Recyled thoughts

I went on a field trip today with my Environmental Management Systems class, and I have to tell you, I am inspired! We visited the Bromley EcoDepot Recycling Centre and the sewerage treatment plant, and it’s inspiring and yet depressing to see. I was impressed by how much the EcoDepot is doing, I bet many people don’t know that they would save so much money if they went through their landfill waste and recycled what they could instead of just paying to dump everything. It’s clear that a large percentage of what goes into the landfill actually could be recycled. It makes me wonder if one day we will dig the landfills back up again to get all those resources back!

It’s also very exciting to see that Christchurch is going to have a new system in place next year where they will take away green waste and food scraps as well as recycling. My flat already has composting, a worm farm, and we definitely recycle a lot, but I know we could always do more. It would be good to get towards a zero waste strategy and reduce instead of recycling.

There are heaps of things an individual can do to make a difference such as…

• Try to take note of the packaging and choose products with less packaging, or types which can be easily recycled or reused.
• When giving gifts, you can give vouchers, instead of an object the person may not actually want
• Regift objects or buy secondhand
• Spend your money on experiences rather than things
• Make your own items and gifts
• Look around at everything you have and see what you can reuse, fix or modify instead of buying something new
• Compost and have a worm farm! It’s good for growing your own food too

 

 

Earth Hour

Wow, so who participated? According to ChCh Earth Hour the city reduced its electricity use by a massive 12.8 percent!! It sure shows what small changes can add up, even if the figure is overestimated.

Of course I can understand if it seems facetious to only nominate one hour a year for this! Why not have a whole day every week, or better yet, to be far more energywise all 365. But of course, the point of Earth Hour, in my opinion, is to show people how it is easy to make a difference. Christchurch especially seemed to get behind it, and I personally think it is very inspiring. Hopefully people living here will continue to keep it in mind.

As for my own student flat, well it was very interesting because actually we had a power cut a few days previous to Earth Hour. As you can expect, out came the candles and glowing poi. What really astonished me was how we all found ourselves drawn into the lounge. No music, no electrical humming, it seemed that we were suddenly closer, more intimate. Mellow and relaxed, the conversation flowed. Somehow in the flickering darkness we were paying more attention, to catch quieter and more profound words. Maybe candles do indeed have a romantisicm, but isn’t it inspiring?

It brings to my mind the concepts of Donna Haraway about cyborg theory. Although her Cyborg Manifesto is more a postmodern look at gender and feminism, I think it can be related to environmental concepts also. By being so integrated with machines, do we become them? We live in a social reality mediated by machines, and our lives are now so much shaped by this. Does it separate us from each other, and the natural environment?

Perhaps it is that we have lost our personal connection, especially with the sources and externalities of the products and services in our lives. Maybe being sustainable means drawing together, pooling our resources, finding grassroots methods, inspiration from within each of us to make a difference. Maybe Earth Hour doesn’t necessarily solve much at all on its own, but taken as an inspiration, which I hope my flat will do, I’m sure it will continue to have a positive impact!

And here is an inspiring video showcasing some innovative solar powered light hats and promoting Earth Hour in Christchurch

 

Ecoscribe: It’s about me changing the world, step by step

Maybe it seems like an ambitious title, but no, I don’t think so. If we are to dream of a peaceful and sustainable world, why not dream as far as the imagination can reach? Individuals and small dedicated groups have always been the change makers. In the end it’s our choice, to sit back in apathy or to be inspired towards greatness. The amazing truth is that we can bring our sustainable world into being. Every day, every person, every small action adds up. At first it starts with ourselves, then in our small sphere of friends and family, and spreads, gains momentum, until it is a raging torrent. I think if we decide to take the journey, it will be pleasantly surprising where we end up.

And before you skip past this post, thinking your efforts are just a drop in the ocean, ask yourself the following:
If not now – when? If not you — who?