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<\/p>\nThe sane and orderly of us keep a neat, tidy home, time and resources permitting. The state of the planet suggests we need to expand our definition of ‘home’ to be broader and more embracive.<\/p>\n
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Woke up early this morning thinking about our planet. Of all the things that have to be in place for optimal survival. Not about civilization, government, industry, trade and commerce or even clothing and shelter but basic level survival, like eating, and how good a job we could be doing but aren\u2019t.<\/p>\n
For starters, all life depends on sunshine as the basic starting block – our energy source. And some are thinking of blocking it!<\/p>\n
Then there\u2019s air. For centuries we have been polluting it and despite massive improvements we still have a long way to go. That\u2019s just what we breathe. At a higher level the upper atmosphere is becoming increasingly congested with space debris that needs cleaning up.<\/p>\n
And water. This is where quality really start to go downhill at an alarming rate. From drugs in the water that alter the gender of fish, whole, micro and nano-plastics that get into the food supply and wind up in our brain to chemicals, microfibers, industrial waste and untreated human effluent, the assault on clean, pure water is extensive and increasing. And we haven\u2019t touched on the depleting aquifers and polluting them with fracking chemicals.<\/p>\n
Finally, our soil. It has been said that the only thing that stands between us and extinction is 6 inches of topsoil and rain. So as soil is vitally important to preserve life, it deserves a mention. It is of and grave concern to learn that over the last 150 years we have lost 50% of the world\u2019s topsoil.<\/p>\n
What with long-term mono-cropping, continually farming crops without full composting, crop rotation and letting fields lie fallow, we are rapidly depleting the ability of soil to grow crops that fully nourish our bodies. And then there is the continued application of chemicals like glyphosate that kill the biodiversity in the soil.<\/p>\n
These are all planet-wide problems so you could be forgiven for thinking, “What can I, as one person, do about them? It is too large a problem for me to affect.”<\/p>\n
To help you take action on a personal level and give you data so you can advise others I have compiled a list of simple steps you can take, each of which will contribute to a better home for us all.<\/p>\n
In no particular order of importance:<\/p>\n
Sun
\nOppose sun blocking experiments<\/p>\n
Air
\nDon’t smoke or vape.
\nBuy low VOC paints\/cleaners.
\nUse exhaust fan when cooking.
\nWalk or bike rather than drive short distances.
\nIf you have a car, keep it well serviced to minimize pollution and waste.
\nOppose atmospheric regulation or aerosol weather manipulation.<\/p>\n
Water
\nFix leaking taps promptly.
\nInstall drip irrigation in your garden.
\nUse dishwasher and washing machine only with full loads.
\nAvoid microbead containing products.
\nUse ecofriendly detergents.
\nAvoid pouring fats\/oils\/grease, household chemicals, medications, or pharmaceuticals down drains\u2014dispose properly via collection programs.
\nFilter your tap water for drinking rather than buying bottled water.
\nBuy natural fiber (cotton\/hemp) clothes rather than plastic.
\nBefore cooking, rinse rice\/meat in filtered water to remove microplastics. (I know, does not prevent them from entering the water system but at least you are not eating them.)
\nOppose fracking.
\nBuy from energy suppliers who do not frack if you can find one.
\nStore food in glass or stainless steel rather than plastic.
\nBuy more fruit and veggies fresh rather than packaged foods.
\nSave your produce plastic bags so you can take your own next time.
\nSupport cleanup activities, like Clean Up Australia Day.<\/p>\n
Soil
\nBuy organic where possible\/feasible.
\nAvoid any food containing GMOs.
\nBuy and use a compost bin for your food waste.
\nRecycle your grass clippings.
\nReplace your lawn with a garden.
\nGrow your own herbs, fruit and veggies where possible.
\nAvoid chemical fertilizers, use natural alternatives.
\nIf there is a community garden in your area, join it.
\nIf you can, plant more trees personally or encourage others to do so.<\/p>\n
Generally
\nValidate others doing the right thing.
\nShare stories that inspire and encourage others.<\/p>\n
These steps are more or less realistic for most people and compound over time: one person’s changes inspire others, reduce demand on polluting systems, and directly protect local ecosystems that feed into global health.<\/p>\n
And lastly, if you would like to help improve your home planet, feel free to share this article.<\/p>\n
From your room mate on planet Earth,
\nTom Grimshaw<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
The sane and orderly of us keep a neat, tidy home, time and resources permitting. The state of the planet suggests we need to expand our definition of ‘home’ to be broader and more embracive. Woke up early this morning thinking about our planet. Of all the things that have to be in place for … <\/p>\n