Chaotic energy

Issue eleven, September 2020

In a previous piece, I spoke of the silver linings behind COVID-19 and what it has meant for our carbon footprint. I had my doubts about the decrease in emissions having a lasting impact but was pleasantly surprised to hear about the slump the oil industry has found itself in and the ‘green recovery’ measures several nations are adopting. COVID-19, for all the havoc it has wreaked upon society, may be the catalyst of a new green era.

Disasters have befallen the oil industry throughout its 100+ year existence, but this time it seems to be different. Thankfully, because of widespread climate movements and the strength of climate science, governments and investors are waking up to climate change and finally switching to greener alternatives. Clean power stocks are up by 45% in 2020 - which in the usually incremental world of stocks is insane. 

In general, things don’t look good for global oil. Saudi Arabia needs around $70 - $80 dollars a barrel to generate profit from oil, but at the moment they are only getting around $40 because of decreased demand. Sales have made a recovery, but it’s looking like the costs of this turnaround will be greater than the resulting profits. Moreover, oil is becoming a buyer’s market; fears of supply shortages have been assuaged by developments in shale and undersea, but the demand is no longer there. Governments, investors, and consumers want green. Aside from the obvious benefits to the climate, green energy can help stabilize global geopolitics. Unlike oil, which is volatile and monopolistic by its very nature, renewable energy relies on technologies that any country can implement, democratizing the global energy supply.

Several countries are making “green recovery” measures a key part of stimulus packages to encourage sustainable economic resuscitation. A Massey University-led survey polled over 1000 Kiwis during lockdown about their views on COVID and the climate; it found seven out of ten New Zealanders want our economy to have a green recovery. On a grander scale, the European Union has allocated 30% of its remarkable €1.82 trillion COVID-19 recovery package to power climate projects aligning with the EU’s objective of climate neutrality by 2050, and the Paris Agreement guidelines. If 2020 ends with a Biden-Harris administration, the U.S. will put $2 trillion into decarbonization and re-enter the Paris accords.

What’s this mean for the future of New Zealand? The Green Party says the 1.1bn environmental investment in this year’s budget will create thousands of green jobs to help jumpstart a sustainable recovery from the COVID-19 crisis. Just this month, Labour promised to bring forward the government’s 100% renewable electricity target from 2035 to 2030. If we meet this target, New Zealand will be one of few countries with 100% renewable electricity. We are already on the right track, with 84% of our country’s power coming from renewable sources including wind, hydro and solar generation. Despite the catastrophe of the global pandemic and the tragedy it has brought to so many lives, COVID-19 may have given us the fresh start to begin investing seriously in green energy.

Finding a skincare routine which works for you is hard enough as is, let alone finding something ethical and sustainable. The skincare industry is in its heyday, and the market is becoming increasingly over-saturated. That’s why in this weeks issue I’ve dug through the jumbled heaping mess and found some products which will save your skin, hair and then the planet. I’m going to be dropping a lot of product names, but don’t worry this is not affiliated by any means. 

I get through a bottle of shampoo and conditioner every fortnight, so it’s not often I can rationalise spending upwards of $30 on hair care. However, if you are not a serial hair washer like myself I’d highly suggest indulging in Kevin Murphy, Organic Way of Life, Evo, or Davine. These brands can be found in local hair salons, and are all invested in creating top-quality sustainable hair care. While we are on that note, The Powder Room at the top of Cuba Street is devoted to sustainability - even winning the ‘Sustainable Salon of the Year’ from Kitomba Business Awards 2013-2015. Plus, their super cute interior is a reason enough to visit in itself. 

For a less expensive and even more sustainable option, look out for shampoo and conditioner bars. NZ owned brand Ethique and Lush sell solid hair products which reduce packaging. Solid shampoos and conditioners require no water to make and are extremely condensed, meaning they will last you a long time. The two options noted to come in either no packaging or biodegradable cardboard boxes. It’s a win-win situation.

In terms of skincare, you will be happy to know that the current hype Ordinary Skincare is 100% cruelty-free and are free from parabens, sulphates and mineral oils. If you prefer to support New Zealand-owned companies try out Goodness or Oxygen.

Pure Peony is based in the Tasman region (where I call home). I can personally attest to their superior quality and care. They specialise in skincare for those with eczema, rosacea and other skin difficulties. All their products are curated with a blend of organic white peony root extract and other naturally derived products grown in Dovedale, Nelson. They are a fantastically sustainable option for those with dermal issues, plus its always good to shop local. 

What to avoid? Big corporate giants! Keep in mind that large companies such as L’Oreal, Johnson & Johnson and Unilever all sell in China (where it is required to test on animals) and own an abundance of smaller brands. Luckily, companies such as The Body Shop have cut ties with the notorious animal testers and are now under the wing of more ethical companies such as Natura who banned animal testing back in 2006. Don’t let these companies fool you with pseudo environmentalism, it’s best to avoid them and their affiliates altogether. 

There are now more sustainable skin and hygiene products than ever, so there is hardly an excuse to give your coins to the big corporations when you could be supporting more local and sustainable companies.

Clean beauty

Issue ten, August 2020

Biting off more than you can chew

Issue nine, July 2020

You probably know that changing your diet is one of the most effective ways to lower your carbon footprint and become more environmentally conscious. However, doing so poses certain obstacles which can be disheartening, and even make some give up on their goal. Time and time again I have run into people who were plant-based but returned to eating meat. And though it is easy to place judgment, it is more important to ask and thus understand why so many people do so. Many will proselytize the virtues of relinquishing meat, but few, if any, inform you how to persevere with a meat-free diet. In today’s piece, I have provided advice on how to quit meat and maintain a plant-based diet in a healthy and achievable way.

At age 14, I spontaneously decided to go vegetarian - a big decision considering I loved the taste of meat and grew up in a household where we ate it most days of the week. You could say I went ‘cold turkey’. Around age 15 I became extremely passionate about animals rights - much to my peers’ irritation; my passion was expressed in frustration and judgment, something I have since learned is counterproductive.

You would be hard-pressed to find a vegetarian or vegan who hasn’t been subjected to comments like ‘‘But what about bacon!?” or “I could never give because I love the taste!”.

Here’s a common misconception, that vegetarians/vegans don’t like the taste of meat. While this is the case for some, many plant-based people, including myself, enjoy the taste just as much as anybody. With that in mind, how do you stop eating it?

Start gradually. Designate a few days a week to eat plant-based. Start by cutting red meat out and recreating your favourite dishes with plant-based substitutes. If you’re concerned about missing the taste, I recommend recipes with tofu, mushroom, tempeh, eggplants, or falafel - when properly seasoned, they can replicate the flavour and texture of meat pretty well. And after your bills are paid, if you can afford it, there are plenty of meat substitutes.

Don’t just cut meat and/or dairy out of your diet, you have to properly substitute. Inadequate nutrition and health concerns are one of the main reasons people pull the plug on their diets. Unless you want to be anaemic, it is important to get enough iron. While it’s true that iron is more bio-available in haem (meat) sources than in plants, it’s not to say it isn’t easy to meet the recommended amount of iron. Nuts, legumes, green vegetables and wholegrain cereals are relatively inexpensive, if not cheaper than meat, and contain plenty of iron.

Another reason people return to eating meat is because of their cravings. I have gone through phases of missing meat quite intensely. If this is the case for you, it could indicate a deficiency. Alongside iron, vitamin B12, calcium and zinc are important nutrients to keep in mind when shifting to a vegetarian diet. 

Whether you go plant-based for ethical, environmental, or health reasons you are making a difference. A meat-based diet requires two and a half times more land to produce the same nutrition as its plant-based equivalent. Transitioning away from animal-based foods could add up to 49% capacity to the global food supply without expanding croplands, much of which is currently dedicated to feeding livestock. Livestock also requires much more water than a plant-based food supply. All while significantly reducing our carbon and greenhouse gas emissions.

Within the wave of renewed BLM protests, light has been shone on the links between racial injustices and the climate crisis. An essential part of moving forward in the climate movement is including and listening to a variety of voices, especially from POC who are often left out of the conversation. 

The direct links between climate change and racial injustices have long been subjects of research among environmental leaders and researchers. The unfortunate truth is that those who contribute the least to the climate crisis are the ones who will suffer the most from its consequences. On the other end, those who contribute the most to CO2 emissions (often the wealthiest) are the ones who will be affected the least. 

The voices of POC in the United States have been significantly marginalised from climate conversation and organisations. According to a 2014 Green 2.0 report, minorities make up 36% of the US population but make up no more than 12% of environment organisations studied. This statistic is especially concerning considering the disproportionate impact climate change has on communities of colour and low-income communities globally. In the US, POC are more likely to be exposed to air pollution than white people. This partly due to the disproportionate exposure to pollutants. A University of Minnesota study found white people were exposed to 17% less pollution than they created. Conversely, Hispanic people were exposed to 63% more than they created, and Black people were exposed to 56% more than they created. Consequently, POC are three times more likely to die from exposure to air pollutants than white people. 

These environmental inequalities also affect indigenous communities. It is estimated that climate change is going to hit 350 million indigenous people worldwide hard and fast.

Historically, indigenous people have had a closer connection to their lands, meaning they have a far greater knowledge of adapting to changes in the environment and ecosystems. This is known as ‘Indigenous knowledge’. This knowledge operates in a more localized, community-centred context than science, exploring an understanding of how to cope with and adapt to environmental variability. Our exploitation of natural resources is something indigenous people have been talking about for years. And while indigenous people face a greater threat from climate change, they are seldom included in the global processes of decision making, such as the official UN climate negotiations.

Some of the same racially intertwined climate injustices exist within NZ. With climate change comes expected health effects. For New Zealand, these consequences will likely be more hard-hitting to Maori people than to Pakeha. For example, increasing global food prices could aggravate food insecurity, compromising nutrition. We already know that there is presently a higher burden of food insecurity for Maori compared to non-Maori, and climate effects will compound this disparity.

How is this problem to be resolved? I’m no authority, but inclusion is a good first step. Steps to fight racism in any other stage must be employed in earnest in the climate community. When sharing and looking into information, seek out a range of voices. Joining a climate organization? Check if their leadership includes and endorses Tangata Whenua perspectives. At the very least, simply listening can go a long way.

Racial inequities in
climate change

Issue eight, July 2020

Environmental sex

Issue seven, June 2020

Perhaps an unlikely pairing of subjects but none the less interesting and there’s a lot to talk about. This is not really a subject I have given much previous consideration, so I’ve done my best to research how eco-friendly – or non-eco-friendly – our sex habits really are.

Now as a necessary disclaimer by no means do I intend to strip the fun out of sex, nor give you a niggling guilty conscious about one of life’s most natural pleasures. I aim to present environmental problems and provide easy solutions we can all take advantage of. The rest is in your hands.

So, how are the birds and bees affecting mother nature? I’m going to go ahead and assume you are using protection of some sort – if not… well, that’s none of my business, but I highly encourage it!

Starting with the protection that guys love to complain about – the good old fashioned condom. What the hell are they made of? Non-biodegradable latex or synthetic materials like polyisoprene. Condoms are the epitome of a single-use product and are a bane on the environment. So if you are interested in an eco-friendly alternative I suggest the website ohnatural.co.nz for Jonny Organic Condoms, these are vegan-friendly and 100% biodegradable.

Next culprit - lube. Again, what the hell is lube made of? Most lubricants are silicone-based which is a mix of silica and water. The problem with silica is that builds up in the environment and cannot naturally dissolve. The answer - water-based or oil-based lubricants. The Kiwi brand ‘Bonk’ provides a range of BioGro certified organic lubricants - plus they go from just $3.90.

Not directly sex-related, but while we’re in the area, let’s visit the wonderful world of menstruation. It’s no secret that tampons and pads are bad for the environment. The wrapping, the applicators, the string - its all waste. According to National Geographic, women on average have their period for 40 years – bleeding for five days a month, around 2400 days over the course of our lifetime. That’s a crap tonne of plastic products. So the solution? Menstrual cups. 

Local brand WĀ Collective sell medical-grade, FDA registered plastic-free silicone cups that last up to 10 years. WĀ have prevented 2.4 million disposable menstrual products from going into the landfill whilst saving people $800,000. Plus, for every cup purchased they subside a cup for a student in need to help fight against period poverty. Re-usable cups really are the future for periods.

Sex toys, again, not something I have put much consideration into. As of 2016, the industry is worth $15 billion USD and is inevitably doing damage. The good news is the sex toy industry is, slowly but surely, catching up to our environmental demands. Made out of starch-based bioplastic, The Gaia is the worlds first biodegradable vibrator; it’s also surprisingly inexpensive.

I hope this has been some food for thought. I don’t want to leave you with a guilty conscience, feeling bad about every condom wrapper and pad going in the bin. But if you are keen to make a difference, I hope these alternatives have been a helpful start!

2020 has been quite something. I’m not going to pretend we’re out of the woods just yet. Last time we made such predictions after the forest fires, we were severely mistaken. Like many of you, I returned to my family home for the duration of lockdown. As I pack my bags and prepare for my departure back into reality, I’ve been thinking about what I’ve learnt from my time back home. 

I acknowledge that for some people, lockdown has not been a time of leisure and relaxation. But for those lucky enough to have taken this time as a pause from reality, we may have learnt an important thing or two. For me, lockdown meant returning to my family home tucked away in the secluded countryside. I grew up labelling myself as a city person - born for the hussle and bussle of the metropolitan lifestyle. I still possess a childhood fantasy of walking around London in red stilettos, looking awfully busy and important, clutching a briefcase of files. I still hold these aspirations, I don’t believe city life and urban sprawl represent all things bad. I refute any such absolutism. However, I do believe that some of us city dwellers subconsciously rely on hits of materialistically derived dopamine every day. Thus, in the absence of material consumption, and with the closure of our usual cafes and bars, we were made to find alternative forms of entertainment. 

There seems to be a level of desperation to return to our normal ways of life. However, before doing so, I believe there are lessons we can learn from our former lockdown selves which could lead to a better and more sustainable way of living. For the past month, our consumer habits have (most likely) declined. A global lockdown of much of the world’s shipping capacity erects a solid barrier between me and an ASOS order - $50 shipping, pass. We have survived without fast-food chains. It may have been hard, but we have all survived lockdown without a single takeout. So instead of giving your coin to a multi-billion dollar franchise, invest in local businesses. With no reason to drive, people have taken up alternative forms of transport. This is perhaps the first time in around 8 years that I have seen my dad ride a bike - it's fantastic. 

NIWA has reported a significant drop in traffic pollution in Wellington during lockdown. At the end of March, Auckland's nitrogen oxide levels dropped off by as much as 90 percent at times - this was for the first time in more than a decade. The Packaging Forum estimates that lockdown saved 2 million takeaway cups from going into the landfill. You will be happy to hear that several cafes are allowing customers to bring reusable cups again. Though some cafes are not allowing it, the Ministry of Health has not advised against it. Ashley Bloomfield, simply said not to you if you are experiencing flu like symptoms. These examples illustrate how our change of behaviour in such a short period shows the power we have to create a grand difference.  Understandably, when life returns to the usual 9 to 5, we won’t have as much time to fit in as many leisurely activities to fulfil our dopamine demands non-materially. But there are certainly elements of this sanguine period which we can implement into our usual routine. In New Zealand, we have proven that we can cooperate and act fast in order to eliminate a threat. So I encourage anyone reading to apply the same energy towards climate change - it looms on the horizon in an insidious way just as COVID-19 has.

No time to rush

Issue six, May 2020

Greenwashing

Issue five, May 2020

‘Greenwashing’: nothing to do with changing water-usage settings on your washing machine. It’s a marketing tactic brands adopt to attract more environmentally conscious shoppers. It’s increasingly common amongst companies to exaggerate how environmentally-friendly their products are to inflate an appealingly ethical image.

There are two related reasons why greenwashing is so goddamn pesky; it camouflages exploiters amongst brands that actually invest effort into environmentally friendly products, and thus increases scepticism among consumers about the credibility of products from those truly eco-friendly producers. 

According to the Consumer New Zealand Survey, a study conducted every two years which looks at the buying habits and shopping priorities of more than 1000 consumers, 72 percent of people struggle to work out which products are better from the environment. Further befogging the issue are misleading messages and claims all attempting to extract some extra profit from climate-weary buyers. So the question is, how do we spot it?

First and foremost, look beyond the packaging. That spring waterfall on your body wash might disguise a party of non-biodegradable siloxanes and parabens lurking inside. Be aware of packaging with environmental imagery - remember, looks can be deceiving! What that bottle and its contents is actually made of is more important than pretty pictures. Recyclable bottles are easy, but lids are usually exempt.  Avoid virgin plastic, opt for recycled plastics or better other alternatives like plant-based plastics.

Although any effort at sustainability is good, some companies ostensibly make bold moves while barely lifting a finger. Many make irrelevant claims, or advertise the bare minimum. For instance, ‘CFC-free’ is a pointless claim. Chloro-fluoro-carbons were banned worldwide over 30 years ago. This is basically the corporate equivalent of claiming plastic bag avoidance as your biggest environmental contribution...It's literally the law.

Know the lingo. Companies will happily feed off our naivety to make sales. Products frequently purport wishy washy claims like ‘natural’, ‘organic’ and ‘biodegradable’. These terms are vague and undefined. A company can chuck these statements around freely—there is no legal definition of ‘natural’. In fact, given all chemicals have some basis in natural resources, in the eyes of the law, it’s a perfectly legitimate claim.

What to look out for then? Keep an eye out for verified certifications. ‘Environmental Choice New Zealand’ is government-operated and follows meticulous life-cycle assessments. The Green Tick focuses on both the business practices and the product qualities. Recently, the New Zealand Vegetarian Society created a Vegan Certified logo to help buying vegan products easier. 

Greenwashing reaches beyond the realms of just products. Food producers and other industries like airlines have cottoned on to this new form of marketing. If you are still sceptical, do a quick Google. A company's dirty laundry is always online, so it's relatively easy to see if their actions substantiate their claims.

If you are new to environmentalism this may seem all a bit nugatory. ‘Greenwashing’ may seem micro-level in the grand scheme of things but it holds more significance than its face value. Macro-problems don’t always require macro-solutions. As in all things, every bit counts.

There is only one thing on our minds lately, the nasty C word. Despite wanting to think about absolutely anything else, I keep finding myself refreshing the news in every spare moment until the daily statistics are released. I’m doing no favours for my mental health.

This week, instead of adding to the mass hysteria, I decided to focus on the silver linings arising from our attempts to contain the virus. I have no intention of downplaying the severity of this virus, nor am I dismissing the struggles that people have been enduring during this time of hardship.

I also want to stress the importance of source checking. I have seen a lot of articles and tweets being shared around on social media making bold claims of animals flourishing in cities while humans isolate themselves. You may be familiar with the claims that swans and dolphins have returned to the canals in Venice, or the enchanting story of the elephants that got drunk on corn wine and then slumbered in the tea plantation. I’m sorry to tell you, but those are all fake or fractionally true stories. According to a National Geographic article, the girl who made the now-viral tweet in regards to swans returning to the canals said “The tweet was just about sharing something that brought me joy in these gloomy times,”. Despite admitting to her fibs, the tweet remains up because it was a personal record for her in regards to likes. How sad… moving on….

What is true is that CO2 emissions have significantly decreased. It is no secret that China is responsible for around 30% of the world’s CO2 emissions. The pandemic has had a huge impact on China’s energy demand and the attempts to contain the virus have had an astonishing effect on the environment. According to CarbonBrief, coal consumption at power plants has dropped by 36%, coal throughput at the largest coal port has fallen by 29%, and satellite-based NO2 levels have become 37% lower. Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) emissions come from vehicles, industrial facilities and power plants powered by fossil fuels. NASA have released a series of images showing the substantial decrease in these emissions across China. You are able to see the cloud of pollution disperse throughout January and February. Imagine what the decrease could be if we kept this up.

Furthermore, it is estimated that the measures to contain the virus have resulted in a drop of 15%-40% in input across industrial sectors in China. These vast differences over such a short amount of time go to show that it is not impossible to reduce our emissions. We can only hope that these patterns can impart a valuable lesson by demonstrating what is possible for our future. I saw a quote saying “In the rush to going back to normal, use this time to consider which parts of normal are worth rushing back to”. It made me think about what things I can go without when everything settles.

I’ll finish on this note: it is important to balance your news intake. Seek out positive news stories, they might not be making headlines but I promise they are there. But don’t believe everything you see online. As heartwarming and reassuring as it is to believe these stories, a lot of them are twisted or downright false. A quick source check before you share something onto your timeline or insta story never hurts. Remember to stay positive, but be realistic! 

Source checking & the big C

Issue four, April 2020

From Coimbatore to Kmart

A closer look at fast fashion

Issue three, March 2020

Most of us are aware of fast fashion as an environmental menace. A quick refresher: fast fashion is the rapid production of inexpensive clothes by mass-market retailers. The demand for designs to go from the runway to stores quickly means that companies mass-produce cheap products as fast as possible to match the latest trends. We want it on-trend, fast, and most importantly, cheap.

My close friend Taylor studies fashion design in Dunedin. Earlier this year she travelled to India with her class in partnership with the KPR Institute of Engineering. Based in the industrial city of Coimbatore, the class visited one of KPR’s six factories that create garments for several popular western brands. I interviewed her about her experience.

Taylor was already aware of the issues plaguing the fashion industry. Exploited workers, environmental peril, toxic textiles dyes, the list goes on. However, on her visit to India, it became apparent that fast fashion’s issues are far more complex than she anticipated.

The girls who work at the factory, most around 17, live on site in hostels where all their living needs are provided. The cost of living here is far cheaper than anywhere else. In an arrangement that wouldn’t be heard of in New Zealand, the women work in exchange for an education: an opportunity that is few and far between for them. The trip’s supervisor, says that without this work, these girls have no future. Women around here seem to need these jobs. If fast fashion stopped, they, and millions of others like them, would be jobless.

“In terms of ethical human rights there's obviously issues on which I don't agree with fast fashion, but there’s almost a need for it,” sighs Taylor. She speaks pragmatically. “If you are privileged enough, then don't buy it, it's your duty. But there are so many people who aren’t. There are too many people in the world to all be clothed by boutique tailors”.

I went into this column intending to reinforce fast fashion’s problematic reputation, but came to an ethical crossroad after hearing about Taylor’s experiences.  I’m not suddenly going to go splurge on cheap dresses from Boohoo and Fashion Nova, and suggest you don’t either. But neither can I afford a wardrobe of new-season Kowtow. What I think we can do is look closer into where we’re buying from when we need something cheap. Tearfund’s Ethical Fashion Guide is a great resource compiling ratings of 130 fashion companies. Each brand is graded on sustainability policies, transparency, traceability, auditing, supplier relationship, worker empowerment and environmental management. Another good source of information I recommend checking out is fash_rev on instagram.

Alternatively, when you think you need a new outfit, consider your other options. Buy second hand, try clothing swaps, join Facebook groups like Smokey Bandit to find one-off vintage pieces for reasonable prices. If you prefer high-end brands, try TheRealReal, Grailed, or Poshmark for second-hand at a fraction of the retail price. Lastly, I’ll add this: you don’t need a new outfit for every new goddamn party. Nobody remembers that dress from last time. Nobody actually cares. Think of the planet before you think of your Insta. 

In the end, fast fashion still poses a serious threat to the sustainability of our future. Taylor pointed out that some factories are better than others. The one she visited was on the better end of the spectrum. 

“If I’m going to buy fast fashion and can't afford Kowtow then I go to Kmart. I've seen them make it, I've eaten lunch with them. I'd rather do that than buy from a company that I know nothing about. If you are going to purchase fast fashion, buy from companies that are at least trying”.

When Greenpeace calls, I seldom pick up. I don’t have the money to donate. I am late on board to the keep-cup game and consequently, my caffeine problem has needlessly wasted hundreds of takeaway cups through the years. On a far-too-regular basis, my showers hit 30 minutes in length. My flatmates don’t thank me when the power bill arrives.

The point is, sometimes we put our wants before our needs. But sometimes I need to remind myself that this is part of being human. Nobody is perfect. We should always strive to do better, but also recognise that sometimes it’s not feasible to reach the lofty standards we set for ourselves. Setting superhuman standards for ourselves can be daunting, thus counteractive.

First and foremost, climate awareness is not a competition. It is not about who is the most ethically pure, sustainable saint. It’s not about proving yourself as part of the eco-tribe and you don’t have to be living solely off organic fruit that graces your backyard — I am a little tired of seeing people preach their raw diets on Instagram as if it doesn’t cost an arm and a leg. You don’t need to feel inferior to those who need to virtue signal every good little thing they do on Instagram. There is a clear distinction between spreading awareness and gloating about your own saintly morality. The climate crisis deserves better than to be your latest Insta trend.

I am sure I am not the only one who has heard that tireless classic, “But if you care so much about the environment and the animals, what about [insert literally anything else here]?!”? Since when was it the case that in order to act on one issue, one is morally obligated to act on anything and everything else? This bizarre breed of absolutism makes absolutely no sense in any other context — nobody thinks that giving $20 to UNICEF means not caring about the Cancer Society. You do not need to justify your sustainability efforts by proving some universal, unbiased approach to ethical living.

How about “Me making a change as one person won’t make an impact at all, so what’s the point?”. I am tossing up between this being an excuse or just plain ignorance. The human race would never have accomplished anything of note were we to employ this attitude elsewhere. Attractive as the prospect might seem, we won’t get anywhere if we all sit resignedly in the corner, sulking fatalistically.

To be frank, if your idea of environmentalism is switching off the lights when you leave the house and occasionally recycling, then yes, you might want to consider pulling a bit more of your weight. Ask yourself if you have struck a balance between caring and staying sane, then don’t beat yourself up for occasionally missing the mark. What it really comes down to is asking yourself if you are doing enough. Others’ perceptions of your efforts should not interfere with your work. The question then is whether your version of ‘enough’ is… enough.

Pulling your weight?

Issue two, February 2020

Revolutionary moments

Issue one, January 2020

2019 was a year of huge environmental action and awareness, speaking out on behalf of our hurting planet and pushing our government to take action. Although we have been aware of the detrimental effects of climate change for years, we have only recently seen serious action by the masses, involving the widespread School Strike for Climate and Extinction Rebellion movements mustering millions of protesters.

Our recent uptick in awareness and concern for climate issues is crucial to provoke change and to make more sustainable choices in our day to day lives. However, the downside to this climate anxiety is constant depressing feelings that nothing we can do will resolve the crisis. We’re constantly surrounded by news illustrating the horrors of the climate crisis and the inaction of those who do not seem to care. It feels like a heavy layer of smog sitting perpetually on our shoulders, weighing us down, and it can adversely affect the vitality of our efforts.

This growing anxiety sparked me to create this column to discuss the positive changes that are happening in order to spread some positivity and optimism. By doing so, I do not wish to create a false sense of optimism or ignore the crisis at hand. My aim is to find hope beneath a mountain of bad news. A place to come to when all else seems hopeless. A place I hope can help spark action by demonstrating what is possible if we all rally together.

To kick things off, it would be ignorant to ignore the ongoing tragedies facing Australia. Over 2000 homes have been destroyed, leaving people homeless and seeking refuge. New South Wales and Victoria taken the worst hit with more than five million hectares burnt. In this debut column, I’ve quickly touched on a variety of larger and lesser known causes helping Australia, which I hope can demonstrate the extent of this global effort.

From these dark times we have seen a great deal of humanity rise to meet the challenge in a great sign for hope for the future. Australia Zoo has helped treat and rescue over 90,000 animals affected by the bushfires. The Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital, run by the Irwin family, is taking in hundreds of native animals. Wildlife Warriors is a not-for-profit organisation, established in 2002 by the Irwins. They take donations to help save endangered, threatened and injured wildlife. 

Wellington-based organisation HUHA have deployed a team of veterinarians, vet nurses, builders and other supporters to help assist local wildlife rehabilitation centres, building enclosures, setting up clinics, and assisting Australian wildlife rescue groups treating animals in the Snowy Mountains region.  HUHA have also been traveling around affected regions on the South Coast, setting up sites to help wildlife carers rebuild, and looking out for injured animals. They are also doing important work  training local workers in burn treatment and triage care. HUHA’s work is vital and they are in need of local support.  You can keep up to date with their incredible efforts on Facebook. 

Donation drives have been a huge help for the cause. Australian comedian Celeste Barber raised a whopping $31, 705, 797 via Facebook. Instagram model Kaylen Ward (a.k.a. The Naked Philanthropist) raised over $750,000 by selling her nudes in return for donations.  Motivational speaker and humanitarian Turia Pitt has created an Instagram page, @spendwiththem, promoting products from small businesses that have been affected by the fires.

The enormity of climate change can become overwhelming sometimes as media grapples our attention with stories of new catastrophes and calamities, but it’s up to us to persist forward, despite opposition which can seem overwhelming.  I hope with this column I can remind you of the opportunity we have for a revolutionary moment, one in which we all work together, such as we have in the stories I’ve shared above, towards averting the climate crisis.

You can give $3 to HUHA’s efforts in Australia by texting “huha” to 4463, or find their Give A Little page online.