Simple ideas to help protect our planet

Chau & Jacqueline
Balwyn High School
Australia

We would like to educate people about the state our planet is in at this point in time. The planet's resources are low, coal is getting more expensive, water is being wasted and restrictions have been put in place. The Earth's ozone layer has a hole in it and more and more damaging UV rays are coming into the atmosphere. If we want to preserve our current way of life, we need to act quickly and try to reverse the damage we have caused to our environment. We would like to bring to your attention some of the ways that you can make a difference.

One of the main, and most talked about, problems in Australia at the moment is the availability and use of water. It's apparent that, in Australia, people are using far too much water, and often for unnecessary reasons.

Here are some suggestions on how to save water.

• Only water your garden twice a week.
• Wash your car with a bucket of water rather than using a hose.
• Don't have baths; have short showers instead and collect the water in a bucket to water the garden.
• Change the shower head to a water saving one.
• Grow drought resistant plants.
• Repair any leaking taps and piping.
• Only wash the dishes and clothing when there is a full load.

Remember: 'Every drop counts'.

Energy is another big issue in the news lately. Australia uses large amounts of power every year. Here are some ways to save energy.

• Leaving electrical appliances on when you're not using them leads to large amounts of wasted power, so turn them off when they are not in use.
• Conventional light bulbs are very popular, but people should use fluorescent light bulbs because they use less energy and are brighter.
• People tend to use heaters in the winter months. This is often unnecessary, because if it is not too cold, it may be enough to just put on a jumper.
• If possible, people should convert to solar or wind powered energy as this would reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

The farmers' stories

If you don't think that you are being affected by this drought we are enduring in Australia, then I don't think you are seeing the big picture. Even though you may have enough water where you are now, other people who affect your life indirectly aren't getting enough water. I am referring to Australia's farmers. They are the ones who are experiencing the brunt of the drought. Their land is dry and the cattle farmers have no grass or water to feed their cows. With none of their vegetation growing, farm owners are forced to sell the land and find different work.

Those people who are still farming are being assisted by the government and charities, but this way of living can't go on forever. Here are some of their stories:

'Hundreds of people in the Swan Hill region are suffering the ill effects of the worst drought in 100 years. […] As a newspaper we hear stories of suicide, financial devastation and of family farms lost to the banks.' The Guardian

'Tatong dairy farmer Danny Grima said he had slain a quarter of his one hundred cows.' Benalla Ensign.

'Ten years of drought and a failed snow season mean there is little likelihood of sufficient inflows to provide irrigators with their annual entitlement.' Gippsland Times

'The Mildura region has received less than half the average amount of rainfall so far this year. […] Growers cannot get a good price for wine or they're unable to sell their wine. Bottles of cleanskin wine have been selling for two dollars - cheaper than a bottle of water.' Sunraysia Daily

'No feed over the summer months, no water in dams and falling livestock prices. For many years the western district has been the envy of other areas due its reliable spring rains. However, the situation has changed this year. […] Farmers are starting to offload their livestock as feed disappears from the paddocks. […] Yards are full of stock going for very low prices.' The Spectator

A plea for help to change the world

By looking at all this information, it is clear to see that our way of life isn't sustainable. We need to change our attitude towards the environment and begin to take action. Remember everything you have read in this document and use the information in your life. Even though your country may not be having the same problems as us, it is inevitable that one day the whole world will need to follow these changes and use its resources more carefully. As you have read, Victoria is in a drought. We ask you not to waste water, so that your country's farmers do not have to endure in the future what our farmers are going through at the moment. Many people in other countries take water for granted. I know I did before the water restrictions came into place.

I am sure that you have heard of global warming, as it is an issue for all of us. This problem not only concerns us, but it was caused by us, because of all the fossil fuels we burn every day. We can't blame anyone or anything else for our mistake. We are stressing the fact that it is important for everyone to convert to solar and/or wind power. There are still some aspects, which we haven't elaborated on in this text, but some are mentioned in the mind map above. Animal cruelty is one of the main points included. Numerous species of animals have died out, and many more are dying off as you read. This is due to hunting and the destruction of their homes through logging. These animals were put here for a reason and we have the responsibility to protect them.

Please help us to make sure that the one Earth we share doesn't become uninhabitable like the other planets.

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