Stories on Love, Life and Inspiration
Make A Difference There Is Hope
Australia Needs Our Help Her WildLife & Nature Are Calling
It is not so much for its beauty that the forest makes a claim upon men’s hearts, as for that subtle something, that quality of air that emanation from old trees, that so wonderfully changes and renews a weary spirit. Robert Louis Stevenson
What it means can never be said. George Santayana (Beauty)
Those who lose Dreaming are lost. (Australian Aboriginal Proverb)
This story is going to be a truly uplifting article. I am going to focus on what you can do — and touch on the impacts of Climate Change. There are many species of wildlife that have already become extinct here in our amazing nation. Too many more are on the endangered list. You can in your way make a difference. The time to act is now.
… the bushfire emergency has shown just how much people from Australia and all around the world care about our amazing wildlife. It shines a light on how powerful our individual actions can be when we all act together. We can turn the tide on Australia’s extinction crisis, but we need to act now. WWF-Australia
One of the simple strategies that WWF-Australia has identified to reduce, even reverse, carbon emissions is to plant native trees. Does planting more trees reduce carbon emissions? YES! Oh! YES!
Through photosynthesis, trees pull the gas out of the air to help grow their leaves, branches and roots. Put simply the miracle of the leaves of each tree is. They breathe in carbon dioxide and exhale the oxygen which all life needs to exist. Oh! what a blessing.
Of course, every one of us can't plant a native tree. For those of you who are unable to do so, perhaps you can in some way support those who can.
Trees offer many environmental benefits. … Trees reduce the amount of storm water runoff, which reduces soil erosion and pollution in our waterways and may reduce the effects of flooding. Many species of wildlife depend on trees for habitat. Trees provide food, protection, and homes for many birds and mammals. WWF-Australia
Another more subtle long-term benefit of planting thousands of native trees is the true glory we all will get from sitting under their shade. And saying “THANK YOU” and amazement at their unique beauty.
Perhaps future artists, poets, writers and musicians can also sit under the shade of these wondrous gifts of nature and sing their PRAISE. It is such a simple tool we can use. If enough Australians — plant enough native trees — we will make a dent in emissions and halt in a real way Climate Change.
And, perhaps sit under the rambling branches of a huge gum one day which you indeed planted.
By planting native trees Australians are restoring our iconic landscapes and the wildlife they sustain.
Perhaps, then Australians can show the world what can be done. Fellow citizens from all around the world will follow and save their native lands. One never knows what is possible — till one tries.
Have you ever had the privilege of snorkelling under the warm, tropical waters of the Great Barrier Reef? By reducing the impact on the Great Barrier Reef from the Climate Crisis, all humans will benefit. The absolute glory of swimming amongst the tropical fish will still be there for future generations Oh! What joy! This, and other, coral reefs are home to marine life. Marine life is unique and demands our tender loving care.
You, working together with other like-minded people, tackling the issues resulting from years of denial and disregard for the impact of Climate Change. You are a part of a team of Champions. You are together taking the necessary steps to alert the world to what steps can be taken by individuals to reduce (and can I hope-reverse?) Climate Change impacts.
As I mentioned in a previous story. You can use electrical energy providers who adopt renewable energy strategies. In addition, if it is economically feasible, you can use solar panels to reduce the usage of coal-fuelled electricity.
Another simple way that we can reduce greenhouse gas emissions is to reduce the use of plastic. I fear that just using recyclable plastic bags at the supermarket is not enough. When you go shopping next time, perhaps consider the amount of plastic in which each item is wrapped in. Then if possible choose an alternative product. And, if possible in the fruit and vegetable section do not use the available plastic bags. And, if you, do re-use them at home, so they are not ending up in land-fill after just one use.
These easy steps, if taken by many Australians will reduce the amount of plastic making its way to the land-fill. And, the horror of clear plastic bags making their way into our oceans. Only to be swallowed by turtles, which then suffer. We must stop that. And media can play a part in this.
You know many ways around your home and place of employment how you can recycle plastic bags and other forms of plastic. So, please do so and do it now.
I, as an artist, use my plastic shopping bags to store my oil paints and brushes. It not only is a way for me to recycle these plastics, but it keeps my brushes like new and keeps my paint fresh for another day. So, plastic has its uses — it's not all bad.
Australia produces almost 3 million tonnes of plastic every year, but less than 9% of plastics are recycled which means that the rest ends up in landfill — a big contributor of greenhouse gas emissions. On top of that, plastic pollution is a major problem for our marine wildlife and birdlife, with 130,000 tonnes of plastic ending up in our oceans each year. Unfortunately, this means that animals like sea turtles and threatened seabirds can become tangled in plastic. Or they mistake it for food and ingest it. Either way, it’s having a disastrous impact on our wildlife. WWF-Australia
How else can you, as a lover of this fantastic country, make a difference? Reduce food waste?
Did you know that reducing food waste is another way to help tackle climate change? 30% of the food we buy ends up in landfills and emits methane, which is a potent greenhouse gas. Every time we throw out food, we are also wasting the amount of energy and water used to grow, make, transport, and sell it. WWF-Australia
When I was growing up I was always told to eat everything on my plate as hungry gypsies were not so lucky. I was still in England at the time. My father had quite a different philosophy, but the end is the same. DON’T WASTE FOOD.
When I take my dog, “Little Lady”, for a walk I am ashamed of how much food wastage is in the local park. I am taken back to remembering the millions of people from all around the world — especially children, the innocents — dying each day from starvation. Sometimes this rubbish is less than a metre from a council garbage bin.
Until I sourced the information for this article I never considered the time, energy, water and money it took to grow, etc., our food. What a waste??? If I could just find who did this I would-what would I do?? Well, perhaps show them a picture of a starving child. Perhaps just show them what a magnificent country Australia is and??? Just a few more steps to the bin — is this asking too much? And to food manufacturers — to use less plastic to wrap their goods. Is this asking too much??
Another way to reduce food wastage is to compost. I have a friend who simply cut a large garbage bin in half, dug a large hole and placed all his food waste in there — and there you have it Home Made Compost. And, his friend has the other half. It saves food leftovers going to landfills and his garden benefits.
Together, our actions are powerful.WWF-Australia
It’s always to early to quit. Norman Vincent Peale
Are you feeling overwhelmed by the impact on Australia, its citizens and its wildlife by the climate crisis? Are you feeling bombarded by news and documentaries always focusing on the negative sides of this issue?
You can now channel these feelings into meaningful action. Use these feelings to do something positive.
You are on the frontline of the fight for Australia. By taking action through the simple steps I suggest above. And, please do think of others! You can change the way your family operates. Perhaps, walk, ride a push-bike or ride public transport to work instead of taking your family car. Perhaps, improve the efficiency of your family home. A Google search can help with that one. And, it will save you money in the long run too. And, this has to be good!
Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement.
Nothing can be done without hope and confidence. Helen Keller
Let us, together focus on the solutions we are going to achieve. To solve the climate crisis that Australia, its citizens, its forests, its reef, its sand island and its wildlife are facing.
By focussing on what you are achieving, you will gain a renewed sense of HOPE!
We live in a nation that has wildlife found nowhere else. We must act together now to protect these helpless and beautiful creatures. Then, and only, then can we as a nation re-connect with Nature. And be proud once more.
I love this Land Australia home of the kangaroo
Of echidna and wombat, platypus and cockatoo
Of lorikeet and rosella, koala, possum and emu
And other unusual birds and animals as I’ve mentioned just a few. Francis Duggan
When you re-connect with nature, do you realize how much you have to be grateful for? I do! This is my reason for seeking your help in my fight for Australia against this crisis — Climate Change.
How do you re-connect with nature? Perhaps, it may be a stroll along your favourite beach. Perhaps, a hike in the Blue Mountains on a clear/crisp winter’s day with family and friends. Or, simply a stroll in your local park camera in hand.
The way you express your gratitude says a lot about who you are as an Australian (if this is who you are). The simple act of saying “THANK YOU” is often enough. Compared to many other countries where a gift or favour is needed as a sign of gratitude.
Unfortunately, Australia is an inanimate country and its wildlife does not speak our language. I feel its way of saying “THANK YOU” will simply be co-existing with us as free and wild creatures. For nature to be treasured by MAN for many future generations. For nature to share her bounty and beauty by being — well simply by BEING!
In all things of nature
There is something marvelous. Aristotle
I picture Australia in the future as it should be. Fresh air, pure clear water. Forests of native trees sustain native wildlife brimming with life. Man living as its guardian not just taking.
The Great Barrier Reef will regain its glorious colours and the tropical fish in its multitudes will return. Fraser Island’s inland lakes will once again have fresh pure water, the dingoes living wild and free.
All of Australia will be blooming and blossoming with beauty. Its glory will be shared by our Indigenous family. Who knew before us how to live in harmony with this magnificent land.
What we can achieve together is simply mind-blowing. When we take it one simple step at a time we will get there. Australia, her forests, her reefs, her sand island, and her diverse/unique wildlife deserve no less.
We do indeed extend our hands of tender loving care and show the world the way.
Now is the time to act.
Well, fellow warriors. Well Done!
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