Planet in Crisis...Do We Race to Space or Stay and Fight?

Please Watch This Video First

Our planet is already in the middle of a crisis, humans are facing some of the worst conditions climatically in history. World population numbers are soaring, and on a planet that's not getting bigger any time soon, we are running out of space. It is predicted that population will peak at 9 or 10 Billion and then fertility patterns will plateau.

Some believe that the best option is to 'race to space' and leave this planet we have single-handedly  demolished behind us. But is this really the best option?? Here are some of my reasons why space should not be our first option.

If humans have managed in the space of only a handful of centuries to drastically alter the capability of the earth to support life, who's to say that we wont do the same thing to the next planet we get our hands on. We need to solve the reason why we caused so much destruction before we can even begin to think about starting all over again. If we landed on a new planet tomorrow with our market economies and our need for 'growth', our overactive desire to consume as much as we can before thinking about the consequences, and taking one of our current forms of social systems and politics we are only headed for the same fate all over again. Humans as a species need to realise that that is exactly what we are, a species, amongst others species, all occupying one planet and depending on the survival of each other for our own. Humans will not be successfully able to rectify their mistakes on another planet if we maintain our status quo, business as usual manner of existence. Business as usual will not solve anything. In the words of Einstein 'You cannot solve a problem using the same way of thinking that created it'. And we will not be successful on another planet using the same way of thinking that destroyed this one.

I don't have the answers or the solutions on how to fix the planet, but I do believe that it is going to take a lot of small, trans-formative and radical changes to even begin to make a dent on fixing this issue. Changing what has been created over 1000's of years of human history in the space of a couple of decades is a nearly impossible sounding task, but its the only option we have if we are going to make a good shot at fixing our mistakes.

The world is filled with over 7 billion individuals, and you're one of them. If you expect everyone to make a change, you have to include yourself and make changes. If everybody waits then nothing is going to change, there are people out there already making changes, so if your waiting for someone else to start, well they have! So now its your turn! Its great to see people making the small changes and saying "I Recycle", but honestly its going to take some damn uncomfortable and far more challenging changes than sticking your bottle in a yellow lidded bin rather than a red lidded one.
I'm 20, I don't drive a car, I don't have my license and I never want it. I walk, or take public transport and that's how I want it. Its difficult at times. But that's reality, luxury and convenience is one of the biggest culprits of unsustainability. Be proud of what you can prove to yourself and others, live life amongst other people, outside, outside safety blankets and bubbles. Make new friends, make new challenges for yourself every day and make yourself proud of who you are and what you do, no only for yourself but for other people who will come after your life time. Work to create a world you want to live in, and you want future generations to live in. You are the best person to make the changes you want to see happen!!!

- Em

CALICO and a Business Sustainability Function

My boss invited me to join him at a Business Sustainability Expo, an expo and meeting for local business representatives. Unfortunately he wasn't able to go at the last minute and nobody else could go with me so I went all by my lonesome. Even though I was the youngest person in the room by at least 15 years and don't own a business I had a great time. I met some really nice people and learnt some new facts and figures. One thing that really did surprise me was how much people DON'T know. Because I study sustainability and its my interest generally I forget that most everyday people don't actually know the small changes that they should make to be more sustainable or what is actually a threat to sustainability, to me its just obvious and second nature. Tonight was so amazing and filled my heart with joy to hear a room full of business people and every day people wanting to make a change to the way they operate because they care what happens to the future of the earth. Sometimes its easy to feel overwhelmed with doubt and feel like your the only one that cares or even knows whats going on. So overall I am so happy I went along and encourage everyone to check out the Town of Cambridge's Sustainability expo this September!


I want to make a special mention about a lovely man that I met at the expo, he was the first person to come and say hi to me after I was standing alone not sure what to do. He was telling me about his business, Calico, I think it is the most wonderful idea! Visit Calico website for the full details and purchase their products. The idea behind Calico (Calories In - Calories Out) is a fitness program connected to your iPhone, as you walk or run you accumulate points, after you reach a certain amount of points, you get a reward in the form of discounts or offers from local businesses. There are certain parks set up around Perth with totems that you have to pass, and the GPS system connects to your phone and pedometer to calculate your calories lost, distanced walked, and points made.
I think this is a wonderful way to encourage people to get out there an exercise, with real life rewards and links to your friends progress you can compete with friends via the iPhone app. 
If you are an owner of a business and want to sign up your business to give away rewards for people in your community, and get advertising and exposure, get on to http://www.calico.com.au/ and be a part of this great business opportunity.

Definitely check out these two great sites and find out how you can be more sustainable and get out there getting fit for summer!! :D


I hope everyone has been well and happy :D. I've been trying to write blogs recently but I just haven't had anything to write about hehehe.

Thanks for reading!!

<3 Em



 

Just a Little Blog to Show You My Photos

I haven't been blogging regularly for a while, mainly because I haven't been doing anything very interesting since I got back from my holiday. But I finally got around to editing and cleaning up the photos I took while I was away, so this is a showcase of those photos.

** I hope you enjoy them, these photos were taken by me and I ask that you respect my ownership of these photos and do not copy, save or use these photos without contacting me first.**

Lion Yaaawwwnnn, This gorgeous lion took a nice big yawn just in time for me to grab this beautiful photo.

The Slums of Jakarta.....A view from the train as we traveled out of Jakarta towards East Java.

Forbidden Love, These two leopards represent my partner and I perfectly.

Deer in Headlights, This little sweetie looks very anxious.

Love Boats, Two very colourful boats captured at sunset.

For the Love of Carrots, This manly looking bovine just wants his carrot.

Just Chill'n, This black cockatoo was looking very cool on his perch.

Cassowary, This stunning bird didn't want to be disturbed.

Old Fella, I could stare at this photo all day, his eyes are so human like. If he could talk I'm sure he could tell you some amazing stories.

One False Move, My partner and I were nervously sitting in the car as these massive creatures approached!

Tiger Crossing. A lazy tiger stretched out on the road showing of his striking colours.

Priceless, This photo is once in a lifetime!

Icy Stare, This shot was worth the wait! He paced back and fourth for what felt like forever before he finally lifted up his head and showed us those piercing blue eyes.

Black and White Tiger. Pacing back and fourth.

Testing the Water, It took a lot of strength for this big cat to jump across.

The Artist, A street artist in Jakarta, The graffiti on the wall makes this photo pop with colour,

I hope you enjoyed my photos, and I will try to blog more regularly from now on. Fingers crossed I will have some interesting topics for you to read!

Em

MY NEW STORE!!

I just opened my  very own online store on Etsy, an online hotspot for all things hand made and vintage.

I have been making cards since about December 2011, I was inspired by videos on Youtube so off to Spotlight I went with my Christmas money to stock up on supplies. A couple of months ago I was telling my boss how I had become interested in card making and I was checking out all the relevant magazines that we sell. Every week or month, trolly fulls of magazines are thrown away because they haven't sold, and my boss not wanting to throw away stuff that can go to a good home, and be useful to someone like me gives me all the supplies and magazines that are set to be thrown away. I am so very grateful because I know the value of all that he gives me and if I was to buy them every week I wouldn't be left with much money to spare that's for sure! The only problem is...where do I store all this wonderful stuff??
This problem pushed me to start making cards before I have more supplies than floorspace. Each session of card making from set up to pack up takes me the good half of a day. If I start at 12pm I will still be going at seven or eight at night, sometimes later. It really is a time consuming hobby.
But I have made some beautiful cards, but there are only so many birthdays and people to give cards to, so from the encouragement of friends and family I have opened my own store and am now selling my cards.

Check Out Some of My Cards

Below each card is a link to each listing where you can see more photos, read the description, and purchase it for your very own!

"For the Love of Cake"

View full listing on Etsy - For The Love Of Cake

"Mind Over Matter"

View full listing on Etsy - Mind Over Matter

 "Celebrate!"

View full listing on Etsy - Celebrate!

 "Cherry Bomb"

View full listing on Etsy - Cherry Bomb

"Cupcakes"

View full listing on Etsy - Cupcakes

"Teapots"

View full listing on Etsy - Teapots

"Its the Little Things"

View full listing on Etsy - Its the Little Things

These and many more are all in store at www.etsy.com/shop/TwigsAndDuck.

I will note that even though the prices might seem high for a greeting card, the time, ideas, effort and cost of extra materials used in making these cards is far higher than factory produced cards. If it takes me an hour to make one card then I need to get paid for an hours work. I hope that my cards inspire you and you love them as much as I love making them.

I will be adding more cards as I make them and as I get time. I'm back at uni now so time is short but hopefully I will get the chance.

Have a wonderful day!!

Love Em

MY INDO HOLIDAY - DAY 13 (THE END)

This post is a compilation of funny moments, photos and a sum up of my holiday. We stayed home all day on Thursday (day 13) and watched the Walking Dead TV show, we had packed the night before so we could just spend our last day together doing nothing. It was stinking hot outside but we went for a quick walk to get my favourite food for lunch as it would be my last meal. Chicken, rice, and a sweat dessert fruit/soup thing that I love love love!! One bad thing about coming home among many, is that I know I cant get food as simple, tasty, convenient and cheap as I can in Indo.

I want to share some of my odd, favourite photos from my trip that didn't make the cut in my other posts.

Day one and two I was greeted to this street procession in the mornings, they had music and costumes and characters and a whole street load of people walking...it was a circumcision celebration!! I can tell you if I was to get circumcised I don't know if I would want the entire neighbourhood knowing about it with a street festival hahaha It looked fun though! :D

Beware! They are everywhere!!

Day four, we visited the Safari Park, and one thing I remember from my last visit to Jakarta, was almost every single car had at least one sticker on its back window for Taman Safari or Jungle Park (a water park in Bogor). We were driving Ma'arif's sisters car, we were both hoping that you had to buy a sticker to get it on your car, but sure enough, we came back to our car after lunch at the safari park and we had a big old Taman Safari tramp stamp on the car!! But don't think its just Jakarta that gets struck by the bumper sticker plague! Walking down a street in Yogya, a city on the other end of Java! And sure enough there was a family car with a Taman Safari bumper sticker!! hahaha

I had to add this photo taken in the reptile park in Mini Indo. There were two tortoises and a huge Komodo dragon type lizard in one enclosure. And this guy looked like he just couldn't take the stress anymore and passed out :P

FAB!

This guy made me laugh!! A few moments earlier he had his hand positioned on his waist with his gorgeous hat, showing off the beautiful woman that he is!! hahahaha

Only in Indo!

Driving down a highway was this highrise building topped off with a very traditional longhouse roof! When you cant decide between modern and traditional...why not have both!?!

This was an awesome surprise! As we were about to leave this shopping centre we luckily caught this beautiful water show. It was a water fountain that moved to music from all different musicals such as Phantom of the Opera. It looked as if the water had a life of its own. Very very pretty and very awesome!!

And last but not least my favourite billboard I've ever seen, it made me laugh every time we drove past it. A cure for Gangrene???? Actually its an ad for cough syrup, and the finger has something to do with the current elections. But all I could honestly think was they found a drop cure for Gangrene! :P


And that's it, the end of my holiday and the end of this blog series. :( I had the most amazing holiday, I took over 200 photos every day, so what you saw was only the tip of the iceberg! I really didn't want to come home! I came home to sub zero temperatures and not leaving the house after 5pm. Not to mention leaving my boyfriend for another 6 to 12 months. But really I made so many new wonderful memories! Had so many new experiences, pushed myself to try so many new things, and can't wait to get back out there and do it all over again!! :D To anyone going to Indo, look beyond Bali, because there is a whole lot more to Indonesia than just one little tourist Island, so many more cultures, people, experiences and opportunities waiting to be experienced!

I hope that you enjoyed reading my posts as much as I had creating them!!

<3 Em

MY INDO HOLIDAY - DAY 12

Today we visited the National Museum, we tried on Monday but all museums are closed on Mondays. Just after we arrived we were invited on a free tour of the museum in English, the guide was Thai so it was still hard to understand, but she was very enthusiastic so it was quite enjoyable. She did talk A LOT about few things, so we were shown a limited number of small exhibits for a long time, it got a little tiring but still fascinating :D I also found that I knew quite a lot of what she was saying from what I had learned during uni last semester :D

Walking through the museum, one of the other group members following.

One of the long rooms full of interesting artifacts from different tribes all over Indonesia

The statue in the image above shows the change in formal attire for the tribes after the Dutch and Japanese invasion. The tribesmen used to wear just the 'skirt' but they were told by the invading peoples that they should cover their chests, the same as westerners, but as they had never had anything to cover their upper halves before, they adopted the western shirt and jacket.

A canoe made out of one tree, it has one carving pattern down the entire length of the canoe. 

The tall white statue in the background of the photo above was carved out of one mangrove tree, it is three people stacked on top of each other, but the tree was carved upside down. So the persons head is carved from the roots and their feet from the top of the trunk, this is because when a baby is born it comes out head facing the ground, so they construct their statues in the same way, the top of the tree facing down. I thought that was really interesting.

The pattern carved into the side of the canoe above. It was so consistent the entire length!

A model of a traditional long house. 

Our guide was saying that there when a family marries off a daughter they will add another 'steeple' to their house, so if you see a long house with an uneven amount of steeples, that is why, they might have an uneven number of daughters. :) She was also telling us a story about the chief of a village that was approached by an invading tribe that wanted the land. The chief made a deal, they would battle it out using buffalo. So the invading tribe got the biggest toughest male buffalo they could, the best fighter they had. The Chief took a new born buffalo as soon as it was born away from its mother, kept it hungry. When it came to the battle each presented their buffalo, the invading tribes buffalo was totally indifferent to this baby buffalo and made no move to attack. The baby on the other hand, being so hungry, ran straight for the huge bull thinking it was his mother and kept shoving his head against its stomach looking for milk. The chief had sharpened the baby's horns so it ended up pushing so much that it killed the massive bull. Or so the story goes and the chief kept his village.

This room was full of gold artifacts, we weren't supposed to take photos inside, but we didn't see the sign. Don't anyone try to break in okay, I don't want to get arrested :P 

This is our guide, and the biggest statue they have in this museum.

This statue is very old, but I cant remember how old, it shows symbols from Buddhism, Hindu, and Animist beliefs so it goes all the way back to when they were all influencing the country and each other.
You can see here the shins of the statue are all worn away, that's because they found the statue in a farmers field, he didn't know it was a statue so he was using it to sharpen his tools!! And on the side of the base there is a salad bowl sized hole out of the side of the rock, the farmer had carved this out to grind rice in!!

This elephant stands out side of the museum and is quite famous, the colloquial name for the museum is Musium Gajah (Elephant Museum). I would recommend the Museum for anyone interested in learning about all the different cultures and beliefs around Indonesia, before the big religions and before modernization.
They have a new four story second wing with more artifacts and human skeletons found in Indonesia, that was quite fascinating too!!
One more day to go and its back home for me. :(

Em

MY INDO HOLIDAY - DAY 11

Today I wanted to go and see Kota Tua (Old City), its a preserved area of buildings from when the Dutch were still in Indonesia. We had to drive through "China Town" (the area where a lot of Jakarta's Chinese population lives), I must say it was noticeably dirty, rundown, unkempt and just not as well maintained as the rest of Jakarta. There were some artists selling their paintings on the streets and I managed to snap this shot:

We arrived in Kota Tua, it was a very hot day. I was amazed to see that the whole place was quite dirty. Every other tourist area we have visited in Jakarta has been so clean and well maintained but Kota Tua was just like a rubbish dump :(
There weren't as many buildings as I expected, we went on a Monday so the museums were closed. If you are thinking of going, don't go on Monday because not much is open.

The first building we saw, it faces a big courtyard area that is the centre of the Kota Tua area.

The courtyard I mentioned above.

You could hire multi person bikes to ride around on, so there were quite a few people zipping around on two or three person bikes with funny hats on. (No helmets).

Racks of colourful bikes for hire.

A run down old building.

Standing in the shade trying to get out of the sun, you can see the dirtiness in this picture. Its a shame because its a nice place.

After we took a walk around the whole place we found a nice restaurant for lunch. Its not what you would expect from the outside, we thought it was closed, but after stepping inside it was like being transported back in time! The interior decorations were beautiful.

The upstairs dining area.

A wall of frames above the stairs

The massive bar covered in cow hide.

Our meals; salmon steak and pina colada, burger and coke.

After Kota Tua we drove out to a town just out of Jakarta to see some friends who just had a little girl, Valerie. She is absolutely adorable, so calm and happy :) I'm so happy for them.

Little baby Valerie :)

Us and the proud parents, Mimi and Carlo.

It was a nice day, almost the end of my trip, I wish I didn't have to go home!! 

Em