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It's hard to belief that floods in Brazil have affected our weather patterns in Australia, but a great lesson for us all about how connected we all are. Extreme whether conditions such as Cyclone Yasi, the Brisbane Floods, the US snow storms and Brazilian floods are just the beginning of what is to come, if we don't act now, according to leading government expert, Ross Garnaut. (http://www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/climate-risk-to-worsen-says-adviser/story-e6freoof-1225999791393.)
When God created the garden of Eden it was perfect. Man chose to sully the planet when we first picked the forbidden apple.
From then it has been a story of massive accumulation of goods at the expense of Mother Earth and the planet has continually rebelled.
Now we have to learn to get back to a simpler lifestyle to protect the planet. For many, this rebuilding of a life after flood is a time to reflect on living with less clutter. The average woman has $100 worth of clothes in her wardrobe that she will never use!
There are things you can do to help prevent the global warming that scientists say creates bizarre weather patterns.
• Don’t leave the water running when you brush teeth.
• Use the environmentally friendly toothbrush. (Monumental Dental)
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• Eat one meat meal less per week (Cuts down ¼ tonne of emissions a year.)
• Have 2 minute showers (Saves 1 tonne of emissions a year.)
• Walk more often instead of driving, e.g. to the corner store.
• Always repair leaking toilets, showerheads, taps immediately.
• Switch computers, lights, fans off when not in use.
• Swap regular light bulbs for energy saving bulbs.
• Organize a clothes swap with your organization at wendyworkshops.com where you can learn to convert recycled clothes to your individual wardrobe.
Buy clothes at Endeavour.They offer all brand name clothes.
• Look out for tencel fabric, otherwise known as lyocell. Here is the info on this product…
• Plant a vegetable garden
• Recycle all household goods—food scraps in a compost, paper products with the council, printer cartridges, batteries with the council
• Join organisations like onemillionwomen.com.au to learn more about saving energy.)
It has been heartening to see the flood relief effort going on in my home area in the Redlands. Donations have been pouring in to 91 Redland Bay Road where the council has set up a flood relief outlet. If you live in the area, more workers are needed each day this week to sort and pack donations which will supply the Brisbane families affected.If you are flood affected, spend a few hours respite in the Redlands with the amazing spiritual view of history by Leo Herreygers. This serene environment offers respite over a cup of coffee. The exhibition at the Grandview Hotel, Cleveland has extended to 22nd January. The painting on this blog is Leo's.
Blessings,
Wendy
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It's interesting the way disasters bring out both the worst and the best in people. I've felt proud of the generosity of our Aussie spirit revealed in almost every TV interview. So many folk who'd lost so much said they were just so grateful they'd not lost their lives. Even so, it has been heartwarming to see both young and older folk willing to sacrifice time and effort to help in any way they can
ReplyDeleteI agree, Rita.
ReplyDeleteMy parents were surrounded by water (though not flooded, thankfully) but the showering they got with friendship during the long blackout was a far greater coverage!
Wendy
So many stories of both generosity and heroism, but as always the stupidity and selfishness of some - especially those looters!
ReplyDeleteSo glad to hear you and your parents are okay, Wendy.
Thanks so much, Mary. I've always believed in the saying, 'if you can't be with the ones you love, love the ones you're with'. My parents got back what they gave over the years in generosity--one of the great lessons of the flood.
ReplyDelete:-)
Wendy
Can't say we are doing all of those things mentioned but we are doing some. Great to hear the positive stories of how people have banded together in disaster.
ReplyDeleteEvery little bit makes a difference, Dale. The mistake people make is by thinking it's all too big to take on, whereas small changes do make a difference:-)
ReplyDeleteWendy
Hello Wendy,
ReplyDeleteWhat a blessing to see sunny rainless days.
The world is an amazing place. Havoc and destruction hits then life returns with clear blue skies. God smiles down His love down upon the weiry. We at Gympie are getting back to normal. May we all learn a lesson of always giving our best, lending a helping hand, opening our homes in hospitality and listening with empathy to the pain of another.
God Bless.
Hi Crystal,
ReplyDeleteI believe Gympie is well away from Cyclone Yasi. Our prayers are with the folks up north now.
x
Wendy