Eco-Logic-Al... Protecting our environment
Eco-Logic-Al... Reasoning our efforts
Eco-Logic-Al... That's me, Allan
In the picture above I'm the guy on the far left (of course!).
I'm passionate about minimising the negative effects my lifestyle has on the environment. You could call it 'treading lightly and thoughtfully'. Our precious planet is labouring under the strain of excessive consumerism. We must recycle, yes, but as importantly we must reduce what we make and what we consume.
Have a look at my thoughts below, what I'm doing and what else I'd love to do. If you're curious to know more about me and my journey, please ask, or I would love to hear your thoughts and hopes. Send me a message
About me
I live in Adelaide, South Australia but was born and grew up in New Zealand, over the ditch as they say. I have adult children from a former marriage and am now single, living with some of my children in a shared house.
My passion for the environment stemmed from my love for animals and nature. I'm heartbroken to see animal habitat being destroyed to satisfy our own pleasures, well beyond any perceived need. As my children grew and I looked to their future I hoped for mankind to pull back on this destruction. There have been wins, but also fails. And now, through an increasing number of destructive floods, winds, droughts and heat, Nature is warning us that we cannot continue to feed our greed uncheked.
At the time of my birth, some 60 years ago, mankind was already full steam ahead, abusing our planet. It was easier to think back then that our world could sustain landfills, the wasting of native forests, smoke stacks from power generation, pollution from internal combustion engines and the odd bit of rubbish tossed from the car window. The world population was just over 3 billion then, now it's over 8 billion and any advances in waste management, reforestation and sustainable energy seem to get checked by more and more people demanding more and more unnecessary things.
Government needs to step up and see the bigger picture of working for the future of humanity, not just doing the minimum to get them through a political term. Together, as society, we need to take responsibility for the people we vote into power and for our own actions. Ultimately it is our ability to check our greed and selfishness that will determine the future of this planet. We need to dispel the myth that consuming more makes us happier when what is true is that what is better for the planet is better for us, individually and in society.
Some practical actions
- Prioritise eco-friendly travel. When going somewhere, prioritise the method of travel that is best for the environment. This is my order, best first.. walk, cycle, train, bus, car share, car, fly, cruise ship.
- Use your car less often. Despite advances in fuel efficiency and pollution reduction the sheer number of vehicles and hours they spend on roads puts a strain on our environment and our personal health. Vehicle tyres alone account for almost 50% of micro-plastics in our waterways.
- Reduce what you buy. Make do with what you already have and always ask if you really need it?
- Borrow or rent. As well as commercial hire places, many community groups now offer loan tools or items for free or minimal cost. Often these are better quality so less frustrating to use.
- Source second hand. Some older tools/clothing/furnishings can be better quality than new, they might just need a clean up.
- Buy to last. Ask around or read reviews online to see if an item has quality or use issues.
- Repurpose. When an item is no longer suitable for a particular use, ask yourself, or others, if it can be used for some other purpose.
- Share with others. Lend, swap or share with family, friends and neighbours.
- Repair or upgrade. Seek out a repair cafe/community group to get your item safely repaired or upgraded. Many repair instructionals can be found on the internet like on YouTube.
- Pass On. Sell/give away/donate online or through a market, especially working items you no longer need. If it stops someone else buying new, you've scored a win for the environment.
Act as you're able
Each of us have different circumstances so take steps as you're able. Challenge yourself, yes, but don't let it overwhelm you.