...does not exist without strong interplay from other important influences, economic, social, political, cultural and or ethical

 UNESCO.org

Some researchers interchange political with ethical or cultural pillars

Together these influences form Sustainable Development

Sustainable development is a moral precept as well as a scientific concept.  It is as closely linked to peace, human rights and equity as much as to ecology or global warming.  A shared vision and commitment to values that will provide a foundation for a global, sustainable future and equitable resource distribution

The Pillars

Environmental Sustainable use of resources, actions that will preserve and enrich the environment and enhance the quality of life of all species

Economic Improvements in people’s lifestyles, reduction of poverty and economic growth without being detrimental to the lives of future occupants of the planet  

Social Recognition of humanity’s global interdependence and responsibility for a peaceful, equitable sustainable future

I’ve just done a load of laundry and about to hang it out on an unseasonal hot day when I turned to my computer to write about green washing.

The washing will dry in a jiff.

The term was used at the Social Good Summit held in Sydney last weekend.  Among a gathering of stakeholders who were involved in bringing shared value to business were Professor Greg Whitwell and Ranjit Voola from the University of Sydney Business School. They spoke of conscious capital; profit that has a purpose, business involving social impact.  Greg believes the United Nations Sustainable Goals for Development can be achieved with a shift in direction.  He is leading the way by focussing his business school on building strategies for social conscience in business leadership.  Ranjit spoke on markets, poverty alleviation and social justice.

See his leadership in action Poverty alleviation and profitability

We can support businesses that are making their mark as partners in social equity.

Back to the washing.

Whilst I was guiding groups of home owners through my friends’ sustainable house on Open Day I was privy to a rather telling situation. I had many things to mention; the removal of down-lights, the blocking up of all gaps in the house, lights and power usage.  My spiel included mentioning the number of watts various home appliances consumed when plugged into power but not being used.

Me:  “We took some readings on this meter before you arrived and this is the data we got”.

Before I got to the figures SHE looked at HIM and her eyes spoke, “I told you there’s energy use when the power’s on at the wall.” HIS eyes rolled in complete surrender as
if SHE’D won another round. There’d obviously been some discussion around this point.  I went on.  “Computers sap 15 watts lying idle but plugged in.  Washing machines-6 watts….”

Have you wondered about the appliances around your house and how you could reduce your environmental footprint?

Life sucks sometimes.
Reading is the ultimate escape. A short vacation to a new reality. A place where you can find the kind of acceptance, understanding, devotion, friendships, and love that not everyone always feels like they have in this reality.      Jamie C

Remember when you had the time to lounge around devouring books, comics and magazines. No pressure, just pure relaxation and time well spent.  Teachers at Glen Waverley primary school had ‘sandpit’ time recently as part of a professional learning session. Sharing books that might be used for provocations, discussion points, eliciting ideas and developing thinking they used the time to relax, unwind and be in the moment.

The possibility of living a thousand lives in one lifetime . . . . . Emily S

Geneva, Tuesday 31 March 2015

What is REDD+?

REDD+ stands for countries’ efforts to reduce emissions from deforestation and forest degradation, and foster conservation, sustainable management of forests, and enhancement of forest carbon stocks.
Black carbon, seen as soot, is the unwanted byproduct of burning diesel, coal, firewood, or crop residue. It is categorised as a ‘short-lived’ climate pollutant but its negative impacts are both fast-acting and extensive—black carbon increases the melting of ice and glaciers, harms public health, reduces food security and disrupts weather patterns. With the reduction of carbon dioxide taking a priority under the Kyoto Protocol, mitigating short-lived climate pollutants, such as black carbon, have taken a back seat. However, recent studies show that black carbon may be responsible for close to 20% of the planet’s warming, making it the second highest contributor to climate change after carbon dioxide. This provides us with a real opportunity to make an immediate impact on climate change.
Woodfuel is a vital source of energy for an estimated two and a half billion people in developing countries. A recent study from Climate Focus highlights that woodfuel emissions are equivalent to around a quarter of gross emissions from deforestation and that these can be mitigated through a combination of supply and demand-side interventions.

Global Alliance for Clean Cookstoves (Alliance). Saving lives, improve livelihoods, empowering women, and protecting the environment by creating a thriving global market for clean and efficient household cooking solutions.

It’s #WOLWeek and I’ve made some progress.

Working on my website is both frustrating and uplifting.  I’m moving deeper and deeper into digital technology.  I can see that unless it’s your job or unless you’re blessed with oodles of spare time, the frustration levels could choke the inspiration to be an online digitechy.

I now have a menu-just a small one, and have now connected my blog pages to BLOG instead of ABOUT US.  Insanity stopped in its tracks. I have a ‘sign up to blog’ page but can’t find the widget to allow people to leave their names.  Aagh!  Back to the You Tubes.  Hey what’s the craziest thing you’ve looked up how to do on You Tube?

I spent an inspiring afternoon at a school working with staff on their next whole school inquiry.  Armed with my Google Docs only to find that Google Drive was blocked I wondered about the way we learn.  Until we understand the benefits of something new, we tend to dismiss, ignore or ‘block’ it. So here’s my insight for today…learn something new each day, even if you don’t understand it to begin with …stay with it for a while – it might make sense.

The teachers were eager learners. They took some starters on board and, with their partners, moulded the substance of their level inquiries. Businesses and corporates could learn a thing or two from teachers about collaboration, sharing of ideas and consensus.

Today is catch up day.  Sending a video, downloading some images, a Google Form to yesterday’s client, a call to extend my web hosting from one month to twelve (you can see my confidence rising!) and writing my June newsletter.  It IS still June isn’t it?

Happy #WOLWeek.