The False Promise of Nuclear
by Lauriston Muirhead The recent federal court ruling stopping a nuclear waste site in South Australia highlights one of the major (but rarely discussed) problems with nuclear energy in Australia. That is the “Not-In-My-Back-Yard” (NIMBY) syndrome. Even ardent supporters of nuclear power change the subject when it is proposed that the plant or waste site …
Planting tips and tricks
By Jonathon Howard It is great time to be getting things into the ground. Especially local natives because they create a garden that not only survives but thrives. But planting is not as simple as digging a hole. The process begins with the plants you select at a nursery Here are some tips and tricks you might consider when …
Laughing Kookaburra
By Ian Davidson and Chris Tzaros – Wangaratta Landcare & Sustainability The raucous cackle of the Laughing Kookaburra is an essential feature of our region’s dawn chorus and is instantly recognisable by most people, both by its plumage and voice. It is generally off-white below, faintly barred with dark brown, and brown on the back …
Love letter to a river red gum
Her arching branches are ready to embrace you. At her feet, a network of roots holds steadfast and strong. She is delicate yet dogged. She gives food and offers shelter. Her towering canopy speaks to the centuries of history she has shared. And her leaves whisper to the future of what may come. The rich, …
Environmental Problem Shifting
By Alan Hewett A recent article by comedian Rowan Atkinson, (a.k.a. ‘Mr Bean’), has caused some controversy. Although he has owned an electric vehicle (EV) for nine years he claims have been ‘duped’ as to the environmental benefits. Although he made several errors in the article he has re-ignited the debate about how environmentally sound …
Yellow box
By Ian Davidson and Chris Tzaros – Wangaratta Landcare & Sustainability Yellow Box is a native tree that grows locally and is highly valued for both its attractive form and abundant nectar supply when flowering. The Yellow Box is a long-lived, medium-sized and occasionally tall eucalyptus tree that is endemic to south-eastern Australia. It usually …
The population problem
By Alan Hewett In 1968 Paul and Anne Erlich published a book called ‘The Population Bomb.’ It predicted that over- population would place huge stresses on the environment and cause mass starvation. They based their beliefs on the theory that population growth would overtake agricultural production. Although their claims and solutions to the problems were …
Olive Legless Lizard
By Ian Davidson and Chris Tzaros – Wangaratta Landcare & Sustainability There are several species of legless lizards found throughout this region, perhaps the most commonly encountered being the Olive Legless Lizard. The general olive-brown colouration and slender-bodied appearance of this species bears some resemblance to a small brown snake, with which it can readily …
Comparing gas and electricity for home heating
By Bruce Key, member of Wodonga Albury Towards Climate Health (WATCH) An area where most of us like to live lightly is spending money. Heating our homes is a costly exercise and it is difficult to make a direct comparison between gas heating and electrical heating, but it can be done, and the result is …
A local love story to watch
By Jonathon Howard Spring is close to breaking free from winter and soon some remarkable moves will take place. Moving can be the ultimate gesture of love: it shows a willingness for someone to drop everything to spend their life with a partner. In the skies above us yellow-faced honeyeaters who have spent the winter …
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About Living Lightly …
Living Lightly is a column in the Border Mail newspaper on Wednesdays featuring local stories about sustainable living.
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