up and downsizing.

Finally we are served up a tragic story about how bad the teeth of aged care patients has become. Many elderly residents are suffering from ulcers and decay. Why? Because none of them can afford dental care (dental care is almost exclusively private in Australia).

So, while I was watching the “news” with my 5 and 7 year old daughters we were all educated in money management, 08 style:

* Under no circumstances should you save your money. Spend, Spend, Spend. Go on, you NEED a new TV don’t you????

* Gambling and drinking are BAAAAD (unless you gamble and win or drink and don’t spill any).

* The government doesn’t hold aged care issues close to it’s heart. Best to die young BEFORE your money runs out and you need looking after.

I am going to re-name the “Global financial Crisis”,  “Crisis of Morality”. We are clearly doomed.

I never thought I would see the day when the government bemoaned the fact that the “great unwashed” preferred to spend their handout on paying household bills than a whimsical impulse purchase.

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!