Archive for the 'environment' Category

The Walk

Published on 12 November 2007 in 2007 and environment. 5 Comments

I was very glad to have my hat during the walk yesterday - I’d had a few qualms about wearing it, as it is felt (rescued from the op shop for $5), and I thought it would be too hot. It was hot, but with my sunnies, lots of sunscreen, and lots of bottled water, I made it.

I have no idea how many people turned up, but in any case it was good to see so many people there, from all walks of life. True to form, I forgot to bring the camera, but Tom M Wilson has some nice shots. This great picture (from Tom) shows the colour and the crowd. I walked next to a Tibetan Buddhist nun, and the two giant puppets in the picture, for most of the march.

It was calm and pleasant (even if we were all hot) and there was a pleasant energy to the whole event.

I found it amusing and a little sad that the Liberals (conservatives) decided not to send any representation to the walk.

Personally, I still have a lot to do to reduce my impact on the environment. I tried the Australian Conservation Foundation’s Eco-Calculator - I’m amazed at how much you can do to reduce your impact on the environment, just by changing your diet!

Amusing aside: after the walk I went to stock up on some of my favourite handcream and deodorant. The lady in the shop took one look at me and said: “You need a nice cool glass of water, dear. Your aura is all.. whoosh!” She gestured with her hand sweeping over the top of her head. I didn’t suggest that she could probably feel the heat radiating off me, and agreed that yes, I was very hot from having just come from The Walk.

Walk Against Warming

Published on 10 November 2007 in weather and environment. 2 Comments

I want to participate in the Walk Against Warming, in Fremantle tomorrow, but I’m wondering if it will be well, too warm.

The forecast is for a maximum of 36°C (96.8°F): “A hot, sunny day. Fresh and gusty E/NE winds easing during the morning. An afternoon sea breeze.” I suppose I can bring lots of drinking water, wear a hat and slop on the sunscreen. Also, I can hope that the Fremantle Doctor (the “afternoon sea breeze” mentioned in the forecast) cools people in Freo first.

Blogs that make me think, two

Published on 1 May 2007 in ruminatin', bloggers, meme, blogs and environment. 1 Comment

I wasn’t sure if I was going to be able to name another blog in this list this morning (we had a late night - puppy school then a birthday party) but it’s easy: blog number two out of five blogs that make me think is No Impact Man.

This is a newish blog written by Colin Beavan in New York City, and it’s a tale of his and his family’s adventures over a year, as they try:

“to live without making any net impact on the environment. In other words, no trash, no carbon emissions, no toxins in the water, no elevators, no subway, no products in packaging, no plastics, no air conditioning, no TV, no toilets…

“What would it be like to try to live a no impact lifestyle? Is it possible? Could it catch on? Is living this way more fun or less fun? More satisfying or less satisfying? Harder or easier? Is it worthwhile or senseless? Are we all doomed or is there hope? These are the questions at the heart of this whole crazy-assed endeavor.”

The very idea fascinates me.