Between the wish and the thing life lies waiting.  Unknown.

Live your dreams.

From our Positively Green inspirational cards

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Legends of conservation that preserved Noosa for us all

Have you ever sat on the beautiful beach at Noosa or walked through the National Park and thought "thank goodness there is no high rise in Noosa"?

In 1969, Noosa Council had approved a high rise development on the beach side of Hastings Street and in the late 70's was proposing a 12 storey limit on the other side of Hastings Street.  Today, there is a humble three storey limit.  How this happened is the story of two legendary couples, Arthur and Marjorie Harrold and Bill and Mavis Huxley, and the volunteer organisation they founded, Noosa Parks Association (NPA).

Queensland's Noosa and Cooloola National Park region works its magic on all who are fortunate to visit, just as we were at Easter.  Noosa is one of our most valuable tourism destinations in economic terms, but only because concrete development has harmonised with the natural beauty of rainforest scrambling down coastal headland to pristine beaches.

I was awe-inspired to learn that we also have these people to thank for there being no coastal road around Noosa Heads and the existence of Cooloola National Park stretching from Noosa River to Double Island point.  In the 60s and 70s, this area was destined to be ripped apart for sand mining and when the miners moved on, suburban development would have moved in.

The NPA and the people that have volunteered their time and hearts since 1962 are true legends of conservation.  Today, the NPA is regarded around the world as a shining light for successful community environmental organisation.  Unlike well known single issue battles such as the Franklin and Gordon River, the NPA has relentlessly fought and won successive battles over 40 years.

In addition to lobbying, the organisation has a vibrant program of activities including bush walking, bird watching, Greening Noosa and weekly talks at their Environment Centre in Wallace Drive, Noosaville. 

Thousands of visitors to the Noosa National Park (from where you walk around to Alexandria Bay) will also benefit from the recently opened NPA Info Hut and guided walks each Wednesday morning.  Bookings 07 54473522

Dr Michael Gloster, who was President of the NPA for many years, has written a fascinating 10 part series about the NPA and the battles.  These are incredible stories that will enrich your experience of Noosa and remind us all that individuals do have the power to change the world!

More reading:
Timeline of the Noosa District  For history buffs, a thoroughly enjoyable chronology from the traditional Aboriginal inhabitants to modern times. Sunshine Coast Library online resources.

Dr Arthur Harrold was named a Legend of Conservation by the Queensland Conservation Council in 2009.  Sunshine Coast Daily article.

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..make it as harmonious and kind as you possibly can...

I am reading a very enjoyable book called Adventures in Caravanastan by Greg Bearup (published by Random House Australia, 2009).  It is the story of his one year trip around Australia in a caravan with his partner and toddler.  He writes fascinating stories about local people in the places they visit.  Reading the chapter on Bruny Island off southern Tasmania, was kind of excruciating - only because it reminded me of how far removed my crazy city life is from the idyllic and simple life on Bruny Island.

The author tells the story of a retired brain surgeon who now lives on the island, and who has a passion for translating poetry from ancient Greek, Latin and Chinese texts and a deep belief in Confucianism.  I am always intrigued by how ancient Eastern philosophical teachings remain so relevant to our modern world - many might say our dysfunctional modern world.

As we share peace and love around the world at Easter, his words as recounted by Greg Bearup in the book hold great meaning:

"Confucianism is about the individual person trying to be the best they can...Don't worry about the big issues.  It's about what you do in your own life and your immediate associations."

"[Confucianism] means behaving properly towards family members and immediate associates."

"I live in a way that makes no imposition on other people and on things.  I use next to nothing.  It try to restore the land here and live a very simple life.  If I have contact with anybody I try to make it as harmonious and kind as I possibly can. That's it."

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Eco Easter holiday & sticky chocolate news

Going on an Eco Easter adventure?  Don't forget to...

Switch off the hot water system before going away - you could be wasting energy and money keeping water hot when you're not there.

Service your car before a long trip and check your tyre pressure. A tuned up car improves fuel efficiency by up to 30% and will save you petrol money. 

Take your reusable shopping bags on the grocery supplies trip.

Recycle bottles, cans, cardboard and plastic packaging.  Please call your local Council to check which types of plastic packaging they will accept - many will accept the firm plastic that easter eggs are packaged in.

Encourage kids at home to switch off their game consoles, DVD player, TV and stereo at the wall when not in use.

Purchase Easter gifts with the least amount of packaging and choose certified Free Trade and organic chocolate and easter eggs.

References http://www.climatesmart.qld.gov.au/

What to take?

Eco friendly picnic, catering and entertaining supplies, reusable water bottle,  stainless steel cup set, BPA-free lunch boxes for storing food.

Petrochemical free natural sunscreen, environment-safe shampoo and soap (especially camping in National Parks).

Natural mosquito repellant and New Mountain sandalwood mosquito diffuser, flies off food nets.

Sticky chocolate issues

Will Nestle ever reclaim its Facebook page from palm oil protestors  Is this the most successful social-media influence campaign ever...?

Treehugger reports on the wasteful excess of Easter Egg packaging and improvements to eliminate plastic boxes.  Easter Candy Insanity...

Australian Fair Trade Easter 2010 Campaign website.  Learn more about the issues and the choices you can make.

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Compost and animal friends love watermelon skin

We had some great suggestions from Biome Facebook fans on what to do with our watermelon rind waste.

Horses and dogs love to eat watermelon skin, along with chickens - who not only love to eat it, but they turn it into eggs as well!


And, composting of course.  Environmentalist David Suzuki says you will reduce greenhouse gas emissions by composting your household waste rather than sending it to landfill.  He says that in Canada “landfills produce the greenhouse equivalent of five million cars”. 


When food, garden waste, nappies, paper and cardboard are disposed of in landfill they decompose anaerobically (without air) and produce methane—which is 21 times more potent as a greenhouse gas than carbon-dioxide. However, the composting process at home does not contribute to methane generation because it takes place close to the surface and oxygen.


The Bokashi composting system is popular for its convenience and because it produces a rich soil fertiliser that does wonders for your plants.  Bokashi microbes "ferment" the scraps without smells, so you can keep the bucket under your sink or in your home.

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