Wish List

I wish...........that Governments would throw every resource at alternative sources of power;
.................that people would use conflict resolution instead of war;
.................that educated, resourceful people would help those less able;
.................that people would stop plundering rivers and rainforests;
.................that Governments would provide attractive, low cost housing to
those in need;

Do you have some ideas that could change the world? Google will listen - check out this link: http://www.project10tothe100.com
Pic: La Farge stained glass panel, Metropolitan Museum, NYC

Wells for Birthdays

My son Paull turned 25 on Thursday. I rang him from my mobile whilst walking the dogs along the river here in Sydney - he took the call on a train heading to Philadelphia. Paull and a friend have used their September birthdays to raise money for a charity that builds wells in Ethiopia. Between them they raised around $4000. How did they do it? Using the tool of their generation,social media, specifically Facebook and Twitter. I truly believe that the future is in good hands with these fine young people.

Power to the People

I spent another looooooooong day yesterday handing out "How to Vote" pamphlets for the Greens at our Local Government Elections. Australia's three levels of government often overlap, and despite local government being mainly concerned with parks, garbage and building codes, party politics takes precedence. The Greens fared well in Sydney, with the most ever number of candidates being elected. People are sending a clear message to Government - we can't do it alone, we need strong Government policies to help combat climate change in our hot, dry country. The high point of the long day? The camaraderie between "rival" handing-out volunteers. I don't know if it happens at all polling booths, but in our area I've experienced it every election. It sure makes a long day go faster when you can chat and joke with the other workers. Despite our political differences, we all have something in common - passion and commitment (and sore feet, wind-chapped lips and sunburn!)

Just Because.....

It's Saturday.

The Power of Community

Last night my local Greens group screened a short documentary about the Cuban peak oil crisis. The Power of Community is an inspiring look at how an industrialised community slowly changed as their oil supply from Russia was cut off. Rooftop gardens, community vegetable gardens, organic cooperative farms along with bicycles imported from China enable them to slowly change their focus and survive. Lessons for us all as peak oil approaches.